Chrono Reflect
Chapter 13: Standard: Real Strength
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by Azure Sandora
First published
Crossover/continuation with Chrono Trigger & Chrono Cross: Rarity is sent on a journey through dimensions in the hopes of finding the way back to her own.
Rarity has a wonderful life. She has a wonderful family, great friends, and lives in probably the best neighborhoods around, filled with bright colors, nice people, and even a hint of magic. If she could, she'd stay here in this peaceful world forever.
Sadly, fate has other plans for her. A mysterious creature appears one day in the portal to Equestria, and causes a phenomenon that thrusts Rarity out of her world and into another one. In this dimension, nothing makes sense. Her friends aren't who they're supposed to be, Canterlot is nowhere near as bright, and for some reason, no one knows who she is. Determined to discover what happened, Rarity will journey to a number of Parallel Dimensions, all to learn what that creature was, what happened to her world, and how to get it back.
But she's a part of something much bigger, and may learn that returning to home may be the least of her worries.
Will now update regularly, every Tuesday.
Crossover with Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross, taking place after both games. Information on the games is not needed to enjoy this.
All characters have normal colored skin, despite this being canon to the Equestria Girls movies.
Home: My Wonderful Life
Author's Notes:
HAPPY RARITY DAY!!!
I just had to do something big for this day, celebrating my favorite character! I planned on premiering this story after Code Lyoko EG ended, and thus it's going to be a bit before I can start updating it, but here's the first chapter at least.
Based off of the games Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross. It takes place after both, but you don't need to play those games to follow this story.
Home - My Wonderful Life
It had been a long journey, but they had finally made it to Nightmare Moon's castle. Hopefully here they could get the answers they needed, and figure out exactly how the universe became so fragmented.
The first one to run into the castle was DASH-379 naturally. Clad in her form fitting and slightly revealing rainbow colored armor, she knelt down and scanned the area.
“Scan complete,” DASH said, “The perimeter is safe. No enemies located within the immediate area.”
With that said, the rest of the group walked in. They were an odd group for sure. One of them was an extremely fashionable yet smart looking girl with straight purple hair with a pink highlight and black glasses. She wore a black and purple blazer and matching skirt, and strapped to her back was a quiver of arrows to go with her golden bow.
Next to her was an older woman wearing silver knights armor with a red cape. She had long blond hair, and at her side was a broad sword. On her left arm was a red and silver shield.
Coming up right behind her were two more girls. One was a girl with really pretty girl with impossibly long light pink hair wearing a yellow bra like top and matching long loincloth that looked to be made of some sort of animal fur and brown boots. On her face were tribal markings that looked like animal whiskers, and she had two daggers strapped to her side.
And right next to her was their leader, and the whole reason they were here to begin with. She was a beautiful girl with long curly purple hair. She wore a white blouse that accentuated her figure tastefully, purple skirt, and matching purple heeled boots. She had blue eye shadow, red lipstick, and in her hand was a golden spear.
“Well, this is it,” the knight said, “No turning back now. Twilight, how are you feeling?”
“I should be okay,” the girl with the bow, Twilight, said taking a deep breath, “I think the poison's fully worn off. Thanks Applejack,” she turned to the two members lagging behind, “Rarity, are you ready.”
“More than ready,” Rarity said, “I'll be honest, I'm a little scared though.”
“There is no reason to worry,” DASH boasted, “I am more than capable of protecting everyone.”
“Well aren't you humble?” Applejack asked sarcastically. DASH put her hands on her hips and smirked.
“I am merely stating a fact as a superior model,” DASH said.
The tribal looking girl held onto Rarity's arm and nuzzled her lovingly before looking her in the eyes. Rarity smiled warmly cupping the girls cheek.
“I'll be okay, Fluttershy. Thank you for being concerned,” Rarity said, “You should be up front with DASH.”
Fluttershy nodded and ran up to DASH's side on all fours. The five of them ran deeper into the castle, Fluttershy running far in front and DASH using her jets to fly next to her. Fluttershy stopped suddenly and held an arm out.
“Stop!” Fluttershy shouted before sniffing the air. She then hunched over and growled.
“Looks like we got company!” Applejack said running forward next to Fluttershy with Rarity, who now stood in the center. As three blob monsters materialized in front of them, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack all pulled out their weapons and got in fighting stances, “Remember what I taught you, Rarity! Control, then aggression!”
“Right!” Rarity said.
Fluttershy charged in first, choosing the blob on the right. As she slashed wildly at her opponent, Applejack held up her shield preparing for her opponents attack on the left. It slammed into her shield knocking her back, and the third blob shot toward Rarity, who spun around and slammed the curved blade of her spear into it, knocking it into a wall.
Fluttershy flipped back and began charging up green energy. She pointed her arms at the blob that Applejack was fighting, creating a tornado that knocked the blob into the air. Applejack followed up by jumping up to her enemy and slashed it in half.
Applejack landed on the ground and turned to DASH, “Scan the enemy!”
“Understood,” DASH said examining the blob that Rarity was clashing with, “Enemies are Blue and Black attribute. Using Red and White elements should be sufficient.”
“That means me and Twilight!” Applejack said.
“Fluttershy, switch with Twilight!” Rarity commanded. Fluttershy nodded and did a back flip out of the way of the blobs next slash. Twilight fired an arrow at the blob impaling it, and then charged up white energy. She was about to fire an offensive element, but she saw Rarity get blasted back by her enemy sprouting spikes suddenly and knocking her to the ground.
So instead she cast a healing element on Rarity.
“Thank you,” Rarity said, seeing the blob behind Twilight about to strike her, “Twilight, look out!”
“Huh?” Twilight turned to the blob, “AHH!!!”
Applejack charged up red energy and pointed her sword at the blob, shooting a fireball at the offending monster, burning it to cinders. She ran over to Twilight's side, “You should have continued the attack.”
“But… I didn't want Rarity to get hurt,” Twilight said looking ashamed.
“Remember, she has a Black attribute,” Applejack said, “These enemies won't hurt her too much.”
Rarity held her spear in front of her and charged up black energy. She then jumped away from the blob and charged toward it a second time, slashing wildly with her spear, which was engulfed in black energy. With the enemies gone, Rarity walked over to Twilight and put a hand on her shoulder.
“I appreciate your help,” Rarity said, “But we're a team, remember? You don't have to protect me.”
“R-right,” Twilight said blushing, “I'll do better next time, I promise.”
The group continued to trek through the castle. They ran into more blobs on the way to the throne room, but DASH blasted them all away with her arm cannons. When they reached the throne room, they were surprised to see it empty.
“Nightmare Moon!” Rarity called out, “Where are you?!”
DASH and Fluttershy stepped forward looking around, DASH scanning the area and Fluttershy sniffing the air.
“Nightmare Moon… not here.” Fluttershy said.
“My radar is showing a large power source higher above us,” DASH said, “I think Nightmare Moon is on a higher wing.”
“How right you are, my metallic friend,” a high pitched voice said. Everyone looked at the throne and saw a woman with really curly pink hair dressed like a scary looking clown. She was spinning a bladed hula hoop on her arm with a sinister smile.
“Pinkamena!” Applejack said running forward and drawing her sword. Next to her both Fluttershy and DASH drew their weapons.
“Aw, is that any way to greet an old friend?” the clown, Pinkamena said with a sinister grin showing off her fangs.
“You not friend!” Fluttershy said, “You attack village!”
“Huh, alright then,” Pinkamena said jumping off the throne and holding her bladed hoop at her side, swaying her hips, “Since you guys still don't get it, I'll just have to beat sense into you!”
Fluttershy roared in anger and charged at Pinkamena. She did a spin kick to the gothic looking clown, who blocked with her bladed weapon and then kicked her back. As Fluttershy fell back, DASH flew into Pinkamena and tackled her into a wall.
She flew back and began charging up yellow energy. DASH then pointed her cannon at Pinkamena and built up energy before firing a large electric blast at Pinkamena. She rolled out of the way and threw her hoop at DASH as a boomerang, but the attack was blocked by Applejack's shield.
Pinkamena caught her weapon and began charging up blue energy. Around the entire group towers of water shot out temporarily flooding the entire room. The water magically vanished and Rarity and Twilight saw their more combat oriented friends all on their knees injured, poor DASH sparking.
“DASH! Fluttershy! Applejack!” Twilight cried.
“Heal them!” Rarity said brandishing her staff. Twilight turned to look at her like she was crazy.
“Rarity, no! You can't beat her! Look at what she did to the others!” Twilight exclaimed, “Let's just-”
“I need answers!” Rarity said, “Why was I thrown out of my world? What does Nightmare Moon want with me? I need to know, and she's the only thing standing in my way!”
“Rarity!” Twilight cried as Rarity ran toward Pinkamena. Rarity's spear clashed with Pinkamena's weapon, pushing her back a bit. Rarity continued to slash widely forcing Pinkamena to keep her distance. When it looked like Pinkamena was about to charge up her Element, Rarity did a sweeping kick knocking her off her feet.
end song
Rarity stood over Pinkamena glaring at her, tightening her grip on her spear as Pinkamena laughed ruefully.
“You've truly become a demon, haven't you Rarity?” Pinkamena asked, “Looks like you and I are a lot alike after all.”
“Shut up!” Rarity seethed, “I'm nothing like you or Nightmare Moon!”
“Why don't you prove it then?” Pinkamena said lying on the ground elegantly and sensually, “Show me just how different you and I are.”
“No!” Twilight called out, “Don't fall for it Rarity!”
Rarity, for the first time ever, ignored her friend. Instead she held her spear above Pinkamena's chest. She was getting that feeling again in her chest. It felt like something was consuming her. Normally she'd push it away, but this time she allowed the feeling to take over.
“RARITY!!!” Twilight, DASH, Applejack, and Fluttershy all screamed as Rarity thrust her spear into-
Rarity…
Rarity…!
“Rarity honey, it's time to wake up!”
Rarity, completely under her covers, stirred at the sound of her mother calling her up. For someone who was usually very well put together, she was anything but a morning person. She slowly sat up in her bed, her usually very nice looking purple hair a matted mess of bedhead.
“Mmm… go back to sleep, sun…” Rarity fussed at the opposing light from outside. Her parents and little sister were the only ones who got to see her like this: groggy, and not put together in the slightest.
She trudged her way in the direction of the bathroom just as her mother started walking up the stairs.
“Oh good, I was just about to knock on your door,” her mother, Cookie Crumbles, said, “Did you sleep well?”
“Mm hm…” Rarity nodded, still making her slow trudge to the bathroom.
“I'm making breakfast,” Cookie Crumbles said, “It should be ready by the time you're dressed.”
“…nk y…” Rarity mumbled, closing the bathroom door behind her. She allowed her pajama pants to fall to the ground and threw off her pajama top, walking into the shower all in one motion. She turned the water on and for a few seconds just let the warm water to fall on her body and wake her up.
Once she felt herself become aware of the world around her, she proceeded to using the shower for it's intended purpose. After she was nice and clean, she brushed her teeth, and then brushed her hair. Most people didn't know, but her hair was naturally curly, so as long as she got to it while it was wet she could get it in it's natural style quickly.
After putting on her favorite white blouse and purple skirt, Rarity walked downstairs where her family waited for her. Her father, Magnum, sat at the breakfast table with a newspaper and her little sister was already sitting in front of her plate eating three pancakes.
“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle cheered.
“Good morning,” Rarity said walking into the kitchen. She first kissed her sister on the forehead, and then walked over to her father and hugged him.
“Morning honey,” Magnum said, “How did you sleep?”
“I slept… okay,” Rarity said, remembering her dream from last night. It felt so real…
“Rarity, are you okay?” Cookie Crumbles asked when she saw Rarity looking thoughtful.
“Oh, yes Mother,” Rarity said, “I was just thinking about my dream last night.
“Was it a bad dream?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“I don't… think so,” Rarity said, “It's fading now.”
“Maybe you're just stressed,” Cookie Crumbles said, “Aren't you helping your school with the Spring Festival today?”
“Ahh! That's right,” Rarity said, “Oh, thank you for reminding me. I need to make sure I bring everything we need for the banner.”
“Wasn't the Spring Festival something you came up with?” Magnum asked.
“Well, I wouldn't say I came up with it per say,” Rarity said sitting down, “The school board wanted something special for the spring, and I just sort of… thought of having a festival.”
“You don't give yourself enough credit,” Sweetie Belle said, “You always have great ideas, sis.”
“Thank you so much Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said hugging her little sister. She finished breakfast with her family and then gathered her things for school. Since she was leaving a little earlier, she decided to take her bike to school instead of waiting for her Father to drive her in the car.
The ride to school was a pleasant one. Every one of her neighbors waved to her as she rode past them. She loved this town so much. So many wonderful people living here. On the way she saw Sunset Shimmer stop next to her on her motorcycle. Rarity smiled at her and waved, and Sunset nodded to her before riding off.
Rarity smiled watching her ride off. She remembered a time when Sunset was someone that she absolutely hated. Well, that's not the right way of wording it. She didn't hate Sunset Shimmer. She never hated anyone, but Sunset Shimmer definitely wasn't her friend. That was then though.
She had long since redeemed herself.
As Rarity continued her ride to school, her thoughts went back to her dream, at least what she could remember of it. Come to think of it, was Sunset Shimmer in her dream at all? She didn't remember. She could barely remember anything about the dream now.
It wasn't that important though. It was just a dream after all.
When she arrived at school, she parked her bike and put her bicycle lock it, and began sauntering into the building, carrying her bag of materials with her. Just like when she was riding to the school, everyone she passed by either waved or said hi to her. While this was nice, her main focus was in getting to the gymnasium, her true destination.
Where the people she really wanted to see were.
Right outside the door, she stopped for a second and took a deep breath, thinking about the six girls waiting for her inside. Rarity loved her friends so much. They were very different, each and every one of them, yet they all shared a special bond. She pushed through the door and then held her hands in the air standing elegantly.
“Hello girls!” Rarity sang.
“Rarity!” Fluttershy cried happily running into her friend's embrace.
“It's a surprise seein ya here so early,” Applejack said, she and Rainbow Dash walking over to them, “Usually ya ain't here till right before the first bell rings.”
“What can I say? I enjoy my beauty sleep,” Rarity said releasing her friend, “As you can see, I brought the materials for the banner.”
“Sweet!” Dash said taking the bag, “Applejack, you wanna help me with this?”
“Sure thing,” Applejack said, “We got this, Rares.”
“Thank you,” Rarity said. She hugged both Applejack and Rainbow Dash before they walked off, and then turned her attention to Fluttershy, “So, how's my best friend doing?”
“Better now that you're here,” Fluttershy admitted looking down, “Um, you remember those three boys that were harassing me the other day?”
“Rover, Fido, and Spot?” Rarity asked.
“W-well, they sort of… asked me out earlier today. I said no, and asked them to leave me alone, but…”
Rarity folded her arms thinking to herself. She remembered those three very well, as she was once their main target for sexual harassment. That stopped when they cornered her one day and she showed them just how annoying she could be. They started targeting Fluttershy as she never fought back.
So Rarity would just have to teach them a lesson.
“Oh Pinkie Pie,” Rarity called out, “Be a dear and throw me that broom.”
“Rarity, what are you about to do?” Twilight asked, both she and Sunset nearby and turning to her.
“Just going to teach those boys a lesson in how to treat a lady,” Rarity said.
“Here you go!” Pinkie Pie chirped handing Rarity a broom. Rarity screwed the actual broom part off, twirled the stick around above her, and then held it to her side elegantly.
“I'll be back in a bit, girls,” Rarity said, “Just need to whip those boys into shape.”
“You do realize that fighting on school grounds is prohibited, right?” Sunset asked.
“If I know those three, then they're not on school grounds at the moment,” Rarity said, “Which means I'm not breaking any rules.”
Rarity walked out of the gym, her friends following closely behind her. Rarity knew exactly where they were hiding. There was an alleyway right behind the school that they liked to play dice while waiting for school to start. Rarity had heard that a number of students even used the alley for… um, things.
Not that she would ever do that. She was a true lady after all.
end song
Just she expected, the three boys were sitting near a trash bin gambling. Rarity turned her nose to the air and then sauntered over to her them.
“Yoohoo,” Rarity called out catching their attention, “I heard you were bothering Fluttershy here.”
“We weren't bothering her,” their leader, Rover said, “We just asked her to the Spring Festival.”
“Didn't she say no yesterday?” Rarity inquired.
“Well…” Fido said nervously.
“You're making my friend uncomfortable, and I don't like that,” Rarity said getting in a fighting stance, “You boys need a spanking.”
The three boys, realizing that they had her outnumbered, all stood up in front of her. Honestly, just the thought that these three would even consider fighting a lady showed how uncouth their lot were, so no one had sympathy for what was about to happen to them. Rarity looked delicate, but as many people knew, she was truly like a rose.
Beautiful, but with thorns.
Rover charged in first trying to grab her. Rarity simply moved to the side and used her broomstick to sweep him off his feet. She then spun around and whacked Fido in the stomach with the stick, sending him flying back into a trash can.
Spot, clearly the smarter one of the trio (yet that wasn't saying much) grabbed a trash can lid and threw it at Rarity, who elegantly bent back out of the way, causing the lid to hit Rover just as he was getting up, knocking him down to the ground a second time.
“Yeah Rarity! Kick their butts!” Pinkie Pie cheered.
“It always amazes me that she has this side to her,” Twilight said shaking her head.
“Rarity's always been a bit of an adrenalin junkie,” Dash stated, “I mean, look at her. She's having the time of her life right now.”
And she was. This was another side of Rarity that not a lot of people got to see. In fact, only her friends and the Diamond Dog gang knew about this side of Rarity's personality. That, and maybe a few special people who tried to take advantage of her friends.
As Rarity elegantly spun her makeshift staff around whacking Spot, she was unaware of Fido standing up and creeping up behind her.
“Rarity, behind you!” Fluttershy cried. Rarity looked too late as Fido grabbed her from behind, causing her to drop her broomstick.
“Rarity!” everyone cried. Rover rubbed the back of his head and walked over to the now captured teenager.
“You really piss me off,” Rover said, “Maybe being humiliated in front of your friends will teach you a lesson!”
Applejack and Rainbow Dash were about to rush in and help her, but stopped when they saw the look on Rarity's face. She was smirking.
“Oh dear! Whatever shall I do now?!” Rarity cried helplessly, “You brutes are far too much for me! Please, I beg of you, be gentle with me!”
“Not likely!” Rover said, “Once we're finished with you, you won't be able to stand for a-” Rarity stomped on Rover's foot hard cutting him off. She then headbutted Fido behind her, forcing him to release her, and then kicked her broomstick off the ground into Spot, knocking him to the ground and catching the broomstick as it bounced off of him.
She twirled her “staff” over her head, spun around to hit Fido in the face, and then kicked Rover down onto the ground and pointed her staff right at his face. Needless to say, all of her friends applauded and cheered for her.
“I GIVE!!! I GIVE!!!” Rover cried.
end song
“So, we sha'nt have this problem anymore then?” Rarity said, smiling sweetly at her fallen opponent.
“Not at all! We'll leave Fluttershy alone now! Just don't hurt us anymore!”
“Good boy,” Rarity said. She knelt down to him and patted him on the head before turning to her friends, “Well that was fun. Now, we have a few minutes to finish the banner before class starts. Come alone girls.”
As she sauntered back into the school, her friends all gathered around her.
“You got off on that, didn't you?” Sunset Shimmer asked. Rarity gave an overly dramatic gasp.
“How could you insinuate that one such as moi would get aroused from something so violent?” Rarity asked, “I'll have you know I was merely trying to protect my best friend's honor.”
“I'm sure that's everything,” Dash said putting her hands behind her head, “Not like you enjoyed the feeling of knocking their heads in with that broomstick.”
“Kickin Rover in the stomach didn't make yer heart flutter at all,” Applejack added.
“And I'm sure you didn't get even the slightest bit excited standing over them like an amazon seeing him beg you to not hurt him,” Pinkie Pie said. Rarity moaned helplessly.
“Stooooooop iiiiiit!” Rarity begged, “You're getting me aroused again!”
Everyone laughed. It was these times that mattered the most to Rarity. She seemed materialistic to some, superficial to others, and overall extremely vain to most, but honestly, Rarity could have given all of that up for what was really important. She didn't need to have the prettiest clothes, the nicest hair, or the fanciest things.
As long as she had her six best friends with her, she'd be forever happy.
After setting everything up, Rarity went with Fluttershy and Twilight to their homeroom. Fluttershy wouldn't stop showering her with thank yous for making Rover and his gang leave her alone, but Twilight wouldn't stop looking at her. Every time she turned to her though, Twilight would quickly look away.
“For the last time Fluttershy, it was nothing,” Rarity said laughing as they walked into the classroom, “You're my dearest friend, so of course I'd help you.”
“I know, but…” Fluttershy looked down, “I wish I could return the favor. Sometimes I feel like you're always helping me, but I'm too weak to do anything to help you.”
“Fluttershy darling, you don't have to worry,” Rarity said cupping her friend's cheek, “You're friendship is more than enough. I'd save you a thousand times over if I had to.”
Fluttershy, overcome with emotion, hugged Rarity tightly, “I love you so much, Rarity.”
“I love you too, Fluttershy,” Rarity said returning the hug. The three of them took their seats, Fluttershy sitting in the back of the classroom, and both Rarity and Twilight sitting next to each other in the middle.
“She really depends on you,” Twilight noted.
“Fluttershy used to be horribly bullied back in elementary school,” Rarity pointed out, “Rainbow Dash and I protected her all the time, so she's become somewhat clingy to both of us.”
“I see,” Twilight said, looking down and blushing a bit. Rarity rested her head on her hands and looked at Twilight with a suggestive smile.
“Twilight, are you… jealous?” Rarity asked. Twilight's eyes went wide.
“N-no!” Twilight defended, “I'm not! You know that I have a crush on Flash Sentry!”
“That doesn't mean you can't admire someone else too,” Rarity pointed out, “Besides, I've seen how you tend to look at me. You can tell me Twilight. I won't be offended or turned off.”
Twilight fought with herself internally before sighing in defeat, “It's not really a crush I don't think. I mean, maybe it is. I don't know. I just know that I think you're really amazing.”
“Really?” Rarity asked, still smiling at her friend.
“Well, yeah. You're pretty, smart, you protect your friends, and seeing you fight the Diamond Dog Boys earlier was really something. You were so elegant, yet still ferocious. Ever since I transferred here from Crystal Prep, I've wanted to be closer to you so I could… I don't know.”
“Hm…” Rarity pressed a finger to her lips thoughtfully, “Tell you what? Why don't you and I spend the Spring Festival together?”
“Huh? You mean… like a date…?” Twilight asked. Rarity giggled.
“If you wish to see it as such, yes. There isn't a single boy in the school I'd want to take with me. Unless you planned on asking Flash Sentry, upon which I would completely understand it if you declined my offer.”
“No!” Twilight said quickly, “I mean… I'd love to go with you, Rarity.”
“Wonderful! So, how about I pick you up at around eight, and we can go together?”
“That's perfect,” Twilight said. Twilight and Rarity hugged right as the teacher walked into the classroom. Now Rarity had an even bigger reason to be excited for the Spring Festival. Before, she was only going to oversee the event, but now she actually had a date.
“Alright class,” Ms. Cheerilee said, “I'd like to first take attendance. First up are the school announcements.”
end song
Wait, what?
Rarity shook her head trying to focus on Cheerilee. For a second, it looked like she had split in two.
“Um, what are we doing right now?” Rarity asked Cheerilee raising her hand.
“We're taking attendance,” Cheerilee said, “Please try and pay attention Rarity.”
“Yes, sorry,” Rarity said sheepishly. Twilight turned to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Are you okay Rarity?” Twilight asked Rarity.
“I… yeah,” Rarity said, “I just-” she heard something odd in the background. Something almost like an otherworldly screech or roar. At the same time, she felt a sharp pain in her head, “AHH!!!”
“Rarity!” Flash Sentry said from right next to her, “Mrs. Cheerilee, I think something is wrong with Rarity!”
Hold on a second. Didn't Twilight sit next to her in class? And since when was Cheerilee married?
“Rarity, are you alright?” Cheerilee said/Time Turner said.
What? No. Her homeroom teacher was Cheerilee. Not Time Turner.
“I… don't know…?” Rarity said/asked. She looked up at her homeroom teacher, and saw Time Turner phase out to the side like a static projection almost, Cheerilee appearing next to him.
“Why don't you go to the infirmary?” Time Turner/Cheerilee asked. Rarity nodded and quickly ran out of the classroom. As she left the room, she heard that roar again, and felt another sharp pain in her head, this time falling to the floor screaming.
Rarity looked ahead and saw Sunset Shimmer wandering the hallway looking around nervously. When she saw Rarity on the ground she ran over to her aid.
“Rarity! Are you okay?!” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“My head…” Rarity moaned, “It hurts every time I… hear that…”
“You hear it too?” Sunset asked, “I thought I was the only one.”
“What is it…?” Rarity asked.
“I'm not sure, but I think it's coming from outside,” Sunset said.
“Let's go then,” Rarity said forcing herself to her feet, “If it's another magical disturbance, we need to-” she heard it again, this time even louder. Also, the pain in her head was so bad she felt like it was being split in two.
“Rarity!” Sunset cried catching her, “What the hell is going on here?”
“Make it stop…” Rarity sobbed, “Please make it stop…!”
“I think the portal to Equestria is open,” Sunset said, “It's short notice, but we need to see Princess Twilight immediately. I'm taking us there now!”
Sunset carried Rarity over her shoulder as they rushed out of the school over to the remains of the statue. Though the statue itself was destroyed, the base of it remained intact, which was the only thing that was important, as it was a doorway into Equestria, a parallel dimension where everyone was a pony or some sort of mythical creature.
Right when they reached the statue, that odd sounding roar was heard again, this time Rarity screaming loudly with the roar and holding her head in pain. It was too much! She felt like she was about to die!
“Hang on!” Sunset said. She placed her hand on the base, pleased to see it fall through as if the reflective surface were made of water, “Good, the portal is open. Let's go.”
“W-wait!” Rarity said, “That thing… I think it sounded really… loud from here…”
“That means it might be in Equestria…” Sunset reasoned, “But… why would we…? Either way, we need to warn Twilight. I think something's happening to this world.”
Rarity looked around and saw something really odd. Everywhere she saw what looked like people splitting off in different directions and doing two sometimes three things at the same time. Some people even turned into different people all together, or switched genders suddenly.
“No…!” Rarity said shaking her head, “Stop… it…!”
“What are you seeing?!” Sunset asked.
“Everything…!” Rarity said backing up against the portal, “It's like I'm seeing… every possible outcome… at once…!”
“What the…?”
“Help me…! HELP ME!!!” Rarity screamed. That roar was heard again, this time as if the thing making it were right on top of them. As for Rarity, she fell to her knees again holding her head, but this time the pain wouldn't ebb away.
Sunset knelt down next to her and was about to say something, but cut herself off with a gasp, “Rarity, you're hand!”
“My… hand…?” Rarity asked. She looked at her hand and saw a sight that terrified her. Her hand was beginning to fade away, “S-Sunset…?”
“We're going to Equestria!” Sunset said picking her up, “Brace yourself!”
Sunset and Rarity jumped through the portal, flying through the multi-colored dimensional void. However, when Rarity looked up she saw something absolutely terrifying. Some sort of large black and red creature that almost looked bug like, but with only a large three pronged mouth instead of a face.
The creature roared loudly, giving the same loud screech Rarity kept hearing, but this time she saw it close in on her and Sunset.
“W-what's that thing?!” Rarity cried.
“I don't know, but I've never felt anything so strong in my entire life!” Sunset exclaimed, “The magic I'm feeling from it is just… immense…!”
Rarity looked down at her hands again, and saw them fading in and out like before. As for Sunset Shimmer, her entire body started changing, becoming what looked like an orange unicorn with a sun shaped Cutie Mark.
“This means it's actually standing in front of Equestria...” Sunset said seeing herself shift, “But why aren't you changing into a pony?”
“I… don't…” Rarity said looking back at the giant creature. Something about it terrified her, more than just because it looked absolutely terrifying. But something about this thing just felt pure evil, like it was the devil itself.
The creature opened its mouth and started sucking Sunset closer to it. Rarity tried to rush over and grab her, but her hand turned transparent and just went through her unicorn friend.
“No…! No! NO!!!” Rarity screamed, feeling something grab her and pull her back. They felt like black tendrils of energy, and they were pulling her outside of the portal, “SUNSET SHIMMER!!!”
Sunset turned to Rarity wide eyed, “RARITY!!!”
The two of them reached for each other, both of them being pulled in opposite directions. Right before their hand and hoof touched each other, Rarity's entire body was consumed by the black energy and she was pulled out of the portal, screaming as her entire world went black.
The last thing she heard was Sunset screaming as that monster roared one last time.
Standard: Something is Very Wrong
Author's Notes:
Look at this... LOOK AT WHAT YOU DID!!!
Now I HAVE to keep posting this, at least for a little while!
Well, hey, I wanted to showcase a bit of this anyway, so think of this as a demo of Chrono Reflect. I'm still not going to put my whole focus on this story until I finish Code Lyoko EG, but I can at least get you guys to the end of the first arc. After that, please be patient.
Oh, but don't think I'm not grateful, because I am. I love both Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross, so this story is one I was excited yet nervous about. It also has what I feel is the best interpretation of Rarity I've ever written. So please, continue to enjoy.
Standard – Something is Very Wrong
When Rarity came to, she was back outside of the portal. Her head was throbbing a bit, but she wasn't in any real pain at the moment. She rose to her knees and looked around, happy to see that everyone looked singular.
“What on Earth was all of that?” Rarity asked rubbing her shoulder, “Sunset… Sunset!” Rarity turned to the portal and ran her hands on it, saddened to see that it had closed, “Oh dear! I have to warn the others!”
She rose to her feet as the bell rang, signaling the end of homeroom. Maybe she could track down her friends on the way to their next classes. She ran into the school as fast as she could.
When she got inside though, something just felt wrong to her. She didn't really know what it was, but for some reason she felt out of place. She shook it off and continued to walk through the halls. If she knew her friends' schedules, she should have run into Applejack somewhere around this-
“Oof!” someone cried, falling to the ground after bumping into Rarity.
“Oh, terribly sorry,” Rarity said kneeling down to help them up, her eyes went wide though when she saw who it was. She was wearing a simple blue and white dress, and she had a bunch of thick text books with her, but her rainbow colored hair gave her away.
This was Rainbow Dash…
“N-no. It was my fault…” Dash said demurely, “I should have been watching where I was going.”
“D-Dash…?” Rarity asked, “What are you wearing…?”
“Huh?” Rainbow Dash looked up at Rarity confused, “I always wear clothes like this, uh… Are you new here?”
“N-new?” Rarity asked, “Rainbow Dash, it's me, Rarity,” she suddenly smiled, “Oh, I get it. This is a prank, isn't it? Very cute, but I really need your help.”
“Prank? What are you talking-” Rainbow Dash suddenly backed away from her looking terrified, “Wait, you're in Miss Fluttershy's clique, aren't you?”
“Fluttershy's… clique…?” Rarity asked tilting her head slightly, “Dash, what's going-”
“Please, I'm sorry!” Dash cried bowing to Rarity, “I-I-I didn't mean to bump into you, I swear!” she stood up, “I'll leave you alone forever, I promise!”
Rainbow Dash ran off holding her books close to her chest in tears. Rarity stood up and watched her run away in confusion.
“Okay… that was weird,” Rarity said to herself. She turned around and saw Twilight step out of a classroom. Like Dash though, she looked different. Her hair, instead of the loose bun she always put it in, was now out and flowing freely. She was wearing a black blazer over a purple dress shirt, a matching tight pencil mini-skirt, and black high heels. If Rarity was looking at her correctly, she was also wearing black eye liner and red lipstick.
“Twilight?” Rarity asked walking up to her, “When did you have time to change clothes? Oh, that's not important right now, Dash was acting weird just-”
Twilight turned to Rarity frowning in confusion, “Um, I'm… sorry. Do I… know you?”
What… did Twilight just ask her…?
“T-Twilight…? It's me. Rarity. You and I sit together in homeroom,” Rarity said, a little hurt now.
“I think I'd remember sitting with someone as pretty as you in homeroom,” Twilight said with an awkward smile, “But I am curious as to how you know my name.”
“Twilight, I don't know what prank Dash has you a part of, but this is very cruel,” Rarity said, her heart racing for some reason.
“Dash playing a prank? She's been here since ninth grade, and I've never known her to pull a prank of any kind. She's too shy for that sort of thing,” Twilight explained.
“Too shy? No no no, Rainbow Dash isn't shy at all. She-” she stopped thinking about something that Twilight said, “Wait, since… ninth grade…? How would you… know what she was like in… ninth grade…?”
“Because I've been here since ninth grade…” Twilight said slowly, as if Rarity had asked something silly, “Seriously, are you okay? You said your name was… Rarity?”
“Yes! My name is Rarity, and you're Twilight!” Rarity teared up, “I asked you to come with me to the Spring Festival just a few minutes ago! Don't you remember that?”
“What's a… Spring Festival…?” Twilight asked. Rarity shook her head and ran, tears beginning to fall from her eyes for some reason.
What's going on?!
Did something happen to all of my friends?!
The closest one to her was probably Fluttershy, since she also had the same homeroom as Rarity. Her next class was History with Time Turner. When she made it to the classroom, she saw Applejack walking ahead of her.
At least, Rarity thought it was Applejack.
It looked like her from the back a bit, but like with Rainbow Dash and Twilight, everything was off. Her hair was flowing freely instead of being in a ponytail, her stetson was replaced with a white and red hat that looked similar to her usual one but fancier, her usual attire was replaced with a flowing white gown, a red jacket, and white high heeled boots, and her walk was more of a saunter, swaying her hips back and forth with each step.
“Applejack!” Rarity called out. Much to her fear, the girl in front of her stopped and turned to her. Rarity was taken aback by seeing how fancy the jacket she wore was, and how much of her ample cleavage the top of her gown was showing. Also, Applejack herself was wearing pink eye shadow and red lipstick.
“Ooh, well aren't you precious?” Applejack said walking over to Rarity and examining her, sounding more like a southern belle than a farmer, “Ah just love your style. It accentuates your figure in a very tasteful manner, an' Ah absolutely love your make-up.”
“Please no…” Rarity pleaded shaking her head.
“Let me guess, ya heard about me from one of my many admirers?” Applejack asked haughtily, “If your new to Canterlot High, then you came to the right person. Ah'll get ya acclimated just fine. Oh, but please call me Applejewel, love.”
First of all, since when did Applejack know how to use the word “acclimate” in a sentence properly? Second of all, since when did she dress and act so elegantly? Finally, since when was Rarity new to Canterlot High?!
“You too…?” Rarity asked backing away from Applejack, “You… don't remember anything… do you…?”
“Sugar, are you alright?” Appleja- sorry, Applejewel asked, “You look like your about ta break down an' cry.”
Oh, she was. She was very close to breaking down. Still, she had to try and stay calm. Surely someone in this building would recognize her. Someone who no matter what would-
Fluttershy! She needed to find Fluttershy!
“W-where's Fluttershy?” Rarity asked, trembling as she tried to hold in her tears, “I need to f-find her… and ask her something.”
“Fluttershy?” Applejewel asked with wide eyes, “Ah don't know why you'd be searchin for her, unless ya had a death wish or somethin.”
That didn't bode well.
“Please, just tell me,” Rarity urged, “It's very… important…”
Applejewel pursed her lips and folded her arms considering Rarity, before sighing, “She's probably in the history classroom now, assumin she ain't cuttin.”
“Thank you Applej-jewel,” Rarity said pushing past Applejewel and walking briskly to the history classroom, trying her hardest to not break down completely just yet. She needed to see Fluttershy before she could truly get a grasp on her situation.
When she arrived in the classroom, she looked inside and saw Fluttershy leaning by the open window of the classroom. Instead of her more modest attire, Fluttershy was wearing a red top that showed off her bust line, a black leather jacket, black mini skirt, fishnet stockings, and black high heeled boots. Her eyeshadow was dark gray, she wore dark red lipstick, and her butterfly hair pin was replaced with a bat shaped one.
Also… she was smoking.
Rarity slowly approached Fluttershy, noticing how everyone was watching her.
“F-Fluttershy…?” Rarity asked. The teenager in front of her threw her finished cigarette out the window and glared at Rarity.
“What?” Fluttershy asked harshly, making Rarity step back a bit. Honestly, she felt a little like how Sunset Shimmer used to act before she was reformed.
“Uh… well, I…” Rarity was suddenly at a loss for words. Something about Fluttershy was extremely terrifying right now.
“Do you have a reason for standing there like a fucking dumbass, or are you just trying to annoy me?” Fluttershy asked walking over to Rarity, “Either way, it's not looking too good for you right now.”
Rarity started trembling. Not just from how scary Fluttershy was all of a sudden, but because of what this meant. Fluttershy wouldn't act so out of character for no reason.
“Um… can I ask… you a q-question…?” Rarity asked Fluttershy.
“I don't know. Can you?” Fluttershy asked sarcastically. Rarity swallowed nervously before speaking again, choosing her words carefully.
“D-do you know anyone n-named Rarity…?” Rarity asked. Fluttershy stepped back a bit frowning.
“Yeah, I knew a girl named Rarity back in elementary school,” Fluttershy said.
“You... knew a girl named Rarity? What happened?”
end song
“She died in a car accident ten years ago,” Fluttershy said, making Rarity's mind go blank. She was… dead…?
“D-died…?” Rarity asked, trembling as the tears started to fall freely.
“Oh fuck, you're crying,” Fluttershy groaned, “What's the matter with-”
“Fluttershy, it's me!” Rarity cried, going into full panic mode, “I'm Rarity! I'm not dead! You and I are best friends! Please, try to remember-” something within Fluttershy snapped and she shoved Rarity to the ground and glared at her seething.
“Don't fucking joke about that!” Fluttershy shouted, “Rarity and I were best friends, and her death destroyed me!”
“Fluttershy…” Rarity sobbed, “What happened to you…?”
“Get out…” Fluttershy seethed, “GET OUT OF MY FACE!!!”
Rarity scampered out of the classroom, bumping into someone in the middle of the hall.
“Please, no running in the halls,” Principal Celestia said, so far the only one wearing the same attire she always wore.
“Principal Celestia…” Rarity sobbed.
“Oh dear, what happened honey?” Celestia asked holding Rarity in a comforting embrace. Rarity couldn't hold in her tears anymore, and simply broke down crying in the older woman's shoulder. She didn't even need to find Pinkie Pie to fully understand how messed up her situation was.
Something happened to all of her friends, and possibly even her entire world.
Unknown to both of them, Twilight stood behind a corner listening to them. As the two of them walked off, Twilight folded her arms thoughtfully.
“Was that girl being… serious?” Twilight asked, “But… I don't remember her…”
“Here,” Celestia said, handing Rarity a cup of tea. She took Rarity to her office, which thankfully looked the same. Actually, so far Celestia was the only one who was remotely like she should have been.
Why is this happening?
What did that creature do to my friends?
“Is there anything you wish to talk about?” Celestia asked Rarity as she took the cup of tea. Rarity, not looking up at the older woman, just shook her head. She had since stopped crying, but she didn't have the energy to speak up yet, “You're new to this school, right? My sister Luna is the Vice-Principal, but she also doubles as the school counselor. Maybe you could talk to her.”
Damn it! I already know these things!
Rarity closed her eyes tightly as a fresh batch of tears built up, these being tears of frustration. Before Celestia could ask her what was wrong, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Celestia said, the door opening shortly afterward, “Twilight? Is everything okay?”
Twilight…?
Rarity looked up and saw Twilight standing next to her.
“Rarity is my pen pal from Manehatten,” Twilight said, “She's really emotional because she's so far away from home.”
“Ahh, that makes sense,” Celestia said, “So she is a new student?”
“Yes,” Twilight said, “I think her enrollment letter got lost in the mail though, which is why no one knew about this. That's why there was such a commotion earlier.”
“Hm, I see,” Celestia said thoughtfully. Rarity couldn't take her eyes off of Twilight. In fact, looking at her right now, Rarity saw a brief flash of her Twilight standing with the same serious expression.
“It's going to take a full day to sort this out,” Celestia said turning to her paper work, “I'll discuss this with Luna, but we should have you enrolled by tomorrow. For now, why don't the two of you go home. Is it safe to assume Rarity is staying with you?”
“Yes Principal Celestia,” Twilight said with a bow.
“Good. I'll write you an excused absence for the rest of the day,” Celestia said writing a brief letter, “Take care of your friend, Twilight.”
“I will. Come on, Rarity,” Twilight turned to Rarity with a kind smile.
“R-right…” Rarity said, slowly taking Twilight's hand.
“Oh, and Rarity,” Celestia said, stopping them at the door, “Don't worry if you're far away from home. I'm sure there are people out there who will be your friend as long as you are your genuine self.”
Somehow, the way Celestia smiled at her put Rarity a bit at ease, like everything would work itself out somehow.
“T-thank you, Principal Celestia,” Rarity said.
Twilight and Rarity stopped right outside the school, Rarity looking down somberly.
“Why did you do that?” Rarity asked softly.
“You seemed like you needed help,” Twilight said. Rarity shuffled a bit rubbing her arm.
“Were you serious… about me staying with you…?” Rarity asked.
“You don't have anywhere else to go, right?” Twilight asked, shocking Rarity, “Don't worry, my parents are always away on business, and they won't mind either way. They basically let me do as I please.”
Rarity remembered that her Twilight was always stuck at home with just her brother, Shining Armor, for the same reason. Was that still a thing here?
“My house is down this road,” Twilight said pointing to the right, “Do you want to go right there?”
“Actually… could we… go someplace else first?” Rarity asked, “There's something I… need to see.”
“Yeah, sure,” Twilight said nodding, “Lead the way.”
The more she heard this Twilight speak, the more comfortable Rarity was around her. Somehow, she seemed about the same as her own, if not more fashionable, and as far as she knew she wasn't obsessed with science and magic.
Was there still magic here? Oddly, Rarity didn't think so.
As they walked through Canterlot, Rarity saw more and more signs that something was wrong. Whatever happened wasn't limited to just her friends or the school. The entire town looked different. Shops that were supposed to be open were either closed or replaced with other shops. Mr. and Mrs. Cake's place was some other diner, and Flim & Flam's Pawn Shop was a general good's store.
Also, no one waved to Rarity as they walked by. They were too focused on themselves and their own personal effects. Even though it was sunny outside, the entire world seemed gray and dark to Rarity.
“So… feeling better?” Twilight asked awkwardly. Rarity sighed looking away.
“No. Actually, I'm starting to feel worse than I did before,” Rarity admitted, “Nothing looks like it should. Everything just seems so… empty.”
“This is just how Canterlot is,” Twilight stated, “People are too concerned with themselves to really care about what's going on around them. But isn't that everywhere?”
No, it wasn't. Canterlot was a community. Everyone looked out for each other, and cared about one another. Here, Rarity saw people arguing out in the streets, and there was even litter on the ground. Rarity took a deep breath in an attempt to calm her nerves.
It didn't work.
When they arrived at their destination, Rarity's eyes went wide. Her house, which was supposed to look like a giant merry-go-round, looked like just a regular three story house.
“Where's Carousel Boutique…?” Rarity asked trembling, “Mommy… Daddy… Sweetie Belle… Where are you…?” she fell to her knees as the realization fully hit her. She had been thrown far out of Kansas, straight into Oz.
“Hey, it's okay,” Twilight said kneeling down next to Rarity and embracing her.
“No…! No it's not okay!” Rarity screamed breaking down completely, “This isn't my house, this isn't my town, my friends don't remember me, and I'm-” her words were lost in heavy sobs. She buried her face in her hands as Twilight held her tightly. She probably looked insane right now, yet Twilight stayed with her. She had to admit that it felt nice.
But she had no idea how to get back to her home, or even if she could get back home.
end song
Rarity's place was on the way to Twilight's house, so it didn't take them long to get there once Rarity calmed down. She was extremely silent for the rest of the day, only speaking up to ask for something to eat, and even then she didn't have much of an appetite.
Twilight's house was nice, but very lonely. Turned out her brother was in the military, so she didn't have anyone staying with her. Also, there were only two bedrooms. Rarity was prepared to either sleep in Twilight's parent's room or the couch, but Twilight refused to allow that.
As such, after Rarity finished her shower, she waited for Twilight in her room, wearing some of Twilight's pajamas. As Rarity was a little more top heavy than Twilight, she had to unbutton the top three buttons of the shirt in order to breath, but otherwise they were comfy.
“That felt good,” Twilight said, drying her hair as she walked into the room, “I don't know about you, but a shower always helps me relax at night.”
Rarity brought her knees to her chest and hugged them, trying to avoid a fresh batch of tears. She didn't feel more relaxed at all. Instead, she just felt hopeless and helpless. She was scared for Sunset, who as far as she knew probably died from that monster. She might have been the only one who could get them out of this mess.
Twilight sighed and sat down next to Rarity.
“So… how did you know my name?” Twilight asked, “I've been meaning to ask that for a while.”
“You won't believe me,” Rarity said somberly.
“Try me,” Twilight said with a smile. Rarity took a deep breath, deciding to take a chance. I mean, what did she have to lose? Twilight did help her, and she hadn't asked any questions except for this one.
“You and I are actually friends…” Rarity said, “It's you, me, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejewel, Fluttershy, and another girl named Sunset Shimmer.”
“Don't know anyone named Sunset Shimmer I'm afraid,” Twilight said thoughtfully, “But Fluttershy is our friend?”
“Yes, but no one is like they should be,” Rarity continued, “You're supposed to be a transfer student from Crystal Prep, Rainbow Dash is an athlete with the ego the size of Mount Everest, Applejewel is a hardworking farm girl, Pinkie Pie should be all throughout the school cheering and making people laugh, and Fluttershy…” Rarity closed her eyes as fresh tears fell, “Fluttershy is the sweetest person you'll ever see.”
“What about you?” Twilight asked softly.
“I can tell you this much, if I had died, I wouldn't be here right now,” Rarity said.
“Wow… okay then,” Twilight said, taking what Rarity said in, “Not going to lie, that's something. So… are you saying you're from another world or something?”
“I don't know, maybe?” Rarity said/asked, “I do know that everything around me is off. You and Principal Celestia are the only ones remotely right, and yet you're still not the way you're supposed to be. No offense, darling, but…”
“I-I get it,” Twilight said nodding, “You're saying that I'm still not your Twilight, right?”
Rarity nodded, “You think I'm crazy, don't you?”
“Actually… I think I believe you,” Twilight said. Rarity turned to Twilight wide eyed.
“W-what? You do…?” Rarity asked.
“Well, the Fluttershy I know is anything but sweet, Rainbow Dash is the shyest girl in school, Applejewel is nice, but she's not really what I'd call a hard worker, and Pinkie Pie avoids everyone because of her social anxiety. You said that over here, you're supposed to be dead?”
“That's what Fluttershy said,” Rarity said, “I asked her if she knew anyone named Rarity, and she said that they were best friends in elementary school, but she was in a car accident and… died.”
“Huh, do you remember a car accident?” Twilight asked.
“When I was seven, yes,” Rarity said, “My parents said its a miracle I even survived it. I do sometimes still get chest pains from it, but beyond that I made a full recovery.”
“I see,” Twilight said, “I think I know what's going on here. At least, why your memories of the world are so different than mine.”
“I'm crazy, right?” Rarity said sadly.
“No, I was going to say this sounds like the Butterfly Effect,” Twilight said.
“The… Butterfly Effect…?” Rarity asked, “What on earth is that?”
“According to the theory, if a butterfly flaps its wings in one area of the world, somewhere else there's a hurricane. Essentially, it's saying that the smallest change can drastically effect the rest of the world. What you're looking at right now is a version of the world where you didn't survive the car accident ten years ago.”
“But… how does this place even exist then?” Rarity asked.
“Well, some people believe that when you make a choice, there's another world created where you made the opposite choice. So for example, this: you were in a car accident ten years ago. There are two possible outcomes from this: one where you survived it, and one where you didn't. You know what happened if you survived it, because here you are. This world represents what would happen if you didn't.”
“So… I'm in a parallel world?” Rarity asked.
“That's… surprisingly the most logical explanation,” Twilight said, “Either that, or something happened to your world and switched events to match that outcome.”
“Why do you believe me?” Rarity asked defensively, “You know I can't prove any of this, right? How do you know I'm not an escapee from a mental asylum?”
“Because you just asked me that,” Twilight said laughing, “Also, I don't know what it is, but I just… feel like you're telling the truth. Besides, this is kind of a dream come true for me,” Twilight admitted sheepishly.
“W-what do you mean?” Rarity asked stepping away from Twilight a little in shock.
“You're actually from another world!” Twilight said, grabbing Rarity's hands, “I read about all of this stuff all the time, and you're living proof! Could you imagine the implications this discovery would have on science?!” she caught herself, “Um, not that I don't feel bad for you. I do, really. It's just… this is kind of exciting for me, you know?”
Rarity couldn't help herself. Despite her situation, she had to laugh a little. At least Twilight felt like herself. If what she said about the Butterfly Effect was true, then Twilight probably wouldn't have changed so drastically either way.
“Twilight, thank you,” Rarity said, “I… needed this.”
Twilight smiled, “I'm glad I could make you smile.”
“Do you think… you and I could be friends…?” Rarity asked Twilight looking down nervously, “I know this is sudden, and even though you're helping me, I shouldn't expect you to be willing to-”
Twilight cut her off by hugging her.
“Apparently, you and I are already friends, right?” Twilight asked. Rarity returned the embrace, this time shedding tears of joy. The two girls lied down in the large bed together, looking into each others eyes.
“Tomorrow, let's meet up with Pinkie Pie,” Twilight suggested, “I actually am friends with her and Applejewel, and she's into this sort of stuff too. She might have a solution to getting you back to your dimension.”
“They'll believe me?” Rarity asked.
“Well, Jewel might be skeptical, but she won't put you down or anything,” Twilight said, “Like I said, she's nice. Prissy, but nice.”
“Well good,” Rarity said with a yawn, “Perhaps this isn't so bad. Besides, what's freaking out going to do for my situation? Thank you Twilight.”
“No problem, Rarity,” Twilight said locking pinkies with Rarity, “What are friends for?”
“So… that's the one my master chose?” the shadowy figure said, standing on a nearby roof watching Rarity and Twilight, “This is going to be fun!”
She gave a high pitched yet terrifying giggle before she jumped away. She had to report this to her beloved master.
The Singularity had arrived…
Standard: Still Friends
Standard – Still Friends
The next day, Rarity decided to try and keep her spirits up. After all, it was like she told Twilight, no good would come from her freaking out about her situation. Bottom line, if she came here, she could get back to her world.
Until then, she just had to stay positive.
She and Twilight hit it off pretty quickly. This Twilight was in fact just like Rarity's Twilight. Besides being more open, the only real difference was that she was more interested in esoteric science. Beyond that, she was still into reading, she still wanted to be a scientist when she grew up, and she was still an avid gamer. Before they started going to school, Twilight showed Rarity her collection of video games, dating all the way back to Super Nintendo, which she claimed she inherited from her older brother.
Needless to say, Twilight had a big collection.
The walk to school was the opposite of yesterday. Twilight and Rarity talked about a lot of things, mainly getting Rarity adjusted to her surroundings. She was pleased to know that history was the same overall here. In fact, the only major differences were from the last ten years onward.
When they arrived in the school building, Rarity was immediately aware of the stares she was getting from the other students. She also heard whispering, and giggling.
“Why do I get the feeling they're going on about me?” Rarity asked slowly.
“You did sort of make a scene yesterday,” Twilight pointed out.
“Oh dear, this is dreadful,” Rarity said burying her face in her hands, “This is the opposite of what it's like at home! Now I'm a laughing stock!”
“Hey, look on the bright side,” Twilight said with a comforting smile, “At least you have me.”
“True,” Rarity sighed.
“Come on. Let's see if Principal Celestia was able to get you a schedule, and then get to class,” Twilight said walking off. Rarity huffed and trudged after her friend. This was turning out to be a great day already.
To Rarity's surprise, she somehow managed to get her original schedule. This made things easier as long as the school layout was the same. Thankfully Twilight's schedule seemed identical to Rarity's Twilight, which meant they still had the same homeroom.
When they walked into the classroom though, Rarity saw that much to her dismay, everyone's schedules were identical to how she knew them. Which meant sitting in the back of the classroom…
Was Fluttershy.
Rarity froze when she saw Fluttershy, who immediately narrowed her eyes at Rarity. Normally she was excited to see Fluttershy, but this time all Rarity wanted to do was run away. Sadly, sharing a homeroom with Fluttershy wasn't even the worst of it.
“This is a disaster!” Rarity whispered frantically, “This means everyone's schedules are how I remember them!”
“Isn't that good though?” Twilight asked, “It means you'll know where everything is.”
“It also means that more than half of my classes will be shared with Fluttershy!” Rarity fussed, “Including the next one.”
Twilight looked at Rarity's schedule and nodded, “Yep, World History with Time Turner. God, it looks like you share lunch with her too.”
Before they could finish, the teacher, still Cheerilee, walked into the classroom. This version of Cheerilee was quite different though, as she didn't have the usual pep in her step. Actually, she acted like she hated her job.
After homeroom ended, Rarity began packing her books as fast as she could so she could get to her next class before-
“So, Canterlot High's started letting nut jobs enroll?” Fluttershy asked, right behind Rarity, who was frozen in fear, “Must be some sort of special program or something.”
“Fluttershy, um…” Rarity began slowly turning to the pink haired bully, “About yesterday, I…”
“I don't want to hear it,” Fluttershy spat, “I haven't figured out what I'm going to do with you yet. Do I make sure you stay as far away from me as possible?” she caressed Rarity's cheek a bit, and then grabbed her hair and yanked it a bit, “Or do I show you why I run this school and turn you into my bitch?”
I… don't…” Rarity stammered.
“Either way, don't disappear anywhere,” Fluttershy ordered, “And don't do anything stupid. Otherwise, I will make you wish you stayed in whatever crack house you came from.”
She released Rarity and stormed out of the classroom. Twilight put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.
“Well, that turned out pretty good,” Twilight said.
“Did it now?” Rarity asked skeptically.
“She didn't do any physical harm to you,” Twilight pointed out. Rarity laughed awkwardly, but still had to think. Just how bad was Fluttershy if that was Rarity getting off easy.
Could she survive another encounter with her?
Rarity stayed as far away as she could from Fluttershy in History, sitting on the opposite side of the classroom. It was bad enough that she had to deal with the students in the classroom laughing and gossiping about her for yesterday; the fact that she could literally feel Fluttershy glare hitting her back.
She must still have The Stare over here, Rarity thought.
Once that class was over, she rushed to her next class, this one being Math. If she remembered correctly, Applejack ( Applejewel, sorry) and Pinkie Pie should have been in that class. When she got into the classroom, she saw Applejewel sitting in the front of the class. She waved sweetly to Rarity, who returned the gesture and searched the room for Pinkie Pie. It took a second, but she eventually found what looked like Pinkie Pie, but something was definitely off.
First of all, her hair was completely straight, tied in a red band. She was wearing a black and white gothic lolita dress that almost looked like a maid's outfit, black high heels and fingerless gloves, black eyeshadow, blood red lipstick. Rarity tried not to stare too hard as she went to her seat, but it was just so jarring. Pinkie Pie looked really uncomfortable, as she was huddled in her seat and looking nervously around at the other students.
It felt odd being in class like this, with her situation up in the air like it was. She still didn't know where Sunset Shimmer was, and she almost felt like she was wasting time sitting in a classroom. She needed to know what that creature was, and whether or not it had something to do with her ending up in this alternate dimension.
Math class was as long and boring as Rarity remembered it. When class ended, she let her head fall on her desk.
“I hate this,” Rarity sighed, “It wouldn't be so bad if it were my classroom.” She noticed a flash nearby. She sat up and looked right into the lens of a camera held by the alternate Pinkie Pie, “Um… hello?”
“Abnormality number 43,” alternate Pinkie Pie said softly, “Teenage girl claiming to be the ghost of someone who died. Possibly from another dimension.”
“Um… I'm assuming Twilight told you?” Rarity asked.
“First, a test,” Pinkie Pie asked, “What's my name?”
Rarity sighed, “The name I'm familiar with is Pinkie Pie, but your full name is Pinkamena Diane Pie the second.”
Alternate Pinkie Pie lowered her camera and regarded Rarity with a somewhat unreadable expression, “Correct. I prefer to be called by my middle name, Diane, but for your sanity, you can call me Pinkie Pie. That's actually what Jewel and Twilight call me.”
“What are ya doin to the new girl?” Applejewel asked walking over to them.
“Testing her,” Pinkie Pie said, “She'd only know my full name if she were telling the truth.”
“She might have jus' asked around,” Applejewel said shrugging.
“No one cares enough about me to go through that much trouble,” Pinkie Pie said somberly, “I'm not important enough for that.”
Oh, if only you knew the version of you I remembered.
“Either way, glad to see ya survived the dragon's fire, hun,” Applejewel said as Rarity stood up, “We're headin to lunch now. Where are ya headin?”
“I believe I have the same lunch as you,” Rarity said, “Will Twilight be joining us.”
“We'll be meeting her in the library,” Pinkie Pie said, “She and Jewel always eat there with me so I'm not alone.”
“Unless you packed yer lunch, we'll meet ya there,” Applejewel said, “Ah never eat the lunches here. To think they'd make someone of my caliber eat that gruel. Ugh!”
“I packed my lunch,” Rarity said, “It's in my locker.”
As the three girls walked to Rarity's locker to pick up her lunch, they were stopped by the sound of something slamming in front of them. They ran down the hall and stopped when they saw Fluttershy standing over Rainbow Dash, who was backed up against her locker cowering in fear.
“That paper is due tomorrow, you dumb bitch!” Fluttershy shouted, “Why isn't it done yet?!”
“W-well… I sort of… needed to do extra work on mine, so…” Dash squealed in fear as Fluttershy slammed her fist next to Dash's head.
“No one gives a shit about your grades! You're nothing but a weak, helpless bimbo who isn't worth the scraps from my cigarette! I own this school, and I own you, so when I order you to do something, I expect you to do mine first and give it your best!”
“I… I'm sorry…” Dash said, her eyes watering as she began to cry. This was too much for Rarity, not just because this was so out of character for both of them, but because of how Fluttershy was treating Dash. Sure, that was her friend in her dimension, but here Fluttershy was just a bully.
Rarity hated bullies.
Rarity narrowed her eyes and walked over to them, but Applejewel grabbed her arm stopping her.
“Hold on, hon,” Applejewel said, “That ain't none of our business.”
“You don't expect me to just do nothing, do you?” Rarity asked.
“Unless ya want her to turn on you, then yeah,” Applejewel said, “There ain't nothin that can be done 'bout that. Best to jus' leave things like that alone.” Rarity was aghast hearing those words come out of Applejack's mouth. The Applejack Rarity knew would never turn her back on someone in need. Rarity scowled at Applejewel, yanked her arm free, and stormed over to Fluttershy, “Rarity!”
Pinkie Pie pulled out her camera and pointed it at Fluttershy and Rarity, “This could be fun,” she said softly.
Right when Rarity was next to Fluttershy, she turned her around and did something that no one in the school was ready for, and she was sure would forever solidify her place in this dimension.
end song
SLAP
“How dare you!” Rarity seethed, “Getting angry at someone just because they valued their grade over yours!”
“You… stupid… fucking… BITCH!” Fluttershy shouted getting in Rarity's face, “What did I say to you about doing something stupid?! I am the wrong one to-”
“What, am I supposed to be afraid of you?!” Rarity asked, “The problem here is that no one has the courage to stand up to you! I'll admit, at first I was intimidated by you, but looking at this shows me just how small you really are, and I'm not going to stand for it! The one thing I hate is a bully!”
“And just what are you going to do about it?” Fluttershy asked, “Tell on me?”
Rarity laughed, “Oh no, that won't be enough. I was thinking of possibly teaching you a lesson in manners myself.”
“This is rich!” Fluttershy laughed, “This prissy, high heeled slut thinks she's tough! Sorry, but you're wearing too much make-up to stand up to me!”
Fluttershy went to slap Rarity in the face, but Rarity grabbed her arm stopping her, not ever taking her eyes off the girl in front of her. There was a unified gasp in the hall.
“I may be a pretty face, darling, but don't let that fool you,” Rarity said dangerously, “Back in my old school I was somewhat of a defender of people like Dashie here, and after a while the bullies were more afraid of me. Shall I put you in your place?”
Fluttershy started breathing heavily as she got angrier and angrier, until she screamed in rage, “YOU WANNA GO BITCH?! FINE THEN! AFTER SCHOOL IN THE BACK ALLEYWAY, BE THERE AND WE'LL SETTLE THIS! I'LL MAKE YOU WISH YOU NEVER CROSSED ME!”
Fluttershy turned and stormed off, screaming loudly in rage. Rarity took a deep breath and turned to Dash, “Are you okay, darling?”
“Why… did you do that…?” Dash asked trembling, “You don't know me…”
“No, but I know someone very much like you,” Rarity said, unsure who she was referring to, “I've never turned away from someone in need before, and I'm not starting now.”
“She'll hurt you…” Dash said, “She doesn't care about anyone… She's just filled with hatred and anger…”
“She lost someone important to her,” Rarity said thinking about her Fluttershy, “I think losing that person painted her outlook on the world. She isn't meant to be feared, she's meant to be pitied. That doesn't excuse her behavior though. After school, I'll deal with her. She might not stop, in fact she probably won't, but this will be the first step in teaching her discipline.”
Rarity turned to walk off, but Dash embraced her from behind crying.
“Please… make her stop…” Dash sobbed, “She wasn't always like this. When we were kids, she was nice, but-”
“Shh…” Rarity said turning to Dash again and embracing her, “It's alright, darling. Why don't you eat with me and my friends, hm?”
“You… want me to eat with you…?” Dash asked.
“Of course,” Rarity said smiling warmly, “Not everyone you know is going to hurt you. You can have friends, Dashie.”
“No one ever calls me that…” Dash said, “Thank you…”
“You're welcome,” Rarity said, “Now come along, darling. Let's get our lunches and go to the library.”
As Rarity and Dash walked off, Dash holding onto Rarity's arm, both Pinkie Pie and Applejack looked at her in shock. After they all gathered their lunches, the four girls went to the library. Pinkie Pie led them to the back of the library, where Twilight was sitting in front of a computer, already eating her lunch.
“Twilight!” Pinkie Pie chirped running up to Twilight and embracing her from behind.
“Hey Pinkie Pie,” Twilight said turning to everyone, “Oh, Rainbow Dash is joining us too?”
“Rarity here was the one who suggested it,” Applejewel said with a shrug, “She stupidly faced Fluttershy an' saved Rainbow, effectively markin herself as public enemy number one.”
“Hold on, what?!” Twilight asked looking at Rarity, “You attacked Fluttershy?!”
“I couldn't take it,” Rarity said putting her hand on Rainbow Dash's shoulder, “Dashie here didn't deserve do be assaulted like that. I had to do something.”
“She was really cool looking,” Pinkie Pie said pulling out her camera, “I took pictures of the whole thing.”
Twilight looked at the pictures and was visibly impressed, “Wow. You look almost like you do this for a living.”
“Where I'm from, I kind of protect my more sensitive friends,” Rarity explained, “I'm not worried about Fluttershy, which is why I'm going to meet up with her after school.”
“What's after school?” Twilight asked.
“Fluttershy challenged Rarity to a fight after school,” Pinkie Pie said, “They're going to fight in the back alley.”
“Oh no!” Twilight said shooting up and running over to Rarity, “Rarity, you can't do this! That's Diamond Dog territory!”
“I know,” Rarity said, “It's the same in my world.”
“Wait… her world?” Dash asked looking at Rarity confused.
“Then you should know that you're about to get ambushed! Fluttershy doesn't play fair! Once she gets a hold of you-”
“Twilight!” Rarity said placing her hands on Twilight's shoulders, “I'll be fine. I've done this before.”
Twilight sighed shaking her head. Rainbow Dash walked over to them and lightly pulled at Twilight's shirt to get her attention.
“Um… what did she mean by "her world"?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Right, um,” Twilight looked at Rarity embarrassed, “This is a slightly bigger crowd than we wanted, but do you still…?”
“She's bound to find out eventually,” Rarity said, “Besides, you said Applejewel would be a skeptic anyway.”
“Does this have anythin to do with how ya knew my name yesterday?” Applejewel asked folding her arms, “No one knows my real name, so how you knew is sorta strange, and yer little outburst in front of Fluttershy is common knowledge in the school. Just who are you, Rarity?”
Rarity looked around at the girls surrounding her, and felt out of place. The only one who was remotely right was Twilight, but Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack looked like complete strangers.
“This is going to sound crazy,” Twilight said stepping forward, “But Rarity here does know all of us. Somehow she landed here from another world. Pinkie Pie, you remember what I said in my text, right?”
“I remember,” Pinkie Pie said, “I tested her myself. She knew my full name.”
“Hold on, hold on,” Applejewel said holding her hands up, “How did this happen, assumin yer tellin the truth.”
“That's the thing, I don't know,” Rarity said somberly, “I remember everything shifting around me, and I heard this creature's roar. It sounded like something out of this world.”
“A creature's roar?” Dash asked.
“Yes. I have no idea what it was, but that thing took my friend Sunset Shimmer,” Rarity said rubbing her arm, “I know this sounds odd, but I swear I'm telling the truth. I just wish to know what happened to my friend, and how I got here.”
“I think she's being serious girls,” Twilight said, “What reason would she have to lie about something like this?”
“It just doesn't make any sense,” Applejewel said, “Parallel worlds, creatures through portals.”
“She does know things she shouldn't know though,” Pinkie Pie said, “She knew both of our names, and I've been watching her go through the school, and she seems to know where everything is.”
“Hm…” Applejewel folded her arms, “Twilight, why do you believe this girl?”
“Honestly, I don't know,” Twilight said, “When I look at her though, something inside is telling me that she and I are supposed to be friends. Besides, I saw how upset she got. No one would be that upset over something she made up.”
“Um… if that's true,” Rainbow Dash said, “What's Fluttershy like in your dimension? Is she nicer?”
“Actually, she's a lot like you,” Rarity said, “You see, apparently in this dimension, I died in a car accident when I was seven. I survived it, but the Rarity here didn't.”
“This is all really elaborate,” Applejewel said, “Too elaborate for it ta be a lie.”
“Do you believe me?” Rarity asked Applejewel.
“Ah ain't so sure,” Applejewel said, “But, Ah'm willin ta give ya the benefit of the doubt. Ya don't seem like a bad person. Actually, ya seem good to a fault.”
“I've heard that before,” Rarity said smiling at Applejewel.
“So… how do we get her back to her dimension?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“That's what I've been trying to figure out,” Twilight said turning to the computer again, “Her situation does sort of match the story of Lavos, the Time Devourer, but that sounds a little too out there.”
“Until then,” Rarity said sitting down, “Why don't you tell me about Fluttershy? I figured while I'm here I might as well help out with a few things.”
“Won't that mess up the time space continuum or somethin?” Applejewel asked sitting down next to Rarity.
“I didn't travel through time,” Rarity said, “That shouldn't apply. It… won't… right?” Rarity asked.
“I'm sure you're fine,” Pinkie Pie said, “Worst case scenario we'll all have to explain how you just vanished all of a sudden.”
“Oh good,” Rarity said sighing in relief, “So, what sort of person is Fluttershy? You said she wasn't always like this?”
“She wasn't,” Rainbow Dash said looking down, “I… didn't want to say anything before, but you… did sort seem familiar to a girl I used to know in elementary school. She had hair like yours, and she and Fluttershy were always together, but I heard she was in an accident. After that, Fluttershy left the school for a bit.”
“How was she when she got back?” Rarity asked.
“She had a dark air about her,” Dash said, “She used to get bullied really bad, but one day she just snapped. She started fighting the bullies back, and at first she was fine, but after a while she just took it too far and became one herself.”
“Fluttershy was always unstable,” Rarity said, “She works at the animal shelter in my world, which I believe balanced her out, but I was the one who suggested that.”
“So without you, Fluttershy became a bully herself as a defense,” Twilight stated, “I kind of feel sorry for her now.”
“Ah don't have any sympathy for her,” Applejewel said daintily eating her lunch, “Her friend dyin doesn't excuse how she treats people.”
“So, with that in mind, what are you going to do?” Pinkie Pie asked, “Are you going to try and bring your Fluttershy out through her?”
“I don't think I can,” Rarity said sadly, “She's too far gone at this point. However, I feel I can at least help her see how much of a bitch she's being and plant the seeds of change.”
“What if you lose?” Dash asked, “Like Twilight said, Fluttershy doesn't play fair.”
“I won't lose,” Rarity said, “I've won in odds that were stacked against me before. This won't be any different.”
end song
At the end of the school day, Rarity walked straight to the back alleyway. Applejewel, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight all went with her, Twilight actually walking next to Rarity. In the alleyway, they found Fluttershy sitting on a dumpster as if it were a throne.
“Well well well, you've got guts, I'll give you that,” Fluttershy said smugly.
“Aren't you calm?” Rarity taunted, “When I saw you this afternoon, you were an absolute mess. Are you ready to apologize?”
“Apologize to Rainbow Trash over there? You've got to be kidding,” Fluttershy said with a laugh, “I'm so calm because there's no conceivable way you're going to win.”
“Oh?” Rarity asked.
“I'm the queen of this school. What's a queen without her knights?” Fluttershy asked before she snapped her fingers.
Out from behind the dumpster walked Rover, Fido, and Spot. Fido had a wooden bat in his hands, Spot was holding a trash can lid, and Rover pounded his fist in his palm. As they surrounded Rarity, her new friends were forced to back away.
“Rarity!” Twilight cried out, “I knew you couldn't play fair, Fluttershy!”
“It's called insurance,” Fluttershy taunted, “But I'll make you a deal Rarity. Get on your hands and knees, beg me to forgive you, and I'll tell my boys to be gentle with you.”
“This is terrible!” Rainbow Dash cried, “It's all my fault!”
“Ah'll get the teachers!” Applejewel said, “Vice-Principal Luna should-”
“Don't you dare!” Rarity called out stopping Applejewel, “If you think I'm going to be intimidated by this, you're sorely mistaken,” she noticed an old broom on the ground in front of her. Naturally, she picked it up, twirled it around above her, and got in her self taught stance, “Don't worry darlings, this will be over before you know it.”
Fluttershy's face was contorted into a scowl, “You're the kind of person I can't stand. Rover, Fido, Spot, I want this uppity bitch wrecked!”
“Yes ma'am!” the Diamond Dogs all said in unison.
Fido rushed at Rarity first, swinging his bat wildly. Rarity ducked out of the way and tripped him with her broom before whacking him in the head. Rover ran to tackle Rarity, but she moved out of the way forcing him to tackle Fido, knocking both of them to the ground.
Spot threw his trash can lit at Rarity, actually knocking her back a bit onto the ground. She rolled to her back just as Rover rushed over to her and tried to pin her to the ground.
“You smell real nice,” Rover said licking his lips, “Definitely my type.”
“Too bad you're not mine!” Rarity said kicking Rover back. She kicked to her feet twirling her broomstick above her head. She turned to Fido just in time, meeting his bat with her makeshift staff.
The two of them clashed weapons for a good while, until Rover got behind Rarity and tried to grab her. Rarity thrust her broom into Rover stomach, and then swung it to Fido's head, knocking them both back and onto the ground.
She turned to Spot, who immediately pushed past Twilight and the others running out of the alleyway. Fluttershy groaned in frustration.
“You boys are useless!” Fluttershy screamed jumping off the dumpster and pulling out two small daggers, “Fine! I'll just do it myself!”
“Fluttershy's got a knife!” Dash cried.
“This is getting really really good,” Pinkie Pie said, already recording the fight on her camera.
“Good?! She's gonna get hurt!” Applejewel cried, “We gotta do somethin!”
“No!” Rarity said, “This is between me and Fluttershy! You all stay out of it!”
Unknown to all of them, someone was watching the fight from a nearby roof, looking right at Fluttershy.
“I bet I can use her,” the figure said with a toothy grin, “Try to bring out the Singularity's latent abilities.”
She created a black orb in her hands, and threw it down at Fluttershy. When it hit the bully, she screamed in pain as a black aura engulfed her.
“W-what's going on with her?!” Applejewel asked.
“Wait, that's not a graphic on my camera…” Pinkie Pie said frowning at her camera.
“Rarity!” Twilight cried, Rainbow Dash simply covering her face in fear.
Fluttershy stood hunched forward a bit as if possessed, and then looked at Rarity with a demonic grin, her eyes glowing red. Rarity backed away a bit as Fluttershy began charging up green energy. She pointed her hands forward, creating a sharp gust of wind that knocked Rarity onto the ground.
“Rarity, are you okay?!” Twilight cried running to her side and helping her up.
“Something is wrong here,” Rarity said rising to her feet, “Was that Equestrian magic? It didn't look like it…”
“Equestrian magic…?” Twilight asked.
“Stay back,” Rarity said getting back in her stance, “There's something possessing Fluttershy!”
“I'm going to enjoy ruining that pretty face of yours,” Fluttershy said laughing like a mad woman, “Scream real loud for mommy now!”
Fluttershy rushed at Rarity slashing with her daggers. Rarity jumped away from the slashes, careful to not let Fluttershy hit her. After a second, Fluttershy began charging up that green energy again and shot another sharp gust of wind at Rarity, who rolled out of the way just in time.
Rarity landed on one knee and looked at Fluttershy as she sauntered over to her throwing one of her daggers up and down.
“Well, you talk a big game Rarity, but this might be it,” Rarity said to herself, “No! I can't die here! My friends, Sunset, they all need me! I have to get back to them!” Rarity tightened her grip on her broomstick, her hand being engulfed in black energy.
“What the…?” Twilight asked, looking at Rarity intently.
Rarity stood up and did the first thing that came naturally, allowing the new feeling building up in her chest to consume her. Black energy charged up around her, just like the green energy did for Fluttershy, and she held her hand forward. A black ball of energy built up in her hands, and she fired it at Fluttershy, actually knocking her back.
“Whoa!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, “Did that really happen, or is my camera acting up again?!”
“I think Rarity… just used magic…” Dash said in awe.
Rarity didn't know what she just used, but she felt like she could do it again if she built up energy. Brandishing her broomstick again, she braced herself as Fluttershy rushed over to her and slashed with her dagger. Rarity blocked each slash with her broom, and then began her own assault. She noticed that with each impact energy built up within her.
Could she…? Yes, she could use it again.
Rarity jumped away, and charged up that black energy again. Once again she held her hand out creating that black orb, launching it at Fluttershy. This time, Fluttershy went flying into a trash can. At the same time a black mist flew out of Fluttershy's body.
end song
Rarity stood up proudly as her friends all looked at her in shock. A second later, they all started cheering loudly and ran over to her.
“Ah don't believe it! You were tellin the truth!”
“You looked like a super hero! How did you do that thing with your hands?!”
“This is going on Youtube! I have to post this!”
“I thought you were going to die out there! I didn't know you could fight like that!”
“Girls, girls, please,” Rarity said, “I know I looked wonderful just now, but please hold off on the autographs,” a groan caught their attention. The five girls looked and saw Fluttershy shaking her head coming too. Rarity walked over to Fluttershy, her expression unreadable.
“What the hell…?” Fluttershy asked, “Why am I on the ground?” Fluttershy looked up in shock as Rarity stood over her, still holding her broomstick. Fluttershy looked away darkly, but was surprised to see Rarity hold her hand out. When she looked back at Rarity, she was greeted with a warm smile.
“Come now, sitting on the ground like that isn't becoming of a lady,” Rarity said. Fluttershy looked up at Rarity, eyes widening as a look of recognition came over her.
“R-Rarity…?” Fluttershy asked, slowly reaching for Rarity's hand. Right before grasping it though, she caught herself and slapped it away, “You stay away from me!”
Fluttershy stood up and ran out of the alleyway in tears.
“What's goin on with her?” Applejewel asked.
“She's just upset that she lost the fight,” Pinkie Pie said, “Which I'm still going to post to youtube.”
“Rarity, are you going to be okay?” Twilight asked.
“Y-yeah,” Rarity said now looking at her hand, wondering about that odd magic she used, “I'm fine.”
That night, Rarity found that she was having trouble sleeping. Not just because of her current situation that despite now having a few friends in this dimension hadn't improved much if at all, but also because of what happened during her fight with Fluttershy. What possessed Fluttershy that gave her those strange powers?
And how had Rarity gained power herself?
As Twilight slept next to her, Rarity lied on her back looking at her hand in both fear and confusion.
“What's happening to me?” Rarity asked herself, tearing up a bit, “Girls, I wish you were here with me. I miss you all dearly.”
An odd shadow from the window caught her attention. Rarity looked and saw the silhouette of someone standing outside of the window sill. They looked like they were dressed a bit like a jester or clown, but what struck Rarity was how familiar her curly hair looked.
“Pinkie… Pie…?” Rarity asked sitting up. The figure jumped down from the window, and Rarity shot out of bed and over to the window to find them. She saw someone running swiftly in the direction of the school.
Realizing that this might have been the only way for her to get answers, Rarity quickly got dressed and ran out of the room, unaware of how long Twilight had been awake and watching her in confusion.
Rarity stopped when she reached the school and looked around.
“Where are you?” Rarity asked, more so to herself.
“Rarity!” she heard from behind her. Rarity turned to see Twilight, fully dressed and on her bicycle riding over to her.
“Twilight? What are you doing here?” Rarity asked as Twilight stopped in front of her.
“Seriously? You're asking me that?” Twilight asked stepping off her bike, “You're the one who ran out of the house late at night like a crazy person.”
“I'm sorry, but I saw someone,” Rarity said turning back to the school, “They were watching me from the window, and I think they're involved with what happened to Fluttershy earlier. They might even know how I got here,” she saw the figure walk into the back alleyway, and she was almost floored, “Pinkie Pie?!” she cried out running after them. Twilight threw her bike to the ground and gave chase, stopping next to Rarity in the alleyway.
“Hold on…” Twilight asked looking at the mysterious woman before them, “Is that… Pinkie Pie?”
The woman turned to them a with a sinister yet sensual smile. She certainly looked like Pinkie Pie in the face, and her hair was closer to Rarity's Pinkie Pie, if not longer and fuller, looking closer to Adagio's style. She wore a black jester's top that was more like a fancy bra with red sleeve like fabric on her arms connecting to golden bracelets on her wrists, black panties with the same red fabric going down to gold anklets that showed off her shapely legs, and golden high heeled jester shoes. She wore black lipstick and had a red star made up on her right eye, and behind her was a large hula hoop that looked bladed.
“How right you are,” the Pinkie Pie lookalike said, “Or wrong, who can say? There are a lot of Pinkie Pies, you know,” she walked forward, “But I'm not here for you. The Singularity and I need to talk.”
“Singularity…?” Rarity asked.
“Did you enjoy my little gift today?” the jester Pinkie Pie said leaning forward with an odd smile, “The power of Elements are fantastic, right?”
“Elements…?” Rarity asked, her heart racing for some reason.
“The girl you were fighting has a green affinity, and the girl next to you I feel a white affinity from, but you, oh you're a rare one indeed. A black affinity,” jester Pinkie Pie giggled, “All you needed was a little push in the right direction.”
“You did that…” Rarity said, eyes wide, “You were the one who turned Fluttershy into that monster…”
“Wasn't that fun?” jester Pinkie Pie asked laughing, “I thought you'd get a kick out of that.”
“How could you…?” Rarity asked trembling, “She could have been seriously hurt…!”
“Besides giving your powers a push? Oh that's easy,” jester Pinkie Pie smiled showing off what appeared to be vampire fangs, “It. Was. Fun.”
“Fun?! FUN?!” Rarity screamed, grabbing the broom that she left in the alleyway earlier and swinging it at the jester who did a back flip out of the way, “My friends almost died today, just so you could have your fun?!”
“Pinkie Pie, t-this is a joke… right?” Twilight asked, slowly beginning to panic, “You're just messing with Rarity and I, right?”
“Is that what you think?” jester Pinkie Pie asked. She then spun around swinging her hips sexually as if dancing charging up blue energy. She then pointed her hand and Rarity and Twilight, and a sharp icicle appeared above her and shot down at the two of them. Rarity grabbed Twilight and jumped away just in time and then glared at the now confirmed evil jester.
“You…!” Rarity seethed. Sure, this person looked like her Pinkie Pie, and acted a bit like her, but she definitely was not her Pinkie Pie.
“You can call me Pinkamena,” the jester Pinkie Pie said spinning around and getting into her fighting stance, holding her large hoop at her side and swaying her hips back and forth slowly, “If it's a fight you want Rarity, I'm happy to oblige.”
Rarity stood up and got in her fighting stance. Immediately Pinkamena began charging up her element again, firing another icicle at Rarity, who this time blocked with her broomstick. Rarity then rushed at Pinkamena swinging her weapon at the demonic jester, who flipped out of the way of her all of her assaults.
Pinkamena kicked Rarity stunning her, rested her hula hoop on her wrist and spun it around slashing Rarity, knocking her onto the ground.
“Rarity!” Twilight screamed.
“Having fun yet?!” Pinkamena asked maniacally. She then began charging up her element, but this time a blue light converged on her body.
“Rarity, I think she just did something weird to herself!” Twilight said as Rarity stood up, “Brace yourself for her next attack!”
“Got it!” Rarity said. She then charged up her element (happy to see she could use that anytime she wanted) and then held her hand forward, creating her black orb. She mentally called this attack “Shadow Ball”.
She launched her attack at Pinkamena, who surprisingly took the attack head on and didn't seem too hurt by it.
“What?!” Rarity cried.
“Silly filly, you couldn't tell?” Pinkamena said dusting herself off, “Oh right, neither one of you probably have that skill. You see, I have a double attribute, blue and black. This means your elements don't have much effect on me.”
“Damn it…!” Rarity swore, realizing that she might have bitten off more than she could chew this time. Her “weapon” was nothing more than a simple broom, and her one trump card wouldn't work on this woman. She was in trouble this time.
“Why don't I show you what real black elements look like?” Pinkamena said, once again charging up energy, only this time it was black like Rarity. She then rushed toward Rarity holding her ring weapon behind her and started spinning around slashing Rarity, the hoop engulfed in black energy. Rarity was unable to block the attack and fell back onto the ground screaming in pain.
“RARITY!!!” Twilight screamed as Rarity's entire world went dark. The last thing she heard was Pinkamena's demonic yet giddy laughter.
end song
“Wake up!” Twilight urged, “Rarity, please get up!”
“Mmm… Twilight…?” Rarity asked coming to. She sat up slowly rubbing her head, “What happened?”
“Thank God!” Twilight said embracing Rarity, “I thought you had died!”
“Where's… Pinkamena?” Rarity asked looking around.
“She's gone,” Twilight said with a sigh, “She opened some sort of portal and then retreated inside.”
“Portal?” Rarity asked. Twilight pointed in the direction of the dumpster Fluttershy sat on earlier. Sure enough, there was an odd circular phenomenon still present in front of it. It was blue, and was sparking a bit.
“She said 'if you want to know the truth, take the plunge',” Twilight said, “Rarity, I don't think you should go.”
“I have to,” Rarity said standing up, “She knows how I got here, and probably how to get back to my home world.”
“But…”
“Thank you so much Twilight,” Rarity said, still looking at the portal, “Please, keep Dashie close. I'm certain Fluttershy will continue bullying her, but she'll have a harder time if she's with you and your friends.”
Rarity began walking to the portal, but Twilight grabbed her hand stopping her.
“I can't let you go alone Rarity,” Twilight said, “So… I'm coming with you.”
“Twilight!” Rarity exclaimed turning to the teen in shock.
“Something inside of me is screaming that I need to go with you,” Twilight said, “I don't know if it's because I'm afraid you'll die, or if it's some odd connection to your Twilight, but I have to go too.”
“Mmm…” Rarity really wasn't sure this was a good idea. Rarity didn't belong here anyway, but there wasn't a guarantee that they'd ever make it back to this dimension.
“Besides, two heads are better than one, right?” Twilight continued, “If we both go together, I can help you figure out why you were pulled out of your dimension.”
Rarity sighed. Twilight did have a point. Though she wasn't an idiot by any standards, Twilight was a lot smarter than Rarity. She needed someone with her who knew about that “Butterfly Effect” thing just in case it came up again. She didn't want Twilight to come with her, but she did need her help.
“Fine…” Rarity said, “But we need to find you a weapon. Until then, stay behind me, alright?”
Twilight nodded. The two of them looked at the portal apprehensively, nodded, and then jumped through to parts unknown as the portal closed behind them.
No turning back now. Rarity and Twilight's adventure awaited.
CHRONO
REFLECT
Author's Notes:
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Forest: Priestess of the Forest
Author's Notes:
So yeah, now that Code Lyoko EG is finished, this is my next major project. I have quite a few chapters written, but so I can stay ahead, I'm going to make this a weekly update, so look forward to a new chapter EVERY Tuesday.
Please consider supporting my Patreon!
Forest – Priestess of the Forest
Deep in the lush greenery of Canterlot Forest, the latest girl to be sacrificed to their masters was being brought to the tribute site. Though she was screaming and begging everyone to release her, the young red haired girl's cries fell on deaf ears. They didn't want to do this to little Apple Bloom, but they didn't have a choice.
Further away, her older sister “Applejack” was frantically screaming at the elders to release her little sister. Sadly, all she could do was watch helplessly as they bound the girl's wrists behind her back and then tied the rope to a tree, preventing her from running away.
“No!” Applejack screamed, “Let sister go! Please! I be sacrifice instead!” one of the men pulled Applejack away as the group left the little girl, “Apple Bloom! APPLE BLOOM!!!”
“APPLEJACK!!!” Apple Bloom screamed. Unfortunately, the crowd left, leaving the poor preteen girl alone in the forest. She pulled frantically at the bindings, but it was futile. She was bound too tightly to the tree. All she could do was weep loudly and await her fate.
The true owners of the forest would come and claim her soon.
Elsewhere in Canterlot Forest, the young priestess of the village hid in the bushes watching a pack of deer graze. She knew that the Chief didn't approve of her leaving the village to hunt, but she couldn't stay cooped up in the village. She may have been a woman, but she had the blood of a hunter.
The priestess pulled out her dagger and was about to lunge at the game in front of her, but an odd sound caught her and the deers' attention. It sounded almost like something opening. Sadly, the animals were startled by the sound and ran off, leaving the pink haired priestess alone in the forest.
She sighed, but then put her attention to the odd sound ahead. Something was calling her there. She probably should have gone back to the village soon, but this was something she just couldn't ignore.
Rarity and Twilight emerged from the portal in what appeared to be a lush forest. Rarity stepped forward and looked around before groaning in frustration.
“Hrm… this isn't my world,” Rarity said. Twilight turned around to the portal and saw it close, vanishing from sight. She laughed awkwardly and nervously.
“There goes the door,” Twilight said, “I hope my teachers aren't upset at me for missing midterms.”
“Strange,” Rarity said, “There doesn't seem to be any civilization in sight. There's just an endless forest.”
An animal growl caught their attention. They turned around and saw two large wild boars growling at them. They looked larger than most boars, almost looking like monsters.
“My guess,” Twilight said nervously, “any humans alive were probably eaten by those!”
“Remember when I said to stay behind me?” Rarity asked holding her broomstick at the ready, “Now's the time to exercise that!”
The boar on the left charged at Rarity, who pushed Twilight out of the way before taking the blow head on. She flipped to her feet and charged at the boar and swung her broom at the boar. Sadly the “weapon” broke on contact.
Shoot, Rarity thought. Now she really needed a real weapon.
The second boar rushed at Rarity, but she jumped to the side out of the way near Twilight, who was sitting on the ground helplessly.
“Try using that black thing!” Twilight suggested.
“I need to build up energy to use that, and the only way is to attack! I can't do that without a weapon!” Rarity shouted. The boars circled around the two girls as they huddled together.
Right before they could charge at Rarity and Twilight though, something charged past them at high speed knocking one of the boars to the side. Rarity and Twilight looked to see who their savior was, and neither one of them knew what to make of it.
It was Fluttershy.
This Fluttershy had super long pink hair that was extremely full and fell over her shoulders along with going past her waist. She wore a light brown bra shaped top to loosely cover her bosom, a long loincloth that fell to her knees matching the bra that also had a long tail falling behind her, and dark brown boots. On her face were six black markings that looked like whiskers, and she had two daggers in her hands along with a spear strapped to her back.
“Holy…” Twilight said, mirroring Rarity's shock, “That looks like… Fluttershy.”
Tribal Fluttershy hunched forward like a beast, actually growling at the boars. They charged at her, but she jumped over them landing behind the animals. She then rushed over to one and slashed at it a few times. To Rarity, it seemed like she was choosing to modulate her attacks by impact, making some slashes stronger than others.
After a while, she jumped away and began charging up green energy. She then pointed both hands forward, creating two sharp gusts of wind at the second boar, actually knocking it far back. Rarity shot up and ran over to the tribal version of Fluttershy.
“Can I borrow your spear?” Rarity asked, afraid that this Fluttershy wouldn't have understood her. To her pleasant surprise though, she nodded and handed her the spear.
“You use spear! Fight other one!” Fluttershy requested. Her English was broken, but Rarity could understand her well enough. Rarity took the spear and nodded. She got back in her fighting stance and engaged the boar that Fluttershy just hit, this time actually hurting it.
Once she gathered enough energy, Rarity charged up her element, launching her Shadow Ball at the boar. When it fell back, it didn't wake up.
Rarity turned to the other boar just in time to see this world's Fluttershy deliver the finishing blow to it. She couldn't believe her eyes. Seeing Fluttershy take a life, and fight on such a professional level threw her for almost as much of a loop as seeing her as a bully.
end song
Twilight ran over to Rarity and embraced her.
“Oh my God, that was too close!” Twilight cried, “I thought we were going to die!”
“Shh, it's alright darling,” Rarity said comforting her friend, “Everything worked itself out,” Rarity noticed the tribal Fluttershy circling them closely, “Um…”
Tribal Fluttershy started sniffing the two of them, getting super close to them, to the point where Twilight was clearly starting to get a little uncomfortable.
“Uh… Rarity… she's smelling us,” Twilight said.
“I realize…” Rarity said, smiling calmly. Something told her that this Fluttershy was more animal like than just cosmetically.
“Smell like fruit,” Fluttershy said softly, “Strong smell, but nice.”
“You understand us?” Rarity asked tribal Fluttershy.
“I understand,” Fluttershy said, “You speak man speak, like people from village.”
“That's right,” Rarity said placing her hand on her chest, “I'm Rarity. This is my friend Twilight,” she continued, pointing to her friend.
“Rar…ity… Twi…light…” tribal Fluttershy held her hand to her chest, “Fluttershy.”
“Oh, so you have the same name as-” Twilight was cut off by Rarity hitting her arm.
“It's truly a pleasure to meet you, Fluttershy,” Rarity said, “Do you live here alone?”
Fluttershy shook her head, “Village home. Come, I take you there where safe.”
Fluttershy turned and walked deeper into the forest, Rarity and Twilight following closely.
“I am so not used to seeing Fluttershy act so nice,” Twilight whispered.
“This is refreshing for me,” Rarity whispered, “Except for how she's dressed and the way she talks, she seems more like the Fluttershy I grew up with,” Rarity ran to Fluttershy's side and held the spear to her, “Here, I think this belongs to you.”
“You keep,” Fluttershy said, “I only bring as last resort, but prefer daggers.”
“Ahh,” Rarity nodded, “Where is this place?”
“This Canterlot Forest,” Fluttershy said, “Share forest with Wolf Tribe.”
“Are there any cities anywhere?” Twilight asked.
“Cities…?” Fluttershy asked turning her head in confusion, “What is cities?”
“You know, large buildings, cars, TVs, things like that? Things outside of the forest?” Twilight pressed. The way Fluttershy looked at Twilight was both sad and hilarious.
“Nothing is outside of forest,” Fluttershy said, “Forest is all there is.”
“How can that-” Twilight asked, but Rarity grabbed her arm.
“Excuse us Fluttershy,” Rarity said leading Twilight away a bit, “Twilight, we're confusing the poor thing.”
“She's confused? What about me? How can there be nothing outside of the forest?” Twilight asked.
“You were talking about that Butterfly Effect thing, right?” Rarity asked, “What if this is the result of that? Could the Butterfly Effect change the world to be a forest like world?”
“Hm… come to think of it, that could be possible,” Twilight said, “The change would have to have occurred sometime thousands of years ago, but essentially yeah. There could be a world so drastically different from ours that it resulted in this.”
“Different world?”
Twilight screamed in shock as Fluttershy now stood next to them, “Fluttershy, don't scare me like that!”
“You say different world?” Fluttershy asked tilting her head to the side, “What is “oifferent world”?”
“Ahh, that's a little complicated,” Rarity said, “You see darling, I don't know if you'd believe us, but Twilight and I-” they heard a girl scream in the distance. Fluttershy immediately turned in the direction of the scream.
end song
“Apple Bloom!” Fluttershy cried out. Rarity ran after her without question, but Twilight looked around nervously.
“Oooh, I pray this doesn't become a habit of hers!” Twilight said running after her friend and their guide. The three of them stopped seeing what looked like three anthropomorphic wolves, two with spears, and one holding a bow with a quiver of arrows, circling around a young girl with long messy red hair wearing a one piece dress made of the same animal fur as Fluttershy's, but much less revealing as she was a child.
A child that looked like Apple Bloom.
Fluttershy growled and rushed at the wolf men standing in between them and Apple Bloom.
“Fluttershy!” Apple Bloom cried happily.
“You not take Apple Bloom!” Fluttershy stated, “Leave now!”
“Child latest sacrifice,” the wolf man in the middle said, “Unless you want sacrifice yourself, High Priestess.”
High Priestess? Is the Fluttershy here someone if import?
“I not give myself to you or Chief!” Fluttershy said, “Free like wind! No man take away freedom!”
“This is getting intense…” Twilight said, “Come on Rarity… let's get out of here…”
“No,” Rarity said gripping the spear tightly.
“No?! Rarity, this isn't our business!” Twilight said.
“Fluttershy didn't abandon us, so I'm not going to abandon her,” Rarity said. She then ran over to Fluttershy's side, “I'm helping!”
Fluttershy nodded and pulled out her daggers. Twilight shook her head and ran to untie Apple Bloom while her friends engaged the wolf men.
The two with spears engaged Rarity, who immediately began to notice the difference between her self taught skills and their professional fighting prowess. She was easily getting overwhelmed.
“Ugh! This is harder than I thought!” Rarity said, holding her spear in front of her to defend as one spear wielding wolf kicked her into a tree.
Fluttershy slashed her opponent and kicked him back, and then turned to Rarity's fight. She charged up her element and shot her wind blade attack at one of the wolves, catching his attention. Rarity used that as her chance to get a few lucky slashes in with his back turned, and then charged up her element, firing her Shadow Ball at the wolf behind Fluttershy, killing him.
Fluttershy rushed over to the second spear wielding wolf and grappled him to the ground while Rarity continued to clash weapons with her opponent.
After Apple Bloom was untied, Twilight looked at the fallen wolf and ran over to him, grabbing his bow and an arrow. She pointed the arrow at the wolf Rarity was fighting, and shot him point blank in the back.
Rarity tripped him and knocked him to the ground before turning to Twilight, “You're an archer?”
“I took lessons back home,” Twilight said, “I'll be fine using this weapon.”
Rarity ran over to Fluttershy just as she was kicked off her opponent. Rarity stood in front of her and charged up her element, once again launching her black hole attack and knocking the last one out.
end song
Fluttershy slowly rose to her feet and looked at Rarity wide eyed.
“Are you okay?” Rarity asked Fluttershy, who immediately embraced her tightly, “Uh…”
“You save me and Apple Bloom,” Fluttershy said sweetly, “When one act to save another, it sign of eternal friendship.”
“I see,” Rarity said smiling and returning the embrace, thinking about the irony of the situation, “Well then, I suppose that makes us friends.”
Fluttershy released Rarity and walked over to Apple Bloom, “You safe now, Apple Bloom.”
“Fluttershy, I sacrifice to Wolf Tribe…” Apple Bloom said sadly, “Why you save me?”
“I not agree with tribe law,” Fluttershy said stroking Apple Bloom's face lovingly, “Come, we take you home now. Sister will be happy.”
Fluttershy took Apple Bloom's hand and walked off as Twilight went over to Rarity's side.
“You heard that, right?” Twilight asked Rarity, “She was a sacrifice?”
“Mm hm,” Rarity nodded folding her arms, “I'm willing to bet there's a lot more to this. Come on.”
Twilight tied the arrow quiver to her back with Rarity's help, and they caught up with Fluttershy and Apple Bloom, both anxious to see what would happen at Fluttershy's home.
As they left, Pinkamena walked out from behind a tree watching them leave.
“Oh Rarity, you're so naive,” Pinkamena said shaking her head, “No good deed goes unpunished, and I'm going to have to show you exactly why that is.”
She sauntered over to the leader and slapped him in the face, “Hey, wake up.”
“Hrm… who are you…?” the wolf man asked.
“Someone that's gonna soon become your best friend,” Pinkamena said with a sensual smirk, “Take me to your leader, and I'll make sure those girls pay for backing out of the tribute.”
“We could just take you,” the wolf man said gripping Pinkamena by her hair, “You fertile woman.”
Pinkamena giggled, “Sorry hon,” she grabbed his neck pinning him to the ground and making him release her, “I'm off the market, and you're not my type. Now, are you ready to listen, or am I going to have to play a little rougher?”
Rarity thought that a village of people who lived in the forest would be dirtier, but she was surprised by how clean everything was here. There were different smells, mostly earthy scents, but nothing unpleasant. Actually, she was initially surprised by how pleasant it was to be around Fluttershy, who since the last fight had become somewhat clingy to Rarity. It seemed that she had somewhat imprinted onto Rarity.
Well, she didn't mind. Actually, she could remember a time when her Fluttershy would lean into her holding onto her arm just like this.
When they arrived in what Rarity and Twilight had learned was called Canterlot Village, they saw a familiar blond sitting under a tree crying her eyes out.
“Sister!” Apple Bloom cried out. The woman, confirmed to be this dimension's Applejack, perked up at the sound of Apple Bloom's voice. When she turned to Fluttershy and her group, she teared up covering her mouth in shock.
“Apple… Bloom…?” she asked trembling, “Apple Bloom!”
Apple Bloom and Applejack ran into each others arms and embraced. Applejack then turned to Fluttershy holding her sister in her arms.
“You save sister?” Applejack asked.
“Not alone,” Fluttershy said pulling Rarity and Twilight forward, “These friends now. They save Apple Bloom and me.”
Applejack went up to Rarity and Twilight and hugged them, “Thank you for saving sister!”
“It was our pleasure,” Rarity said, she and Twilight returning the embrace.
“Fluttershy!” a familiar authoritative sounding voice called out. They saw this world's Luna walking up to them, flanked by this world's Macintosh and Shining Armor. She was wearing a dark gray wolf skin two piece dress and a head piece that looked almost like a crown made of animal fangs. She did not look happy, and the air she was giving off scared Rarity a bit.
“Chief Luna,” Fluttershy said stepping forward and bowing. Chief Luna walked over to Fluttershy and slapped her.
“Hey!” Rarity shouted.
“What was that for?!” Twilight asked.
“Inside hut, now!” Chief Luna ordered, storming deeper inside of the village. Rarity walked over to Fluttershy and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Fluttershy, is everything okay?” Rarity asked.
“Come with me to chief's hut,” Fluttershy said, “You learn everything there.”
Fluttershy led Twilight and Rarity to the chief's hut, where they saw Chief Luna kneeling in the middle of the hut waiting for them. Fluttershy knelt down in front of Chief Luna, and Twilight and Rarity knelt down next to her.
“You not only interrupt tribute,” Chief Luna said sternly, “you also bring outsiders. You bring ruin to our village.”
“Wolf Tribe not use women to appease Lavos!” Fluttershy retaliated, “Wolf Tribe use women as playthings! They not believe in Lavos! Also, outsiders are friends! They save life! I bring them to village because they have nowhere else to go!”
Chief Luna shook her head, “Too kind, Fluttershy. One day, kindness will get you and everyone in trouble.”
“Um, excuse me,” Twilight said raising her hand, “Could I ask why that girl was left outside? Those men looked like they were going to hurt her.”
Chief Luna sighed, “Wolf Tribe own most of forest. They stronger than us, and are ones chosen by Lavos, God of Forest.”
“Lavos again…?” Rarity asked herself, remembering when Twilight brought up Lavos briefly before.
“They say, in order to appease Lavos, we must give female children as sacrifice,” Chief Luna continued.
“Wolves lie,” Fluttershy said folding her arms, “Lavos not real. They just use Lavos as excuse to steal women and take freedom.”
Rarity thought that was interesting. Not a lot of people knew that her Fluttershy was actually an atheist. Even though she grew up from a strict Christian household, Fluttershy herself was apathetic to spirituality, believing that people needed to be kind to everyone regardless of who was watching, and hated how people used religion as an excuse to be nice one minute yet criticize people the next.
This Fluttershy had a lot in common with her Fluttershy.
“You are High Priestess,” Chief Luna scolded, “Why continue to deny Lavos?”
“I not believe or support God that endangers tribe,” Fluttershy said, “I go to lake now. Wash off hunt.”
“Fluttershy!” Chief Luna called out. Sadly her words fell on deaf ears, as Fluttershy ignored her and walked out of the hut. Luna pinched the bridge of her nose, “That child will be death of us.”
“We didn't mean to cause you any trouble,” Rarity said, “We're searching for someone named Pinkamena, and we have reason to believe she's somewhere in this wor- er, forest.”
“We don't have anywhere else to go,” Twilight said, “Could we possibly stay here until we find the person we're searching for?”
Luna considered them for a long time before she sighed, “I must talk with sister. She is Village Seer, so she know what to do. For now, you may stay in village, but you will be Fluttershy's responsibility.”
“Thank you,” Rarity said, she and Twilight bowing. Both of them stepped out of the hut, unaware of the other figure watching them leave. They looked intently at Rarity, and then stepped back deeper inside the hut.
“Well, we're going to be here for a while,” Rarity said, “What are you going to do?”
“I think I want to take a look around,” Twilight said, “It's not every day that you end up in another dimension, you know? What about you?”
“I'm going to search for Fluttershy,” Rarity said, “The Chief said we're her responsibility, and there are a few things I wanted to ask her.”
“I know that the Fluttershy you're used to is really nice, but to me, this is just so weird,” Twilight admitted, “She looks like her, sounds like her, but acts completely different.”
“I know,” Rarity said, “But to me, this is more like how Fluttershy is supposed to be. Kind to a fault, affectionate, and full of courage.”
“Your Fluttershy sounds wonderful,” Twilight said wistfully, “I wish I could have met her.”
“I wish so too,” Rarity said, starting to feel a little misty eyed thinking about her best friend, “I think I saw a body of water down this pathway.”
“Rarity,” Twilight touched Rarity's shoulder, “Do you miss your Fluttershy?”
“She was my dearest friend back in my world,” Rarity said, “I guess… seeing a Fluttershy that's so much like my own… I just want to get closer to her is all.”
“I think I understand,” Twilight said before looking back at the hut they left with an odd smile, “So question… if you meet someone in another dimension who's another imagining of a sibling… is it still considered incest?”
“Twilight!” Rarity shouted aghast, “You were not eyeing Shining Armor!”
“He wasn't wearing a shirt!” Twilight whined, “He's like, a total dream boat!”
“I am not having this conversation with you,” Rarity said, trying not to laugh.
“Come on, just tell me your opinion!” Twilight urged, “I need to know if I'm creepy for thinking that an alternate version of my big brother best friend forever is totally hot!”
“Good bye Twilight,” Rarity said waving her off and walking away.
“I'm going to do it,” Twilight said, “I'm totally going to flirt with him.”
“I'm looking for Fluttershy,” Rarity said.
“I'll put in a good word for you!” Twilight said. Rarity ignored her friend and continued to make her way to the lake. She didn't know if her Twilight was so flirtatious, but if she was, that meant they actually had a lot more in common than Rarity thought, which was nice. When she made it back to her dimension, she'd have to go shopping with her Twilight.
end song
It didn't take long to find the lake. She did have to ask around a bit, but the locals were all friendly enough and led her in the right direction. When she arrived at the lake she saw Fluttershy's clothes hanging on a nearby tree branch.
Realizing that Fluttershy probably wasn't decent at the moment, Rarity was about to rush away, but was caught off guard by someone rising out of the water suddenly. It was Fluttershy, and goodness gracious she was beautiful.
Fluttershy turned to Rarity and smiled warmly, her long hair covering her breasts perfectly and her lower body still submerged in the water. Rarity didn't know if she were lesbian or bi-sexual, but seeing another girl naked was definitely a little embarrassing.
“Friend, you search for me?” Fluttershy asked.
“Um, I was hoping we could talk for a bit,” Rarity said, her face turning red as she looked away, “but you look like you might want privacy, so I'll just leave you be.”
“No!” Fluttershy called out stopping Rarity, “I not mind. Please stay. It nice to have friend to talk to.”
Rarity sighed and sat down on a nearby stone as Fluttershy turned her back to Rarity and continued to wash. This gesture was actually really intimate, but Rarity figured that it was just the norm for tribe members to see each other like this.
“The Chief said that Twilight and I are to stay with you,” Rarity said.
“Good,” Fluttershy said, “I not have many friends in village.”
“Is it because you don't believe in Lavos?” Rarity asked, “I wanted to ask, why don't you? You're the High Priestess of your village, right?”
“I am,” Fluttershy sighed looking forlorn, “Not always without faith. When I become High Priestess, believe in Lavos. But then Wolf Tribe leader begin asking us to give us women from our tribe, using Lavos' name to control us.”
“I see,” Rarity said, “After that, you lost faith in Lavos. After all, what sort of just God would give his power to such disgusting people?”
Fluttershy nodded, “People stop coming to shrine for worship. Religion become tainted, and stop making me feel good. So, I use worship time to hunt instead. Hunt make me feel strong. It empower me.”
“I wish the Fluttershy I knew could become strong like you,” Rarity said softly, catching herself when Fluttershy turned to her, “Oh sorry! I guess that sounds weird to you.”
“No… I assume you not from forest,” Fluttershy said, “You and Twilight dress funny, and you not smell like forest. Also, I hear strange sound before you appear. Was that from other world?”
“It was,” Rarity said hugging her knees, “I'm not sure if you'll believe me, but Twilight and I are from another world.”
“I not understand,” Fluttershy said stepping out of the water and going to her clothes, which were now dry.
“It's really hard to explain, but I guess where we're from, there isn't a lush forest like this, nor is there magic and monsters. Twilight and I aren't from the same world though. I was pulled from my world by some sort of creature, and a friend of mine is in a lot of danger,” Rarity teared up a bit, “Oh, I miss my friends so much.”
Fluttershy, now fully dressed, knelt down next to Rarity and began nuzzling her lovingly.
“You sad, sad person,” Fluttershy said, “I not completely understand, but believe you.”
“You do…?” Rarity asked, once again surprised by how quickly someone believed her.
“You not lying. Tears are genuine,” Fluttershy said, “You feel sad, I feel sad. That sign of bond. I not believe in Lavos, but I believe in you.”
“Fluttershy…” Rarity said, touched by Fluttershy's kind words. Looking into Fluttershy's eyes, she saw a brief flash of her Fluttershy, gazing into Rarity's eyes with the same kind, loving expression.
“When you one day go, I feel sad, but I still help you,” Fluttershy said looking into Rarity's eyes, “Seer says that in world, there are people destined by stars to be close. I believe that us. You and I… sisters under stars.”
Rarity smiled taking Fluttershy's hands, “I would love that, Fluttershy. Thank you.”
Fluttershy beamed, and then hugged Rarity tightly. It was sudden, and Rarity's heart was racing a bit from the intimacy of it, but she soon returned the gesture, silently wishing she were hugging her Fluttershy in this manner.
You're not my Fluttershy… but you're close enough.
end song
After spending a bit more time with Fluttershy, Rarity decided to head back to the village. Fluttershy offered to go with her, but Rarity suddenly felt really emotional and wanted to be alone for a bit. As she walked through the village, she saw a familiar woman sitting in front of a fancy statue looking up at the moon. She wore a long white animal skin bra top, matching skirt that was long and open on both sides, and had multicolored hair and a fancy head piece.
Is that… this world's Celestia?
Celestia turned to Rarity, smiled, and beckoned Rarity to come closer. Rarity looked around nervously, and then walked over to Celestia, who continued to regard her with a warm smile.
“Had feeling I meet you here,” Celestia said warmly, “Waited for long time to meet you, Rarity.”
Rarity's heart was racing. She had never been to this world, and as far as she knew, memories didn't carry over between alternate selves. That being said…
How did this world's Celestia know Rarity's name?
Forest: Fluttershy's Sacrifice
Forest – Fluttershy's Sacrifice
Pinkamena stood in front of the Wolf Tribe leader, Greymane. He was a large anthropomorphic wolf wearing a red shirt and golden pants, both made of animal skin. He had a black eye-patch on his left eye, which had a large visible scar. While he was intimidating to most, Pinkamena was afraid in the slightest.
“Ritual is important to us,” Greymane said, his voice low like a growl, “Women of Canterlot Tribe used to appease rage of Lavos.”
Pinkamena laughed to herself, “You don't have to lie to me. We both know what you're really using the women here for.”
Greymane laughed, “You not understand. We use women to appease rage of Lavos within us.”
“Ahh, I see,” Pinkamena said laughing, “You know what? That's actually pretty funny. I like anyone who can tell a good joke. So, want my help with the punchline?”
“You help us? Why?” Greymane asked.
“You see, the one who interrupted the ritual was actually an outsider like me,” Pinkamena said, “I think she needs to be taught a lesson in getting involved in things that aren't her business, don't you?”
Greymane barred his teeth angrily, “Yes, outsider pay for ruining ritual.”
“So I'm gonna give you a present,” Pinkamena said sauntering over to Greymane, a black orb forming in her hand, “Something that I know you'll think is fun.”
Rarity stood in front of this world's Celestia, eyes wide in shock. How had she known her name? Did she recognize her as the Rarity of this dimension? No, that couldn't be it. No one else knew who she was, and she didn't see herself anywhere in this village, meaning she probably lived in another village.
So, how did Celestia…?
“Don't be alarmed,” Celestia said, “I am Village Seer. I see all, within forest and without.”
“I see,” Rarity said, “So… you also know the truth about me?”
“That you are traveler from another time? Yes,” Celestia said turning her attention to the moon again, “You lose something, something of import.”
“Y-yes,” Rarity said looking away pained, “A friend of mine is in danger, and the fate of my own world is up in the air at the moment.”
Celestia nodded, “Come with me. We continue conversation inside.”
Celestia wordlessly stood up and walked off. Rarity thought that was odd, but she shrugged and followed after Celestia. She thought she was taking her to the Chief's hut, but instead she took her to a hut with a butterfly sown above the entrance. When they went inside, Rarity saw Twilight already sitting there.
“Rarity?” Twilight asked, her eyes suddenly going wide, “C-Celestia?! What are-” she stopped when she realized what was going on, “Wait, you're… shoot, um…”
Celestia giggled, “You are fine, Twilight. I know where you and Rarity come from.”
“You do?” Twilight asked, “Rarity, did you tell her about the other worlds?”
“I didn't have to,” Rarity said, “She knew about that already. At least, I think she does.”
Celestia sat down in the middle of the room, and Rarity sat next to Twilight.
“You two come from different places,” Celestia said, “Same at core, but different, like apple of different skins.”
“An apple?” Rarity asked. Celestia reached for a basket nearby, and pulled out two apples: one red and one yellow, and threw one to each girl. Rarity getting the yellow apple, and Twilight getting the red one.
“Outside, apples look different. One color of blood, while other is closer to color of earth. Yet, does either one stop being apple?” Celestia asked.
“No,” Twilight said, “Both are still apples. It's just one was picked earlier than the other one.”
Celestia nodded, “Very good Twilight. Now, bite into apples, and tell me what you see.”
Both girls bit into their respective apples, and then looked at them. There really wasn't anything special about the two apples, at least nothing that Rarity saw.
“They're just apples,” Rarity said, “I don't see what-”
“No wait, I think I get it,” Twilight said, “Both of them look the same inside, right?”
Celestia nodded smiling, “Yes. At their centers, both apples are same. Maybe they taste different, but they look same. That is where you come from. Same place, but different.
“In case of where you are now,” Celestia reached for another basket, this time pulling out a pear, “Represented by different fruit all together. Pear looks similar to apple, inside and out, yet texture, taste, all is different,” she bit into her pear, and then showed them the inside, “From here, can't see difference. Only through experiencing pear can you tell how different it is from apple.”
“So we are in another dimension,” Rarity said somberly, “One that isn't anywhere near my own…”
“Rarity…” Twilight said rubbing Rarity's back comfortingly.
“Answers lie with Lavos,” Celestia said, “Must seek Lavos to learn truth.”
“Lavos?” Rarity asked, “How would your god be able to help me?”
“Mmm, not everything is as it appears,” Celestia said, “You not find answers here. Answers lie in another place,” she closed her eyes, “There you meet someone. Friend who is not human, or even alive in sense of us. Yet, they are alive, and wish to help you. This friend is one you will both recognize,” she then pointed to Twilight, “But only you can awaken friend from slumber.”
“Um… when you say “awaken”, that doesn't mean I'll have to… um…” Twilight asked, her face turning red. It didn't look like Celestia understood, but Rarity couldn't help but laugh a bit.
“Don't mind her,” Rarity said, “I'm sure it'll make sense when we get there. Um, how do you know all of this?”
“I know because I see,” Celestia closed her eyes and smiled peacefully, “Time, space, not separate like people think. See everything as clearly as I see this moment,” she stood up and walked to the entrance, “Tonight, you will face challenge. Fail, and lose more. Succeed, and you will move to next place. I see you there.”
Celestia winked to Rarity and then walked out. Rarity frowned a bit as she left, thinking about the odd thing she said.
“See you there?” Twilight asked, “What does she mean by that?”
“I don't know,” Rarity said, “Nor do I know what she means about Lavos being the answer, or us not finding the answers here.”
“Maybe she means we'll find them in another world,” Twilight said lying down, “I was thinking, their God is called Lavos, right?”
“Yes, which if I recall you mentioned is an urban legend in your world, right?” Rarity asked lying down next to Twilight.
“In my world, there's a legend of a monster called the Lavos, Time Devourer,” Twilight explained, “It's said to be a monster able to consume whole dimensions. I thought it was interesting, because your situation matched a part of the legend.”
“If I may ask, what part?” Rarity asked.
“I don't exactly remember the whole story, but I'll paraphrase to the best of my ability. A long time ago, there was a boy who was on a beach. As he looked out on the water, Lavos pulled him away from his beach to another world. It looked like his world, but so much had changed. What was terrifying was that this was a world where he himself no longer existed.”
“Just like… me...” Rarity said, “What happened to this boy? Do you know?”
“I think he ultimately found and fought Lavos himself, but no one knows the outcome of the fight. It's said however that the boy was able to eventually return to his plane of existence, so that's good,” Twilight said.
“Yes it is,” Rarity said, “If my situation is the same as his, then that bodes well for me and mine. Still, it's interesting how both your world and this one know the name Lavos.”
“So you think we'll learn more about Lavos in another world?” Twilight asked.
“It's the best bet I can think of,” Rarity said with a yawn, “This could get dangerous. I wish you weren't involved, Twilight.”
Twilight shook her head, “I had to come, Rarity. If it's dangerous for me, then it's also dangerous for you as well. I don't have powers like you do, but that doesn't mean I can't protect you. We're friends, Rarity, and I'm never leaving your side.”
“Twilight… thank you,” Rarity said, tearing up a bit and holding out her pinkie.
“You're welcome, Rarity,” Twilight said, smiling warmly and locking pinkies with Rarity.
Fluttershy walked around the village searching for her friends. Maybe she should have gone with Rarity at least back to the hut so she'd know where-
“Fluttershy,” Celestia said behind Fluttershy. She turned to Celestia and bowed.
“Seer, I…”
“Friends safe,” Celestia said, “I take them to hut. Probably asleep now.”
“Good,” Fluttershy said, “Seer, did I do bad thing?”
“Bad thing?” Celestia asked.
“Bringing friends to village, and interrupting ritual. I not believe in ritual, and hate sacrificing women, but Chief say I put village in danger,” Fluttershy looked away somberly and teared up, “I always screw up. This why I not have friends in village.”
“Child, you are pure of heart,” Celestia said placing her hands on Fluttershy's shoulder, “You follow heart. That's why you save Apple Bloom and bring outsiders to village. There will be consequences for actions, but everything that happens is supposed to happen. Also, you wrong. You do have friends. Always have friends, just didn't meet them until today.”
“Rarity and Twilight friends, but friends leave soon. When friends leave, I alone again,” Fluttershy started crying, “Not want friends to leave. Not want to be alone.”
Celestia embraced Fluttershy tightly, “You love them, don't you?”
“Can't explain it, but I do,” Fluttershy said, “When I see Rarity, felt happiness like never before. Like seeing old friend. Friend that disappear, that I miss. I not want to lose friend again.”
“When time comes, friends will leave forest,” Celestia said, “Can't change that, can't force to stay. Friends have important journey.”
“I know…” Fluttershy said somberly.
“But, that not mean friends go alone,” Celestia said. Fluttershy looked at the seer wide eyed.
“You mean, friends leave forest, I leave forest?” Fluttershy asked.
“Up to you,” Celestia said, “You face tough journey, see things that will scare you, but will be close to friends, and even meet other friends.”
“But… I never leave forest…” Fluttershy looked down, “Forest all I know.”
“You stronger than you know,” Celestia caressed Fluttershy's cheek, “Grace of butterfly, but heart of lion. Need courage, either to say goodbye to friends, or go with friends. Choice is yours.”
With that, Celestia walked off back to her and Chief Luna's hut. Fluttershy walked to her own hut, which being the High Priestess was one of the bigger and nicer ones. Inside, she saw her two friends lying together, fingers locked as they slept peacefully.
Fluttershy sat down next to Rarity and started caressing her face lovingly.
“Rarity… friend…” Fluttershy said to herself, “Best… friend…” she lied down behind Rarity, spooning her and embracing her from behind, “Protect friend… no matter what.”
Soon, she fell asleep, a familiar feeling coming over her. A feeling of comfort, and familiarity. It was almost like she had done this with someone once before, only somehow different.
Like… maybe in another time, Rarity was the one embracing her.
end song
Greymane and his men approached the village late at night. There wasn't a large army, just him and a few of his best warriors. Since the people of Canterlot village weren't naturally strong fighters, they wouldn't be able to defend themselves.
Which was good. He wanted to make sure they paid for going against their word, especially the High Priestess.
Greymane pulled out his ax and pointed it forward, “Attack!” he commanded. As he and his warriors charged into the village, Pinkamena stood on a tree branch watching things transpire.
“Would you look at this?” Pinkamena asked, “I think the Wolf Tribe is upset Rarity. Maybe you should have just minded your own business,” she smiled evilly, “This is going to be so much fun!”
Fluttershy awoke to the smell of smoke. She sat up, accidentally waking up Rarity.
“Mmm, what's going on?” Rarity asked.
“Smoke,” Fluttershy said, “Fire outside of-” she was cut off by someone screaming, “Wolves!”
Fluttershy immediately grabbed her daggers and ran out of the hut. Rarity looked in shock and then shook Twilight awake.
“Twilight! Twilight, get up!” Rarity urged. Twilight slowly awoke rubbing her eyes.
“R-Rarity? What's wrong?” Twilight asked.
“I'm not sure, but I think the village is in trouble!” Rarity said, “I'm heading out to help Fluttershy!”
“Not without me,” Twilight said grabbing her bow and quiver of arrows, “Like I said, I don't have powers like you and Fluttershy, but I can help at least a little.”
Rarity nodded smiling, grabbed her spear, and ran out of the hut with Twilight next to her. They saw Fluttershy struggling with three spear wielding wolf men. One jumped into the air to attack Fluttershy, but Twilight fired an arrow at him making him fall back. Fluttershy looked in shock as Twilight and Rarity ran to her side.
“Friends?” Fluttershy asked.
“We'll help you!” Rarity said, “Twilight, get ready!”
“Right! I'll follow your lead Rarity!” Twilight said readying her bow. Fluttershy nodded to Rarity, and held her daggers ready as the wolf stood up.
Rarity wasted no time rushing in with her spear clashing weapons with him. While they fought, Fluttershy stood in front of Twilight defending her from two wolves as Twilight jumped back.
Getting on one knee, Twilight fired an arrow at the wolf she hit previously, hitting him in the head this time killing him. Fluttershy jumped back and charged up her green element, and launched her sharp wind attack at the second wolf.
Rarity felt the attack was called “Wind Blade”.
Speaking of Rarity, the wolf she was fighting managed to push her back, and then charged up what looked like a red element. He then shot fireballs out of his spear at Rarity. She rolled out of the way of one, but actually took the remaining two in the chest and fell back.
“Rarity!” Fluttershy cried out.
“No…!” Twilight cried, unaware of the white glow surrounding her, “I have to help her…! I HAVE TO PROTECT MY FRIEND!” Twilight did what came naturally, actually charging up what appeared to be white energy. She then focused on Rarity, who was suddenly hit with a white light. A second later, Rarity felt rejuvenated and rose to her feet.
“I have no idea how you did that, but thanks!” Rarity said before charging up her black element. She held out her hand, and shot her Shadow Ball at the wolf who knocked her down, killing him.
Fluttershy charged up her green element, and then launched her Wind Blade at the remaining wolf present, and both she and Rarity ran to Twilight.
“You have white element?” Fluttershy asked.
“White…?” Twilight asked in confusion.
“Both have rare elements,” Fluttershy explained, “Twilight have white element of light, and Rarity have black element of darkness. Powerful, but difficult to use.”
“We'll get an explanation on them later,” Rarity said, “We need to clear these wolves out of here.”
“Right,” Twilight said, “I think I can use that white element again if I need to.”
“Then you're our healer,” Rarity stated, “Come on!”
As Rarity and Fluttershy ran off, Twilight pouted.
“Why am I the white mage…?” she groaned to herself before running after her friends.
Between the three of them, they managed to take out any wolves that got in their way as they ran to the center of the village, where they saw a much larger wolf standing there waiting for them. He wore red and gold, and had an eye patch on his left eye.
Standing before him injured was both the Chief and Seer of the village.
“Greymane!” Fluttershy shouted running to the scene with Rarity and Twilight beside her. Greymane looked at Fluttershy and laughed.
“Good to see you, High Priestess. And those must be outsiders that ruin ritual,” Greymane said, looking at Rarity and Twilight, “They look good. Perfect for future tributes.”
Fluttershy growled, “Stay away from friends!”
“Why are you attacking?!” Rarity asked, “These people did nothing to you!”
“These people took back sacrifice,” Greymane explained, “We need sacrifice in order to appease Lavos. Attack simply us following Lavos' will.”
“Liar!” Fluttershy shouted, “Lavos not God! You just use Lavos to control village and take women!”
“If that's true, then you're the worst of the worst!” Twilight said.
“See Chief? High Priestess still deny God's will, and now has outsiders agreeing with her. She bring you nothing but ruin,” Greymane said. The Chief actually looked at Fluttershy with slightly narrowed eyes.
“You remind me of someone from back home,” Rarity said darkly, “Someone I can't stand. He's always taking advantage of those weaker than him, and just wants to get his way,” images of Rover flashed in her mind, “I think I'm going to enjoy mopping the floor with your face!”
“Ooh! Pretty girl have spirit!” Greymane said pulling out his ax, “I enjoy breaking you.”
Rarity charged at Greymane and slashed with her spear, but Greymane blocked with his ax and pushed her back. Rarity charged up and fired her Shadow Ball, but Greymane used his ax to easily knock her attack away.
“You have powerful magic,” Greymane said, “But not enough to stop me.”
He charged up red element, and then raised his hands. From underneath Rarity, energy gathered, and exploded in an orb of fire, knocking her far back toward Twilight and Fluttershy.
“RARITY!!!” Twilight and Fluttershy cried at the same time. As Twilight got to work healing Rarity, Fluttershy charged at Greymane and slashed at him wildly with her daggers, actually clashing weapons with the large wolf man.
“You hurt friend! You destroy village! You leave now!” Fluttershy demanded.
“You and your people brought this on yourselves,” they heard Pinkamena say. Everyone turned to see her sauntering toward them, her large bladed ring behind her back, “Had you not let those outsiders take the sacrifice and then bring them here, none of this would have happened. So you see, all of this, is your fault, Fluttershy,” she laughed, “Isn't that hilarious?!”
“My… fault…?” Fluttershy said, taking in Pinkamena's words.
“Oh my God! Look at that face! See that? That's the one right there!” Pinkamena cheered, “That's the punchline! Oh, this is absolutely priceless!”
“You…!” Rarity seethed rising to her feet and charging at Pinkamena, who effortlessly blocked her attack, “This is all your doing, isn't it?!”
“Well, I might have had something to do with it,” Pinkamena said, “Like… giving Greymane a boost in power so he could actually take you on.”
“This is all just a game to you, isn't it?!” Rarity asked, “These are innocent lives, and you're just toying with them!”
“Uh, duh! Of course I'm treating it like a game! This is fun for me,” Pinkamena said smiling, “Besides, you really need to learn to mind your own business Rarity. You had no reason to get involved, and yet here you are.
It was odd, seeing Pinkie Pie like this. Seeing Fluttershy as a bully was one thing, but at least she had a semblance of humanity. This version of Pinkie Pie was almost inhuman. It was like she actually enjoyed hurting people.
As for Fluttershy, she slowly stepped away from Greymane, looking around at the destruction around her. Her breathing picked up, and tears built up in her eyes as the reality hit her. All of this was her fault.
“Stop it…” Fluttershy cried, “STOP IT!!!!!”
end song
All the fights around her stopped, and all eyes turned to Fluttershy as she fell to her knees and cried in devastation.
“F-Fluttershy…?” Twilight asked, slowly lowering her bow.
“Not right…” Fluttershy sobbed, “Friends not interrupt ritual… Friends only help me… I was one... who ruined ritual…”
“What are you doing…?” Rarity asked, her spear still pushing against Pinkamena's weapon.
“Special sacrifice needed now to appease Lavos,” Greymane said, “It is only way to end this.”
Even in her tears, Fluttershy somehow still managed a glare shot right at Greymane before she faltered, “Then take… me.”
“W-what?!” Twilight exclaimed.
“Fluttershy, no!” Rarity cried. She was about to run toward her, but Pinkamena hit her in the back knocking her to the ground, and then held her down with her foot.
“What did I say about minding your own business?” Pinkamena asked.
“Fluttershy… please don't do this…!” Rarity begged, thinking about her own Fluttershy, “Let me protect you…!”
“Rarity… you and Twilight friends,” Fluttershy said, “Glad I finally met you,” she looked at Rarity with a truly sad, yet forced smile, “This time, I protect you.”
Twilight shook her head and got an arrow ready. She was about to launch it at Greymane, but an icicle hit her, knocking her to one knee.
“You too,” Pinkamena said to Twilight, “This doesn't affect you either, so butt out, kay?” she had the audacity to smile sweetly, which just made Rarity's blood boil even more.
“You worthy sacrifice,” Greymane said looking Fluttershy over, “Tie her up! We leave village with High Priestess!”
One of his wolves walked over to Fluttershy and bound her wrists. Pinkamena released Rarity and vanished. Rarity immediately rose to her feet and charged at Greymane, only to be stopped by two of the villagers.
“Let me go!” Rarity ordered, “I have to rescue her!”
“This is truly for best,” Chief Luna said somberly, “Fluttershy offer herself, and village spared.”
Rarity was horrified to hear that. The Chief was just going to let Fluttershy leave?! Rarity became frantic and tried to push past the villagers holding her back, forcing them to grab her arms.
“No! NO!!! I HAVE TO PROTECT HER!!! SHE'S MY BEST FRIEND!!! I CAN'T LEAVE HER!!! I PROMISED!!!!” images of her Fluttershy flashed in her mind, “I promised to protect her no matter what! I can't break that promise! She's too important to me! Fluttershy! FLUTTERSHY!!!”
As they left the village, Fluttershy looked back at Rarity one last time before closing her eyes and turning away, shedding tears of both sadness and fear.
When they were long gone, the villagers released Rarity, who fell to her knees crying harder than she even cried upon realizing her predicament. Twilight immediately ran to her side and embraced her tightly.
“Oh Rarity…” Twilight said somberly.
“It's happening again!” Rarity sobbed, “I'm losing my best friend all over again!” she held her head and screamed loudly, in frustration, anger, sadness, and above all grief. Grief at watching her best friend be taken away from her, and for the first time being powerless to save her.
She didn't notice, but Seer Celestia looked at her somberly yet intently as she cried. Her next move would be the most important.
Author's Notes:
Updated early so I could make my quota for my patreon this month.
Please comment and let me know what you thought of this chapter. This is my next huge project, and I want to know that it's being well received. I can't improve otherwise, you know?
Also, if you wish to aid me in my campaign for world domination, then please click here to check out my patreon. Just a dollar would aid me in the production of my robot army.
Forest: Rarity's Resolve
Author's Notes:
Please comment and tell me what you thought of this chapter. Yeah, it's early and all, but I figured "eh, why not, you know?"
I mean, I'm THAT far ahead of this story, so I can pretty much update whenever I want. So... I might not just do weekly updates. LOL
In case you were curious, this story is using RPG logic for a lot of things. Why? That's just how the story sort of played out. So if any of the fights feel like something straight out of Chrono Trigger or Cross, that's why.
Please check out my Patreon if you feel so inclined.
Forest – Rarity's Resolve
Greymane took Fluttershy to his chambers in the large bamboo structure he called home. It was there she was promptly brought to his room, sat down in front of a pole, her wrists bound tightly above her head to the pole, and her ankles bound together. She struggled against her bindings for a bit, but it was no use. Greymane had stripped her of her freedom, and soon he'd take her dignity.
The whole time, all she could think about was how upset Rarity got. She didn't expect to have left such an impression on her oddly dressed friend. It was almost like they had been friends for many moons. The Seer told Fluttershy when she was younger that one day she'd meet people who were her best friends, even though they hadn't ever met.
Was that… Rarity?
Thinking of her friend, Fluttershy couldn't help but cry. She wasn't ashamed to admit that right now she was terrified, and that she wanted to be in the arms of her friend. But she knew that this was for the best. The wolves kept their word and left the village peacefully. Maybe now they'd leave them alone for a while.
Besides, it was ultimately her fault that this happened anyway.
“Always mess up…” Fluttershy sobbed, “Always make mistakes… Rarity… Twilight… sorry I… put friends in danger…”
As she cried, she heard someone enter the room. She looked up and saw Greymane walk into the room with a sinister smirk.
“Now, we get to know each other better, High Priestess,” Greymane said. Fluttershy backed away as much as possible as Greymane approached her. She didn't know what he was going to do, but she knew one thing.
She didn't like the way he was smiling at her.
A six year old Fluttershy was on her knees crying as three kids circled around her laughing.
“Baby! Baby! Baby!” the kids taunted.
“Stop it!” Fluttershy cried, “L-leave me alone!”
As Fluttershy closed her eyes crying, she heard whacking, and the kids cringing in pain. She looked up through her tears and saw another girl. This girl wore a very pretty white and purple dress, black Mary-Jane shoes, and she had an impressive curly mane of purple hair.
“Leave her alone!” the girl said, her voice high with an odd flair, making her sound almost like a rich girl. In her hands was a wooden stick about as tall as her, which she held at her side as she stood proudly.
“This isn't any of your business!” one of the kids said rubbing his nose.
“It is too! This girl is my friend!” the purple haired girl said, “If any of you want to pick on her again, I'll make you regret it!”
Shortly after the kids were chased away, the girl helped Fluttershy up. Fluttershy hadn't ever seen a girl as beautiful as her in her life. The girl looked to be a tad older than her, as she was a bit taller, and while before she had the air of a fighter, now she was the epitome of grace.
“Everything okay darling?” the girl said.
“D-did you m-mean that…?” Fluttershy asked, “When y-you s-s-said I was y-your f-f-f-friend?”
“Of course I did,” the girl said holding out her hand, “You're new to this school, right? My name's Rarity.”
Fluttershy slowly took Rarity's hand and shook it, “F-Fluttershy…”
“Wow, you have a really cute name, Fluttershy!” Rarity said enthusiastically. Fluttershy looked at Rarity wide eyed.
“No one… ever compliments my name…” Fluttershy said.
“Want to sit next to me in class?” Rarity asked, “I'll keep all the bullies away from you. You can think of me as your knight in shining armor.”
Fluttershy was so impressed with this girl. She was so beautiful, yet at the same time so strong. She was like a beautiful princess and a powerful knight all in one. Before she knew it, Fluttershy started crying again, this time tears of joy.
“I'd… love that…” Fluttershy said through her tears of joy. Rarity smiled brightly.
“I promise, as long as I'm alive you'll never have to be afraid,” Rarity said honestly.
She nodded, and took Rarity's hand as the two of them walked into the school building together. Fluttershy didn't know it, but she wasn't the only one who took that exchange so seriously.
Fluttershy…
I'm sorry… I couldn't keep my promise to you…
“Rarity, are you awake?” Twilight asked walking into the hut. Poor Rarity was lying on the mat of Fluttershy's hut, her back turned to the entrance. Twilight sighed and sat down next to Rarity.
“Please talk to me, Rarity,” Twilight urged, “I'm scared. This isn't like you at all.”
“I… failed her…” Rarity said softly. Twilight looked at Rarity in shock.
“Rarity, no, there wasn't anything either of us could do,” Twilight said.
“That. Doesn't. Matter,” Rarity said, the flair in her voice leaving her, “She's my best friend… and I just watched… as that… bastard of a wolf took her…”
“Rarity,” Twilight said, “I know you're upset, but you do know that's not your Fluttershy, right? You just met-”
“I know that!” Rarity screamed glaring at Twilight, “I know she isn't my Fluttershy, but don't you get it?! I. Don't. Care! That's Fluttershy! My best friend! Someone I promised I'd always protect, and I failed!
“You don't know how it feels,” Rarity said, looking down trembling as more tears fell from her eyes, “I was torn away from my best friend, not knowing if she's even still alive. Then I see another Fluttershy, who confirms all of my fears. That if I wasn't there for her, her life would become a nightmare. Now I've found this other Fluttershy, who acts so much like my own that I feel like I have to protect her. It doesn't matter to me that she's not my Fluttershy. I would do the same for any Fluttershy if I met her. I love her that much.”
“Is it… romantic…?” Twilight asked, almost nervously, “The way you love her?”
“I never thought about it,” Rarity said, “That's not important though. I love her dearly. Whether or not it's romantic, she means everything to me.”
Twilight looked somewhat comforted for some reason, and embraced Rarity.
“You truly are a wonderful person,” Twilight said, “I wish I could have known the Rarity in my world. If she was anything like you, we'd be best friends too,” Twilight released Rarity and placed her hands on her shoulders, “We need to head to the Chief's hut. She wanted to talk to us when you woke up.”
“Probably to kick us out of the village,” Rarity said somberly, “Not that I'd mind.”
“Rarity,” Twilight said aghast.
“They didn't do anything for her,” Rarity said darkly, “All they did was watch as Greymane took her away.”
“They were afraid,” Twilight said, “Sure, we know that the Wolf Tribe is full of it, but they don't. They truly believe that Lavos is real, and that if they don't do this, they'll-”
“Even still, she's a member of their tribe, and she was only following her heart. To just do nothing, I…”
“Let's head to the Chief's hut,” Twilight said, “We'll see what she wants before we judge.”
Rarity took a deep breath, “Sure,” she said curtly. Honestly, she already pretty much judged them. One thing Fluttershy was better at than Rarity was forgiveness. Rarity wasn't ashamed to admit that there were things she couldn't forgive.
Hurting her friends was the quickest way to get on her bad side.
The walk to the Chief's hut was one done in silence. All of the villagers turned away from Rarity whenever she met their eyes, probably able to feel the controlled rage boiling within her. Once they arrived in the hut, they saw both the Chief and Seer kneeling next to one another.
“Please sit, outsiders,” Chief Luna said, waiting for Twilight and Rarity to kneel before she continued, “Sister and I talk, and we decide that although you are outsiders, you not fully responsible for attack last night. Therefore, if you wish it, you stay in village.”
“A-are you sure?” Twilight asked, “We don't want to cause any trouble.”
“You have no where else to go,” Seer Celestia said, “Dangerous outside of village. You safe here. Stay as long as you-”
“What about Fluttershy?” Rarity asked, catching everyone's attention. The Chief took a deep breath before she spoke.
“Unfortunate what happened to her, but she knew consequences of her actions,” Chief Luna said.
“She just wanted to help Apple Bloom,” Rarity said, “You act like it's a crime to save a life!”
“What she did was put entire village in danger,” Chief Luna said, “Wolves attack last night because of her thoughtless intervention.”
“You don't seriously believe that bullshit do you?” Rarity asked.
“Rarity, stop…” Twilight warned. Rarity ignored Twilight and continued.
“Do you really believe that you're sending your people to appease Lavos?! As far as you know, all you're doing is condemning your women to slavery!”
“Even still, what do you expect us to do?!” Chief Luna challenged, “Wolves are bigger than us, stronger than us, compared to them, we are ants! I just try to protect village!”
“By sending people from that very village into the lion's den?! What are you protecting then?! What's the point of protecting a village when it's the people you're putting in danger?!”
“You know nothing of our struggle! You child, just like Fluttershy! Never lead! Never sacrifice! Never have to protect anything!”
end song
“I know exactly what it's like to have to protect something precious, and what it's like to be facing odds stacked so far against you there's no way to win! But I still fought! No, I didn't win all the time, and yes, it was hard, but I never gave up!” as another image of her Fluttershy flashed in her mind, tears of anger built up, “I'd fight, and fight, and fight even more if it meant I could at least keep my loved ones safe! Even now, I'm only here because my friend is in danger, and I want to do something, anything, to save her!”
As she spoke, Twilight pressed a hand to her chest, a look of pure admiration coming over her. Seer Celestia gave Rarity a somewhat enigmatic smile, and even Chief Luna looked down in shame.
Rarity shot up and walked to the entrance, stopping for a second.
“I might not be the strongest in the world, but no could ever call me a coward,” Rarity said shooting Chief Luna a look, “I wonder if your people can say the same about you.”
With that she left the hut. Twilight took a deep breath before speaking again.
“She's… amazing…” Twilight said. Soon she shot up from her seat and ran after her. When she reached Fluttershy's hut, she saw Rarity stepping out, her spear strapped to her back.
“Rarity, where are you going?” Twilight asked.
“Where do you think?” Rarity turned to Twilight with a look of sheer determination, “I'm going to save Fluttershy!”
“S-seriously?” Twilight asked, blushing looking at Rarity.
“I'm an outsider here, so while that means I don't have a say in this world's affairs, that also means I'm not bound by this world's rules,” Rarity looked at her hand, “She's not my Fluttershy, but Fluttershy will always be my best friend, whether in this world, your world, or any other world I end up traveling to. I'm not going to abandon her.”
“What if this puts the village in even more danger though?” Twilight asked, “Mind you, I want to save her too, but if this village gets attacked again because of us…”
“Everything should be fine.”
They turned to see Seer Celestia standing behind them, her arms folded under her bosom and smiling kindly at them.
“Celestia?” Rarity asked.
“You have answer then?” Celestia asked, “What you want to do?”
“I do,” Rarity said, “I'm going to rescue Fluttershy. She's my friend, and I made a promise that I have to keep.”
Celestia nodded, “Very good, Traveler. I knew you would make right decision.”
Twilight ran into the hut herself, and after a few seconds came back with her bow and arrows.
“Well, if you're intent on doing this, you'll need a healer,” Twilight said.
“Are you sure about this, Twilight?” Rarity asked, “I'm always putting you in-” Twilight placed a finger on Rarity's lips.
“No Rarity, you're not putting me in danger. I chose to follow you of my own free will, and I still don't regret it. Rarity, you're truly the most beautiful person I've ever met, and more and more I just want to be beside you. So I'm going to follow you, and keep following you no matter where you go, until we finally reunite you with your Twilight, and your Fluttershy.”
“Twilight…” Rarity said, tearing up a bit.
“Wolf Tribe is south of village,” Seer Celestia said pointing in the direction the wolves left in, “Keep going and you'll see it. Try to stay hidden until you find Fluttershy.”
“I don't want to sound pessimistic, especially after such a touching moment,” Twilight said, “But how do we know she's even-”
“If what Fluttershy says is true, then Greymane keep all women alive and relatively safe,” Celestia said.
“When we find her, what should we do?” Rarity asked, “I don't know if it's safe to bring her back here, but…”
“Everything will work itself out,” Seer Celestia said, “Always does, always will.”
Rarity nodded. Seer Celestia took Rarity's hands and placed an odd stone in her hand.
“This special stone. Use it to open door. Take Fluttershy somewhere safe,” Celestia said. Rarity and Twilight looked at the stone in confusion. It was small enough to fit in Rarity's palm, and was shaped almost like a key of some sort with a circular base.
“Thank you, Celestia,” Rarity said. Celestia nodded and walked over to Twilight, actually kissing her forehead.
“Um…” Twilight said.
“Stay close to her,” Celestia said, “You Traveler's Light. When time comes, you will save her from abyss.”
“I… don't know what you mean, but I'll stay with Rarity no matter what,” Twilight said.
“Well then, shall we be on our way?” Rarity asked.
“Yes, let's go,” Twilight said. The two girls ran out of the village, both of them determined to leave with Fluttershy alive and well.
Celestia watched them leave with a comforted smile. Chief Luna walked to her side looking at them as well.
“You sure this okay?” Chief Luna asked, “Sending them to rescue Fluttershy?”
“Traveler and friend will be fine,” Seer Celestia said, “They have pure hearts. Fluttershy safe, village safe, all will be well.”
“If you say so,” Luna said. As she walked back into their hut, Celestia's expression became more serious as she looked at Rarity.
“Take care of her… Chrono Trigger.”
end song
It took a while, but they soon arrived outside the Wolf Tribe's settlement. Unlike Canterlot Village, there were buildings made of bamboo, and it was a lot bigger than Canterlot Village. Somehow, this place just didn't seem as clean or welcoming as Canterlot Village.
Twilight and Rarity waited until it was night to infiltrate, as it was safer for them. Thankfully they didn't have to wait too long, and during that time they both tried to hone their fighting. When night hit, the girls approached the entrance and hid behind a nearby building.
“Where do you think Fluttershy is being held?” Twilight asked.
“It looked like Greymane wanted to have her for himself,” Rarity said, “My guess is, that building right there belongs to him.”
Twilight looked at the building Rarity was pointing to, and saw a large building almost like a castle.
“Geez, this looks intimidating,” Twilight said.
“Oh, just imagine it's the first dungeon of one of those role playing games you enjoy,” Rarity said.
“I enjoy playing those games!” Twilight said in a whisper, “I never wanted to live it!”
The two of them slowly started making their way to the castle, careful to stay out of sight. Rarity didn't want to know what would happen if they got caught. Sure, they could fight two, maybe three on their own, but going after an entire village wasn't smart.
When they got to the castle, Twilight stopped Rarity and led her to the side, where she saw what appeared to be a broken entrance.
“How did you ever find this?” Rarity asked.
“You said to treat this like an RPG, so going by that logic, secret entrance in the side,” Twilight said.
“I'm really beginning to like the idea of you traveling with me,” Rarity said walking into the entrance.
“You're just warming up to that?” Twilight asked, “Remember who your white mage is.”
Inside it was both easier and harder to stay hidden. On one hand, there wasn't as much open space so that meant less people, but on the other hand there was less room to hide. They had way more close calls as they traveled through the halls.
They eventually reached what appeared to be the dungeons. Twilight wondered if Fluttershy was here, but Rarity figured Greymane probably kept her separate from other prisoners, which they eventually saw as they turned the corner, where they saw all the wooden cells filled.
All of them filled with women from Canterlot Village.
“Oh my God…” Twilight said as they walked around, “These are the women sacrificed to Lavos, aren't they?”
“Looks like Fluttershy was right,” Rarity said, looking in a cell to see a girl that looked only about Sweetie Belle's age sitting in a cell crying, “This is disgusting.”
“How are we going to get them out?” Twilight asked, “Can we get them out?”
“I don't see a means anywhere,” Rarity said looking around, “Excuse me? Do you know how to open this cell?”
The little girl looked at Rarity fearfully, “Switch is somewhere else.”
“Thank you,” Rarity said turning to Twilight, “We have to do something for them on our way out.”
“Agreed. We need to at least make sure Fluttershy is safe first,” Twilight stated, “We'll come back for all of you, okay?”
Twilight and Rarity ran down the hall, almost running into a group of Greymane's men as walked down the hall. When the left, Rarity and Twilight walked in the direction they came from, seeing a staircase going up.
“I bet Greymane's room is up here,” Rarity said.
“Let's hurry,” Twilight urged. They ran up the stairs, stopping when they heard sobbing. Rarity carefully followed the sound, stopping right outside a room with a closed curtain. She and Twilight carefully looked inside, please to see tied to a pole still.
Was Fluttershy.
end song
“Fluttershy!” Rarity cried. Fluttershy stopped crying a bit and looked up at the entrance wide eyed.
“Rarity…? Twilight…?” Fluttershy asked. Rarity immediately ran into the room and embraced Fluttershy.”
“I'm sorry it took so long!” Rarity said as Twilight ran in and untied Fluttershy's wrists, “Are you okay? Did Greymane hurt you at all?”
Fluttershy couldn't answer her. Instead, once her wrists were free, she embraced Rarity tightly, breaking down into heavy sobs. That told Rarity everything she needed to know.
“Shh… it's okay now, darling,” Rarity said returning the embrace, Twilight now untying her ankles, “We're here now. You're safe.”
“I'll heal you,” Twilight said, charging up her white element and casting what she now called “Cure” onto Fluttershy. Any visible injuries (and hopefully a few of the invisible one) all healed, and she looked stronger.
“T-thank you…” Fluttershy said softly.
“He didn't leave any “gifts” did he?” Rarity asked. Thankfully Fluttershy must have known what she meant, as she shook her head.
“I not pregnant, but he…” Fluttershy looked away, “Try to… break will…”
“Oh my God,” Twilight embraced Fluttershy this time, “I am so sorry, Fluttershy. If we had got here sooner, maybe he-”
Fluttershy shook her head, “Greymane do right after bringing me here. Nothing you could have done.”
“We're getting you out of here,” Rarity said, “We'll come back for the other villagers after-”
“No!” Fluttershy stated standing up slowly, “We save villagers now. Take down Wolf Tribe here and now.”
“Hold on, are you sure?” Twilight asked, “After what he did to you, should you really-”
“Yes!” Fluttershy said, pushing past Twilight and Rarity and grabbing her daggers, “Greymane pay! He pay for hurting women of village! He pay for hurting me! He pay for…” she trembled, tears falling from her eyes, “For… taking away…”
Rarity looked at Fluttershy intently, and then placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Then we'll support you,” Rarity said, “Let's make sure he's afraid of us before we leave this place.”
Fluttershy nodded to Rarity seriously and put her daggers in their holders. The three of them ran back toward the dungeon, Fluttershy on all fours and leading them. This time they weren't trying to stay hidden though, as Fluttershy was on fire, lashing out at anyone that got in her way.
When they reached the dungeons though, they saw Greymane standing in the middle waiting for them.
“I knew you'd come,” Greymane said, “Smell scent from mile away.”
“Ah, you liked my fragrance then?” Rarity said stepping forward and brandishing her spear, “It's one of my favorites, a summer scent.”
“You have like, no shame at all, do you?” Twilight asked stepping forward with her bow ready.
“Shame? Why, I never learned the meaning of the word, darling,” Rarity said.
“I make this easy for all of you,” Greymane said, “High Priestess go back in room, and outsiders come with me, and I not kill any of you.”
“No!” Fluttershy stated pulling out her daggers, “I not be controlled by you or anyone! I free! Free like wind!”
“Women need to know place!” Greymane said pulling out his ax, “I remind you who is on top.”
Fluttershy wasted no time rushing toward Greymane slashing wildly with her daggers. Greymane blocked all of her assaults, and then swung his ax knocking Fluttershy back into a wall. Before he could approach her, Rarity charged up her element and launched her Shadow Ball at Greymane. He took the hit point blank, and then turned to them shooting Fireballs at Rarity and Twilight.
Both girls jumped away, and Twilight fired three arrows at him at the same time. He blocked those with his ax, but both Fluttershy and Rarity charged at him from opposite sides. He blocked Rarity's spear with his ax, but Fluttershy's daggers with his armored gauntlet.
“Women weak! I strong!” Greymane proclaimed.
“Is that so?” Rarity asked, “Then why, pray tell, are you struggling against three teenage girls?”
Greymane laughed out loud, “I not lose to you! In fact, I barely even have to fight!”
As soon as he said that, more of his men charged into the dungeon. The ones with bows fired at Twilight, forcing her to take cover away from Rarity and Fluttershy.
“Shoot! I can't heal them if I can't see them!” Twilight said.
Greymane took that as his chance to charge up his red element. He then spun around, creating what looked like a fire tornado around him, knocking both Rarity and Fluttershy away.
“F-Fluttershy…!” Rarity cried, trying to rise to her feet. Before she could rush to her aid though, she was kicked down by a wolf, and two more slashed downward at her. She blocked with her spear, pushed them off her, and then flipped to her feet actually meeting both of their spears with her own.
Greymane walked over to Fluttershy and grabbed her by the neck, holding her up against a wall.
“Free like wind?” Greymane asked, “You just as weak as all women in Canterlot Village! Can't save village! Can't save friends! Can't even save yourself!”
Fluttershy's will was clearly beginning to falter a bit, as her arm was dropping.
“That's not true Fluttershy!” Twilight shouted from the other side of the room, “What you did took a lot of courage! You're one of the strongest people I know, right up there with Rarity!”
“You are like the wind!” Rarity shouted, “That means you're as gentle as a cool breeze, but can also be as rough as a tornado! Show him, Fluttershy! Show him your true power!”
“True… power…!” Fluttershy said, gritting her teeth (which Rarity for the first time noticed were sharp like fangs). She then gripped her daggers tightly, and thrust them into Greymane's arm, forcing him to release her. She then kicked him back and got in her fighting stance.
“Rarity! Twilight! Everyone! Hold onto something!” Fluttershy commanded, “Tornado…”
She rushed over to Greymane, this time slashing and kicking him directly. She ended her assault with a back flip kick, and then charged up her green element.
This time, instead of Wind Blade, she used another attack. Much like Greymane did earlier, she started spinning in place, letting the artificial tail she wore swing around her. Soon after, she created an actual tornado around her, knocking all of Greymane's other men away knocking them out and even blowing Greymane into a wall.
Rarity mentally called this move “Tail Spin”.
When the attack stopped, Greymane rose to his feet clearly injured. Twilight ran past him firing arrows as fast as she could. She then got on one knee and fired three arrows into the air, making them rain down on top of Greymane.
He rushed toward Twilight, but Rarity quickly blocked with her spear. She then swung it pushing him back, and followed up with a series of slashed of her own that he couldn't block. She then jumped away and charged up her black element, shooting her Shadow Ball at him.
This time it hit.
end song
He fell to one knee, and Fluttershy walked over to him, a look of sheer venom on her face.
“No man… ever touch me again!” Fluttershy proclaimed. She grabbed Greymane by the collar of his shirt and stabbed in the heart, “No man!”
He looked at her in horror as he fell to the floor lifeless. Fluttershy stepped away from his body trembling.
Rarity immediately ran to her and embraced her tightly as she once again broke down and cried.
“It's over now,” Rarity said comfortingly, “He'll never hurt you again.”
“Um… you might want to retract that statement!” Twilight cried. They turned and saw the men that Fluttershy knocked out were waking up, and none of them looked happy.
“This is bad…!” Rarity said, she and Fluttershy backing away to where Twilight was, “We need a diversion and we need it NOW!”
Fluttershy looked around and saw a pole holding a series of ropes. Immediately she slashed the ropes with her daggers, and all of the cells opened up. The women all ran out of their cells, picking up some of the weapons left over by the men who died, and stood in the wolves way.
“Now! We run! This way!” Fluttershy ordered. She led Rarity and Twilight deeper in the hall, which opened up to the forest. It sounded like while most of the men were being held back, a few of them managed to get through and were following them.
They stopped when they reached what looked like a dead end.
“Ooh, now what?!” Twilight cried looking around frantically. Rarity pulled out the odd key shaped stone that Seer Celestia gave her, and it started sparking for some reason.
“Use this… to open the door…?” Rarity asked, “Girls, get close to me!”
“You have plan?” Fluttershy asked.
“I hope so! Either this works, or I'm going to look really ridiculous in a minute!” Rarity said holding up the key shaped stone. The stone broke away, revealing an actual odd looking key, and another portal opened in front of them, just like the one that took them here in the first place.
“What is this?!” Fluttershy asked holding onto Rarity's arm tightly.
“Do we even know where this leads?” Twilight asked, “It could lead anywhere!”
“It leads out of here, that's where!” Rarity said grabbing Twilight, “White mages first!”
She pushed Twilight through the portal, the poor thing screaming loudly as she vanished in the blue portal. Rarity then turned to Fluttershy.
“Fluttershy, you should hide somewhere! They won't see you if-”
“I not leave you!” Fluttershy said, “I go with you!”
“Fluttershy, I have no idea where this leads, but I do know it won't be a forest! We might not see this place again for a long time! Are you sure you can live with that?!”
“You leave, I alone again! I not want to be alone! Please Rarity, take me with you!” Fluttershy urged. Rarity didn't have time to think about it, so she swore to herself for what she was about to do, and then grabbed her arm.
“Then let's get going!” Rarity said. The two of them jumped through the portal just as it vanished, and three wolves ran to the clearing and looked around, none the wiser of what just happened.
After the area cleared up, Pinkamena walked over to Greymane's lifeless body. She shook her head in disappointment.
“You were doing so well, too,” Pinkamena said, “The best comedians always sell out at the end of their careers,” she sighed pinching the bridge of her nose, “I wonder where they're heading to now?” she looked up as if listening to someone, her eyes going wide for a second, “They went there?! Ooh, I was hoping to head them off before they found out about that place. I'll get right on it, Mistress.”
She sauntered off, making her way to her next location. Nothing she could do about where they went, but she could at least get to work on planning for the next phase of their plan to harness “its” power.
Machine: The Metallic Guardian
Machine – The Metallic Guardian
When Twilight came to, she was in what looked like an old laboratory of some sort. The lights were off, and all the machines looked worn out. She straightened her glasses and looked around.
“Now where are we?” Twilight asked, “Someplace in the future or something?”
Behind her, the portal opened, and Rarity jumped through, surprisingly holding onto the Fluttershy from the previous world.
“Oh dear,” Rarity said rising to her knees, “Are you alright, everyone?”
“Head still spinning,” Fluttershy said looking dizzy, “Is pretty light show over…?”
“Rarity…?” Twilight asked as Rarity stood up, “Why is she here with us?”
“Well, why are you here with me?” Rarity asked with a raised eyebrow. Twilight looked down sheepishly.
“Touche,” Twilight said.
“Mm hm,” Rarity nodded.
Rarity helped Fluttershy up and the three of them looked around the room.
“So… any idea of where we are?” Rarity asked.
“We're definitely not in the same world, I'll tell you that,” Twilight said, “We might be in another time all together.”
Fluttershy walked over to the window and gasped, “Friends! Look!”
Rarity and Twilight looked out the window and saw a world very different than the world they just left. Outside were futuristic floating cars, endless roads, large dome shaped buildings, and even more shocking.
Robots. Lots of robots.
“Ladies,” Rarity said, “I don't think we're in Kansas anymore.”
ALERT
THREE UNLICENSED LIFEFORMS DETECTED
SCANS INDICATE LIFEFORMS ARE LOCATED SOMEWHERE IN SECTOR D-12
ALL AVAILABLE UNITS SEARCH AND APPREHEND UNLICENSED LIFEFORMS
Everywhere, security drones stopped what they were doing and began flying toward the area most people knew as the junkyard. Watching this from their window was a single figure wearing a fancy white and golden dress. The figure smiled watching the drones fly off, knowing exactly what this meant.
“Good. She got here safely,” the figure said. She wasn't worried about the security drones. As long as they met “her” everything would be fine.
Rarity, Twilight, and Fluttershy all looked around at their surroundings as they explored the clearly abandoned building. There were a few machines still working, but they seemed to be cleaning machines. At least the lights still worked.
Poor Fluttershy kept getting spooked by the machines, so she had begun clinging to Rarity as they walked.
“I know I'm from another world too, but I'm really beginning to think Fluttershy's not fit for a world of machines,” Twilight said.
“The poor thing is terrified,” Rarity said, “She's never seen anything like these before,” she began petting Fluttershy's head, “It's alright darling, the robots here aren't going to hurt us.”
“I not like this place,” Fluttershy pouted, “Creatures don't feel alive, and air not as clean.”
“Sorry we couldn't open a wormhole to a place filled with pretty ponies and magic,” Twilight said, noticing how Rarity started snickering, “What? What did I say?”
“Oh nothing,” Rarity said, “It's just, well, one of my friends actually does come from- AH!” she stopped as she tripped on something. Fluttershy quickly caught her before she fell.
“Rarity!” Fluttershy cried, then turning to the thing she tripped on growling at it, “What hurt you? I rip it to pieces!”
“Whoa! Calm down, Spot!” Twilight said, “What is this?”
They all looked and saw an arm. It was coming out of a container, and it looked like it was connected to something. Rarity's face turned pale.
“Oh dear…” Rarity said, “Is that, by any chance… a dead body…?”
“It's wearing some sort of armor,” Twilight said, “Fluttershy, help me with this.”
Fluttershy nodded and helped Twilight pulled out the thing connected to the arm. They were all shocked to see that the arm was connected to what looked like a person, and this person was very familiar.
The person was female, looking to be about in their early twenties. She was wearing rainbow colored armor consisting of an armored bra, panties, large sharp shoulder pads, gauntlets and bulky armored high heeled boots, giving her a sexy yet powerful appearance. She had a blue metallic headpiece that came out at the sides almost like feathers and had a blue gemstone in the center where her forehead was. Her long rainbow colored hair was tied in a ponytail, and her face looked completely human, her eyes closed making her look like she was asleep. Her body was dusty, but to both Rarity and Twilight, it was really clear who it was.
“Oh my word…” Rarity said, “It's… Rainbow Dash…”
“You know her?” Fluttershy asked.
“Sort of. We know another version of her,” Rarity explained, “Also from another world.”
Twilight examined the armored Rainbow Dash, and sighed in relief, “Good news, this Rainbow Dash isn't dead. She's an android.”
“Wait… what?” Rarity asked.
“If you look closely, you'll see it. She's not human like us,” Twilight said. Rarity looked closely, and sure enough, she could tell that the “armor” was actually connected to her. It wasn't armor. It was her body.
Goodness… is Rainbow Dash actually this sexy?
I had no idea she was so top heavy.
“Um… what is android?” Fluttershy asked.
“Let's see,” Twilight said to herself, “Best definition I can think of… you see the machines that are around us?”
Fluttershy looked around, “Yes. I see,” she said.
“Well, this woman here is one of those,” Twilight said, “She's a machine built to look like a human.”
“The Rainbow Dash in this world is a robot,” Rarity said kneeling down next to Robo Dash, “This is actually sort of cool, I must admit.”
“Yeah it is,” Twilight said looking Robo Dash over, actually opening her back, “You're going to think it's even cooler in a minute. I think I can fix her.”
“Wait, really?!” Rarity asked, Fluttershy mirroring her surprise.
“Wake machine woman up? How?” Fluttershy asked.
“Well, we'd have to take her to one of the work stations, but as long as there are tools there… yep, I'm sure of it. I can fix this robot,” Twilight said confidently.
“Alright then,” Rarity said, “Let's move her into the work area we just passed. I think there was a tool box there.”
Rarity, Twilight, and Fluttershy all picked up Robo Dash, moving her back to the lab they passed a few minutes ago.
end song
Once there, Twilight got right to work. Rarity was surprised, but Twilight actually looked like she knew what she was doing. Fluttershy found a table and was lying on it curled up almost like a kitty cat, and Rarity stood over Twilight watching her work.
“How do you know how to fix this robot?” Rarity asked.
“Back home, I've fixed all of Shining Armor's video game systems,” Twilight said, “Later, once I bought a few of my own, I enhanced them myself. Rainbow Dash here isn't too different from one of those. In fact, computers in general are all similar. The only difference is what they're built to do.”
“Dashie here is a computer?” Rarity asked.
“All self sustaining machines are computers,” Twilight said, smiling looking at the sleeping robot, “She really is beautiful, isn't she? Kind of odd, seeing Rainbow Dash wear so little.”
“Well, the Rainbow Dash from my world wasn't as modest as yours,” Rarity said rubbing her arm, “But oddly enough she never let any of us see her without a shirt. Looking at this, I can kind of see why. Kind of hard to be respected as an athlete when you're a high D cup.”
“What's your Rainbow Dash like exactly? You mentioned her briefly, but we never were able to talk about her that much,” Twilight asked, still working. Rarity looked up thinking about her beloved friend.
“Rainbow Dash… she's interesting. She's the kind of person you think you're going to hate at first. She's loud, crass, arrogant, short tempered, and very impatient,” Rarity explained.
“She sounds terrible,” Twilight said. Rarity giggled.
“Like I said, first impression of her isn't the best. But behind all of that is one of the most faithful people I know. She always puts others before herself, she's kindhearted, sincere, and most of all, loyal. If you're friends with Rainbow Dash, you have a guaranteed friend for life. Someone who will rush into danger to save you,” Rarity's eyes watered a bit, “I miss her.”
“Now that I know that, your Rainbow Dash sounds amazing,” Twilight said.
“What about yours?” Rarity asked, “What's she like?”
“Nowhere near as brave as your Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said sadly, “She's shy, quiet, has really low self-esteem, and tends to cry a lot. One thing I have to say about her though, is that she's really nice, and just as loyal as your Dash. I think that's why she puts up with my Fluttershy's behavior so much. I heard that they knew each other when they were kids, and Rainbow Dash refuses to leave her side. It's a shame with how mean Fluttershy is to her.”
“Have you ever wanted to stand up for her?” Rarity asked.
“All the time,” Twilight said, “Sad thing is, I was afraid of Fluttershy. I'm not like you, Rarity. I'm not strong, brave, or any of that other stuff you are. Unless it's books or computers, I'm useless. But, I think I understand why you were so devoted to helping forest Fluttershy now. You felt like by helping her, you were somehow helping your Fluttershy. That's how I feel about this. I know she's not my Rainbow Dash, but she looks so much like her, and I just feel like I need to do this. Like I'm helping someone I've been friends with for a long time.”
Rarity smiled at Twilight, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“I can save her, Rarity,” Twilight said confidently, “I know I can save Rainbow Dash.”
“I believe in you,” Rarity said, kissing Twilight on the cheek, “Good luck, Twilight.”
“Um… t-thanks Rarity…” Twilight said, blushing madly.
end song
Rarity giggled and then walked over to Fluttershy leaning against the table she was lying on. She heard a low rumble, and Flutteshy sat up with a pout.
“Hungry…” Fluttershy said sadly.
“I'm sorry Fluttershy,” Rarity said, “After Twilight is finished fixing that robot, we'll be able to find something to eat, I'm sure.”
Before Fluttershy could say anything, a crash was heard from right outside. They all looked and saw what looked like small floating robots with two gun arms floating into the room. There were four of them. Rarity and Fluttershy immediately sprang into action, drawing their weapons.
“Twilight, how far along are you?!” Rarity asked.
“I think I'm almost done!” Twilight said, “Could you two stall for a bit?”
“We'll do our best! Fluttershy, get ready!” Rarity said. Fluttershy nodded, and both of them got in fighting stances.
The drones all started firing at Fluttershy and Rarity, who both ran in opposite directions taking cover. Poor Twilight screamed in fear, but then quickly got to work on fixing Robo Dash.
While they took cover, both Rarity and Fluttershy charged up their elements, and launched their basic attacks. The drones flew out of the way of Rarity's Shadow Ball, and they didn't seem all that effected by Fluttershy's Wind Blade. The drones fired at the girls again, knocking them into the back wall.
“Rarity! Fluttershy!” Twilight cried. She turned back to Robo Dash, closed and sealed her open compartments, and then pushed the switch needed to activate her.
DASH UNIT NUMBER 379
RECOVERING MEMORY FILES
..............
RECOVERY FAILED
REACTIVATING UNIT
POWER OUTPUT AT ONLY 65 PERCENT
RECOMMEND IMMEDIATE ENERGY RECOVERY IF ACTIVATED FOR COMBAT PURPOSES
REACTIVATION COMPLETE
Robo Dash slowly opened her eyes and rose to a sitting position.
“Help us!” Twilight urged, getting the robot's attention, “Please! My friends are in danger!”
Robo Dash looked at the security robots, and then at Rarity and Fluttershy taking cover. She scanned all of them, identifying the two girls hiding as “allies” and registering the security drones as “enemies”. Once that was done, she immediately pushed Twilight to the side and held out her left arm. It started glowing and turned into what appeared to be a cannon of some sort. She charged it up and fired at the security robots, actually destroying one.
“Target destroyed!” Robo Dash said, “Three targets remaining! Commencing combat sequence! Engaging!”
Robo Dash ran over to the security robots, jumped into the air and kicked one knocking it to the floor. Before it could fire at her, she turned her arm into a cannon again and fired at it, destroying it.
“Target destroyed!” Robo Dash shouted, “Two targets remaining!”
The remaining security robots pointed their guns at Robo Dash, who did a series of elegant back flips away from the attacks, landing next to Rarity and Fluttershy.
“I will attempt to stun them,” Robo Dash said, “So I can preserve energy, I request your assistance in destroying the remaining two drones.”
“G-got it!” Rarity said, taken aback by how quickly she sprang into action. She looked at Fluttershy, who nodded in confirmation.
Robo Dash stood up and charged up her element, the energy being yellow. She then pointed her arms forward, and two lightning bolts shot down onto the two drones paralyzing them.
“The enemies have been immobilized!” Robo Dash stated, “Finish them off!”
Rarity and Fluttershy immediately charged up their elements, and fired their Shadow Ball and Wind Blade moves. This time both of of their attacks hit, destroying the remaining robots.
Robo Dash stepped out and looked around. After a second, she turned back to the girls hiding and rested her hands behind her head.
“The perimeter is cleared. It is perfectly safe for you to come out.”
The three of them stepped out, shocked to see the robotic Rainbow Dash giving them the biggest cocky grin.
“You are… amazing…!” Twilight said, “I had no idea that you were so powerful!”
“Well, I am the most powerful robot in my line after all,” Robo Dash boasted, “Those inferior models were no match for a superior machine like myself.”
“Um… okay then,” Twilight said, clearly taken aback by how this robot was acting. Even Rarity was surprised by how full of herself she was, even if it was a breath of fresh air, “My name is Twilight. These are my friends Fluttershy and Rarity.”
Robo Dash shook all of their hands, but stopped when she shook Rarity's hand. She looked at her intently for a while, as if reading her.
“Um… are you okay?” Rarity asked.
“Y-yeah, I just experienced… odd data for a second. Anyway, my serial number is DASH-379. It is nice to meet you,” DASH said, now grinning again. The bright and arrogant smile got to Rarity, and for a split second she saw a flash of her Rainbow Dash giving her the exact same smile.
“Likewise,” Rarity said, before getting on one knee in pain.
end song
“Rarity! Are you okay?!” Twilight asked, both her and Fluttershy kneeling next to her.
“I'm fine,” Rarity said, “Just a little hurt from that attack is all.”
“There is a recharge station right over there,” DASH said pointing to a pod shaped machine, “If you go in there, you should be able to heal yourselves.”
“Thank you DASH,” Rarity said. She and Fluttershy both got in the pod, immediately feeling rejuvenated, “Ooh, that's much better. I feel completely rejuvenated.”
“I'm still hungry,” Fluttershy pouted, holding her stomach. DASH-379 laughed.
“Those machines do not cure hunger. Do not worry though. I got you covered. Follow me,” DASH said. She turned to the door and walked out of the room, a surprising saunter with each step. Rarity, Twilight, and Fluttershy all followed after her.
“Okay, that was shocking,” Twilight said, “I wasn't expecting this.”
“Yes, seeing a robot version of Rainbow Dash is shocking,” Rarity said, “I'm still trying to get used to how much her outfit shows.”
“Not just that! How full of herself she is!” Twilight whispered, “We found her out of commission, and what's the first thing she does? Brags about how she's the "greatest robot in the world"! What the actual hell?”
“Oh yeah, I forgot,” DASH said turning to Twilight, “Thanks for fixing me. Not sure what happened, but I am glad you turned me back on.”
“Oh, no problem,” Twilight said sheepishly. Rarity couldn't help but laugh, “Whaaaat?”
“I bet the two of you will be the best of friends in no time,” Rarity said giggling.
DASH-379 lead them to what appeared to be a cafeteria, which was thankfully abandoned. She walked over to a machine that looked a bit like a microwave and pushed a few buttons.
“Good, this thing still works,” DASH said. She then created three dishes of food in succession, all three being full plates of chicken, mashed potatoes, and vegetables, “Here you go. Food made to sustain organic lifeforms.”
“Ooh, thank you so much, DASH,” Rarity said. Fluttershy wasted no time digging into her food, which had more meat than any of their dishes. DASH then turned back to the machine and created what looked like two soda cans. Must have been her energy source.
“So, where you guys from?” DASH asked sitting on the table and opening her can actually like it was a soda can, “Cause you three clearly are not from around here.”
“Um… what makes you think that?” Twilight asked as she ate her food. DASH gave her a deadpanned look.
“Twilight, I am a combat android. I am not an idiot,” DASH said, “None of you are registered in the citizens database, and that one looks like she came from the stone age or something.”
They all turned to Fluttershy, who stopped chewing her food for a second and looked at them.
“What?” Fluttershy asked with a full mouth.
“So needless to say, you three are not fooling anyone, least of all me,” DASH asked, “So spill it. Where are you guys from?”
“You probably won't believe us, but-” Rarity stopped herself, looking at DASH for second, “No, actually you might believe us. You see, the three of us are actually all from other dimensions. Fluttershy here came from a world that was an endless forest, and Twilight and I both come from different variants of the same sort of urban like world.”
“You are from other dimensions?” DASH asked with a raised eyebrow, “Eh, makes about as much sense as anything else.”
“Wait, you believe us? Just like that?” Twilight asked as DASH finished her first can.
“Like I said, you three are not registered in the citizens database, and none of you have cybernetic enhancements,” DASH said opening her second can, “Besides, this world is already researching multiple dimensions.”
“It is?!” Rarity asked shooting up, “Do you think you might be able to find my world then?!”
“It is possible,” DASH-379 said, “Are you lost?”
“Something like that,” Twilight said, “Rarity and I are from the same world, but my world is one where she died ten years ago. She ended up being transported to my world when something happened to her world.”
“Really?” DASH asked, “I might be able to find your world, at least, I could if I had a gate key.”
“Gate key?” Fluttershy asked, “What is gate key?”
“It is a device that is able to tune into other worlds and permit travel to alternate dimensions in a controlled environment,” DASH explained, “If I had one of those, I could use the warp room here to connect to your worlds using the three of you as bases.”
“Seriously?!” Twilight asked, “So, we can travel to other worlds at will? Rarity, this is great news!”
“But, we don't have a gate key…” Rarity said looking down. Fluttershy slammed her hand on the table excitedly.
“Rarity! Show DASH special stone!” Fluttershy requested.
“You mean the stone the village Seer gave us?” Twilight asked.
“Stone open door to here, and here is other world! Stone must be gate key!” Fluttershy stated.
“I don't see how that could be though,” Twilight said, “It was just a regular stone, and it was in your world. No offense, but I don't think your world had the technology to see other dimensions.”
“No, stone open door,” Fluttershy said, “Rarity, show DASH, please.”
Rarity shrugged and reached into her pocket. She pulled out the stone, but was surprised to see that it didn't look like a stone anymore. Actually, it looked more futuristic. It no longer was made of stone, rather it was made of some sort of metal. It was golden, and the circular base looked sort of like a clock.
“Wait… this isn't…” Rarity said. DASH looked at it and smiled.
“Oh, you had one,” DASH said, “That makes things a lot easier. They are impossible to get your hands on unless you are affiliated with the research facility.”
“But… how did…?” Rarity asked as DASH took the key.
“Follow me,” DASH said, “The entrance to the warp room is upstairs.”
As DASH sauntered out of the room, Twilight and Fluttershy stood next to her, Fluttershy with a large piece of meat in her hands still chewing.
“I told you stone was gate key,” Fluttershy said proudly before biting into her food again.
“But… how did your Celestia have a gate key from this world?” Twilight asked.
“Also, why did it look different?” Rarity asked, “That wasn't the stone Celestia gave me.”
Rather than try to rationalize what just happened, the three of them followed their mechanical tour guide to the higher floors, where they were taken to what appeared to be a large computer room. DASH went to the main computer and typed on it, groaning.
“Ugh, bad news ladies. The warp room here is no longer operational,” Dash said.
“It isn't the only one though, is it?” Rarity asked walking next to DASH-379.
“Negative. There is another one, but it is not in this area. We would have to go to Sector F-9, which is in the Class A district,” DASH explained.
“Class A? What's that?” Twilight asked.
“This dimension has a caste system implemented,” DASH stated, “The Class A district is where the upper class people live, and more state of the art robots like myself work. This area, the Class B district, is where the lower class lives. More outdated robots work here, and the people aren't as well taken care of.”
“Then why the heck are you here?” Twilight asked, “You're supposed to be this state of the art machine, right?”
The way DASH stood up and folded her arms was odd. She looked down thoughtfully.
“That… is a very good question,” DASH said seriously, “You found me in disrepair, correct?”
“We did, yes,” Rarity said, no one aware that Fluttershy was wandering off, “You weren't active at all, and Twilight had to fix you.”
“Honestly, it looked like you had been here for a while,” Twilight said, “Speaking of, where is here exactly, anyway?”
DASH managed to get the computer on and typed on it. After a second she looked up at the screen wide eyed.
“The junkyard?! Why am I here?!” DASH asked, clearly shocked. Rarity was shocked too. Sure, seeing Rainbow Dash so animated was more normal for Rarity, but this Rainbow Dash was a machine. Whoever made her was a genius to make such a human like machine.
“I'm… assuming this is exactly what I think it is, isn't it?” Rarity asked.
“This place…” DASH said trembling, “This is where… they throw robots away that… don't work anymore…”
“That's odd,” Twilight said thoughtfully, “Besides a few unplugged wires and loose screws, you were in perfectly good condition. There's no reason why you should have been thrown away.”
“Why…?” DASH asked holding her head now, “Why can I not remember? What was I doing before…?”
They heard beeping from another side of the room. The three of them looked and saw Fluttershy pushing random buttons on another terminal, giggling at the beeps each button made.
“Fluttershy!” Twilight cried running over to her, “You can't push random buttons like that!”
“DASH push buttons, so I push buttons,” Fluttershy reasoned, giggling again, “Buttons make funny sound. Listen.” She started typing random buttons, this time making a song almost. Twilight screamed and pulled Fluttershy away from the keyboard
“Are you trying to get us killed?!” Twilight asked, “We don't know what those buttons-” the screen turned on, showing a wire framed image of a creature spinning around. This creature looked like a bug almost, with an off three pronged mouth. Next to it, as if stating the creatures name, was the word “LAVOS”.
end song
Rarity looked at the screen wide eyed, remembering the creature that sucked in Sunset Shimmer before Rarity ended up in Twilight's world.
“T-that's it…” Rarity said walking over to the screen, “That's the creature that captured Sunset Shimmer…”
“I've seen pictures of something like that in books,” Twilight said.
“We have carvings and drawings of monster in temple,” Fluttershy said softly.
“That creature,” DASH said walking up to the group also looking up at the screen, “is an anomaly in the universe being researched in this dimension. It is called Lavos, the Time Devourer.”
Fluttershy and Twilight turned to DASH wide eyed, “Lavos?!” they both cried at the same time. They both turned back to the screen, poor Fluttershy trembling backing away.
“Lavos… real…? Lavos is… monster…?” Fluttershy asked fearfully.
“DASH, you said it's an anomaly, right? What does that mean?” Twilight asked.
“No one knows where it came from,” DASH explained, “I do not know the basics, being a combat robot, but by my limited understanding, Lavos is an entity that consumes dimensions for some unknown purpose.”
“C-consumes dimensions…?” Rarity asked, “How does it do that…?”
“Beats me,” DASH said, “I exist in time and space, so I do not know anything outside of it. We would probably find out more in another lab in the Class A district, but-”
“We're going,” Rarity said suddenly.
“Rarity?” Twilight asked, everyone turning to look at Rarity shocked.
“I want to know everything I can about this… Lavos!” Rarity said, tightening her fists and gritting her teeth, pure rage consuming her as she looked at the screen. This was the monster that captured Sunset Shimmer, and possibly altered her world. If DASH was to be believed, it might have even eaten it.
You better hope I don't find out my world was eaten by you Lavos!
I swear, if I do, I'll make you pay!
I'll destroy you… Lavos!
Author's Notes:
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Machine: DATA UNKNOWN
Machine – DATA UNKNOWN
Somewhere in the A-Class district, an older man in a lab coat paced back and forth in his dark lab, two female androids kneeling before him.
“The security drones were taken out?” the man asked, his voice gruff and worn.
“Affirmative,” the red android on the left said, “Fleetfoot was connected to them, and caught images of the fight. DASH-379 is activated, and protected the unlicensed lifeforms.”
“379 is operational?” the man asked, “Hm…”
“Doctor, I have saved the images of the unlicensed lifeforms in my database,” the blue android said, “One was scanned to have an unusual energy signature.”
“Is that so?” the doctor asked, “They might be the one we're looking for…”
After making sure they had everything, Rarity and her team ran out of the abandoned lab in the Junkyard and started making their way to the Class-A district.
“We can get a train that will take us right to the Class-A district,” DASH-379 explained, running next to Rarity.
“Perfect,” Rarity said, “And there we can learn more about Lavos?”
“Definitely,” DASH said turning to Twilight and Fluttershy, “We are not going too fast, are we?”
“Not at all,” Twilight said, “I'll be fine.”
They ran into an alleyway and hid as three security robots flew past.
“We cannot let them catch us,” DASH whispered, “You are unlicensed, thus will be arrested on the spot.”
“Not imprisoned again,” Fluttershy said pulling out her dagger, “I never get imprisoned again.”
DASH turned to Fluttershy, “I think I see why you lost against the security robots earlier. Those weapons are outdated.”
Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy looked at DASH as she held up her arm, which turned into a cannon. They then looked at their stone and wooden weapons almost in shame.
“Compared to her, we are sort of pathetic,” Twilight said.
“Why am I always lacking in the weapon department?” Rarity groaned.
“Do not worry,” DASH said holding her arm out, “Just stay behind me. If anything attacks you, I will protect you.”
“Why are you helping us like this?” Rarity asked, “Not that I mind, but you're a robot from here as well.”
DASH chuckled, “Honestly, I am not too sure,” she admitted looking forward, “But when I looked at you, I experienced strange data. It is that same data that is prompting me to do this. Something is telling me to value your safety above all else. I am not sure if it is a malfunction, or foreign data, but it appeared when I saw you for the first time.”
Rarity looked down, unsure how she felt hearing that. She was happy that DASH-379 was helping them, but the thought of her being a malfunctioning machine did sort of scare Rarity a bit.
“Do not worry,” DASH said, “While there is the possibility of me malfunctioning, this data is all I have,” she turned to Rarity and smiled, “You and your friends are perfectly safe with me.”
Rarity was definitely put at easy with that smile. It reminded her of her own Rainbow Dash's smile, how it just let you know everything would be okay. Like Twilight and Fluttershy, this version of Rainbow Dash was so much like her own it was terrifying.
Her being a robot was still messing with Rarity's head though.
“Alright, the perimeter is cleared,” DASH said, “Proceed with caution.”
DASH stepped out, the others following close behind her. Naturally some people did give them off looks, but those were probably more for how Fluttershy looked than anything else.
Although, Rarity didn't see any other robots like DASH walking around. What kind of robot was she, anyway? She didn't look like a civilian robot, or even a regular security robot.
“Rarity, this world scares me a bit,” Twilight said walking next to Rarity.
“Yes, it's not as open or friendly as Fluttershy's world,” Rarity pointed out, “In fact, it's almost the opposite of her world.”
Speaking of Fluttershy, she walked up next to DASH and started poking her arm. After a second, DASH turned to Fluttershy with a raised eyebrow, shocking the poor forest girl.
“Never seen a robot before, eh?” DASH asked.
“Body like armor in certain parts, but soft like human in others,” Fluttershy said, “Maybe… a little afraid of…”
“I see,” DASH said thoughtfully, “You know, it is that very fear that resulted in robots like myself.”
“Really?” Fluttershy asked.
“People have an easier time working with something automated if it looks, sounds, and acts like a person. That is me. I am built in the image of a human, and programmed to act like one to…” she stopped when she realized that Fluttershy didn't understand anything she was saying, “To put it simply, me looking like a human is so you will be more comfortable.”
“It is? How?” Fluttershy asked somewhat distrustfully, “I not understand.”
“Give me your hand,” DASH asked holding out her hand. Fluttershy slowly reached for DASH's hand, letting the android grasp it tightly, actually letting their fingers intermingle, “How does my hand feel?”
“Soft…” Fluttershy said softly, “Like… Twilight… and Rarity… and…”
“And anyone else you know from your world, correct?” DASH asked, Fluttershy nodding slowly, “Now, feel this.”
DASH brought Fluttershy's hand to her chest, where her heart would be, and Fluttershy was wide eyed.
“You have… heart…?” Fluttershy asked. DASH laughed.
“Not exactly. I have what is called a “core”, which functions in the same manner of a heart for an organic being. As such, it also beats at regular intervals, much like your own heart,” DASH placed a hand on Fluttershy's chest and smiled softly, “See? We are different, but we are also the same.”
Fluttershy looked down, “Rarity and Twilight protect me. DASH… protect me… too?” DASH-379 laughed before wrapping an arm around Fluttershy comfortingly.
“Of course I will protect you,” DASH said, “You and I are officially friends, okay?”
Fluttershy nodded smiling brightly, leaning into DASH as they walked. Before Rarity could say anything to that, bright lights shot down on them.
end song
“HALT!” a voice called out from above them. The four of them looked up and saw two figures hovering over them, “DASH-379, step away from the humans!”
“Who are they?!” Twilight asked.
“I am not sure… but I…” DASH said. The two figures landed, revealing themselves to be androids like DASH. One wore somewhat bulkier armor that was red and orange, and had orange and red hair that was fashioned to look like a flame. The other wore rounder form fitting armor that was blue, and had much longer light blue hair that flowed down her back and over her shoulders.
“379, what is your major malfunction?!” the red robot asked, “You know those three are unlicensed lifeforms, correct?!”
“Spitfire, there is no point in reasoning with the aberrant,” the blue robot said, “We should remove her so we can complete our mission. She is the only real threat.”
“Affirmative, Fleetfoot,” the red robot, Spitfire said to her ally, “One single target. Locked on.”
“Offering support,” Fleetfoot said stepping forward, “Locking onto single target.”
“What should we do?” Rarity asked reaching for her spear.
“Leave this to me,” DASH said stepping forward, “Your weapons are insufficient against these targets. I will defend you. Two targets! Locked on!”
“Commencing attack!” all three shouted at the same time.
Spitfire and DASH charged at each other, fighting close quarter. While DASH's moves were quick and athletic, SSpitfire was simply a brute, trying to overpower DASH.
She got a lucky punch in, knocking DASH back. She slid away holding her stomach, but then jumped to the side as Fleetfoot fired with what looked like a machine gun compartment coming out of her arm.
DASH rolled to her knees and fired her arm cannon, but Fleetfoot was too fast, flying out of the way of all of her shots. Spitfire charged up red energy, held up an arm revealing a fiery blade, and charged at DASH. She then slashed upward, and came down on top of DASH, knocking her to the ground.
“DASH!!!” all three girls cried at the same time. As great as she was, this was a two on one fight against robots of her same type apparently. This wasn't fair in the slightest.
Spitfire grabbed DASH by the neck and held her up.
“A malfunctioning machine like you doesn't stand a chance against a superior model like me,” SPpitfire said, “You should have stayed scrapped.”
“Spitfire, cease taunting 379,” Fleetfoot said, “We have a mission to accomplish.”
Rarity couldn't take this anymore. She didn't care if her weapon wasn't strong enough. She was plenty strong herself, and she wasn't about to let those two destroy DASH. She gripped her spear and charged in screaming.
“Rarity, no!” Twilight cried.
Fleetfoot turned to Rarity just as she started attacking, spinning her spear elegantly and actually doing some minor damage to the android. Once she felt strong enough, she jumped away and charged up her black element, but this time didn't use her Shadow Ball. No, instead she felt another move come to her. She sent the black energy into her spear, and rushed toward Spitfire and slashed wildly with her spear, which was now engulfed in black energy.
The name “Grim Slash” came to mind.
Spitfire, now damaged, released DASH who jumped back and charged up her yellow element. She then held out her arm cannon and charged it with energy, firing a stronger energy shot at Spitfire, actually pushing her back to Fleetfoot.
“How did she pierce my armor?” Spitfire asked, looking at Rarity in shock.
“She is a black adept,” Fleetfoot said, “Specializing in darkness based magic and attacks.”
“I thought I told you to stay back,” DASH said walking over to Rarity's side.
“I don't abandon my friends when they're in need,” Rarity said, “I may be a pretty face, but I can hold my own in a fight.”
A white light came over DASH, instantly healing her. Twilight and Fluttershy ran to their sides as well with their weapons ready.
“We might not be able to do much with our weapons,” Twilight said, “But our magic should be enough.”
“DASH, you and I will take on Spitfire,” Rarity said, “Twilight and Fluttershy, keep Fleetfoot away from us.”
Fluttershy nodded getting in her fighting stance. Fleetfoot flew into the air and fired at them with her machine gun, but Fluttershy did a series of back flips out of the way. Twilight fired at Fleetfoot with her arrows, which understandably did barely anything, but it did catch her attention.
Fluttershy then charged up her element, casting Wind Blade on Fleetfoot knocking her to the ground. Twilight charged up her white element, pointed her bow and arrow at Fleetfoot, and sent in white energy to the tip. She then fired the arrow, which turned into a sharp beam of light that pierced Fleetfoot (Ray Shot).
Meanwhile, Spitfire and DASH were at it again, but this time Spitfire had her blade out, forcing DASH to have to work harder to block or dodge. Behind Spitfire, Rarity rushed in to slash her, but she used her other arm to block. DASH tried to kick Spitfire, but she used her blade to block that attack as well.
“You are stronger than I thought,” SPITFIRE said, “Or is this because you now have assistance?”
“Shut up!” DASH spat, “You are just upset because you are losing to a group of humans and as you put it, a malfunctioning machine!”
“Is that so?” SPITFIRE asked, “What if I told you that I had you all right where I wanted you? Fleetfoot, now!”
“Affirmative,” Fleetfoot said. Both she and Spitfire charged up their elements, Fleetfoot's being blue. Fleetfoot shot an ice beam toward the ground freezing it and trapping everyone. Spitfire then jumped in the middle and spun around, turning into a fiery tornado. She then moved around the field hitting everyone while their feet were still frozen, knocking all of them to the ground (Double Tech: Fire & Ice).
end song
Spitfire walked over to the badly damaged DASH and kicked her, “Like I said, you were are no match for us.”
Fleetfoot walked over to Rarity and picked her up, “Mission complete. Let us return to the Doctor.”
“Affirmative,” Spitfire said. The two of them flew off, leaving everyone else on the ground unconscious.
“Hm… that's not good,” the mysterious figure said, folding her arms looking at Spitfire and Fleetfoot fly away with Rarity on a screen, “I can't let Tirek get this win, no matter what. I suppose I'll have to intervene.”
She turned to another computer, getting to work on her next project. First order of business, make sure that Athena was okay. After that, ensure that Rarity met up with her friends.
RECOVERING MEMORY FILES
RECOVERY FAILED
PREVIOUS MEMORY STATE FOUND
LOADING PREVIOUS STATE
UNIT WILL RESUME FROM RECOVERED STATE
REACTIVATING DASH UNIT
DASH-379 woke up with a start and sat up. She looked around and saw both Twilight and Fluttershy rising to their feet. At first she was relieved to see they were okay, but got worried when she noticed someone was missing.
SEARCHING FOR REGISTERED ALLY: RARITY
SEARCH INCONCLUSIVE
LOCATION OF REGISTERED ALLY: RARITY IS UNKNOWN
Realizing that Rarity was missing, DASH felt an odd sensation. Her core was beating frantically for some reason, and she was having a harder time taking in oxygen for ventilation. She was about to ask how the others were doing, but stopped when she heard sirens.
“Damn it!” DASH swore, “Twilight, Fluttershy, get up and follow me!”
Not wasting any time, both girls rose to their feet and ran after DASH, who led them to an alleyway. Police drones flew past them at that moment.
“Is everyone alright?” DASH asked turning to her group.
“Where's Rarity?” Twilight asked nervously.
“I don't… argh!” DASH shouted slamming a fist against a wall and holding her head, “What is happening to me?”
“D-DASH…?” Fluttershy asked. She was about to approach her, but Twilight held her back.
“Strange… data… unable to comprehend… Cannot… focus…!” DASH started trembling holding her head with both hands as more odd data was flowing into her CPU.
RARITY
MUST PROTECT
PRIME DIRECTIVE IS TO PROTECT RARITY
“Why…?” DASH asked, her eyes closed tightly as tears started to build up, “Why is that girl so… important…?”
Twilight was about to say something, but her cellphone went off.
“That's odd,” Twilight said, “I didn't know it could get calls from across dimensions. Maybe Sprint does have the best service,” she answered it, “Hello?”
“Is the DASH unit with you online?” a voice asked.
“Um… who is this…?” Twilight asked.
“Don't worry about that for right now, Twilight. If the DASH unit is functioning, we can get to work on finding your friend.”
“You know where Rarity is?!” Twilight asked. DASH looked up at Twilight, and quickly walked over to her snatching the phone from her.
“Where is she?!” DASH demanded.
“You must be unit 379,” the voice said calmly.
“If you hurt Rarity, I swear I will find you and-” DASH stopped herself, surprised by her outburst. She had just met Rarity and her friends today, but something within her programming was telling her that Rarity's safety was of optimal importance.
“Remain calm,” the voice said, “I did not take the Chrono Trigger, but I do know who did, and where she is at the moment. Put Twilight back on the phone, and I promise I will guide you to her.”
DASH reluctantly gave Twilight back the phone and then walked off, trembling as she tried to figure out what was happening to her. Fluttershy walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“DASH…” Fluttershy said.
“I apologize for my irrational behavior,” DASH said, “Ever since I saw Rarity, I've experienced odd data. Something is telling me that I have to keep her safe.”
“I same,” Fluttershy said, “Get strange feeling when see Rarity. Feeling like she beloved friend.”
DASH looked at Fluttershy, realizing that she probably did experience her own version of that sensation, “Yeah… I guess we are the same.”
“Okay, thanks,” Twilight said hanging up and walking over to them, “You should receive two locations in a few minutes. Apparently, Rarity is in the first one, and we need to take her to the second one after we save her.”
DASH nodded, and then received two points on her radar back to back.
“Data received,” DASH said.
“Are you going to be okay?” Twilight asked DASH, “You were scaring us a little earlier.”
“I… do not know…” DASH admitted leaning against the wall, “Those two other robots said I am malfunctioning, I still do not know why I was in the junkyard, and now this data,” she held her head in pain again, “I am afraid to do anything right now. How can I trust programming like this?”
“You trust, because I trust,” Fluttershy took DASH's hands, “You and I friends now. Friends with Twilight, and friends with Rarity too. Not malfun… mal…” Fluttershy shook her head, “Not big word bad robots said. You and Rarity friends. Same as me.”
“I… think I know what you're feeling,” Twilight said, “When I saw Rarity for the first time, something told me that I needed to be with her. It was like I was looking at someone I had been friends with for a long time, even though we hadn't ever met yet. I don't know if it's the same for you, since you're a robot and all, but maybe this is the same feeling.”
“You guys…” DASH said looking at both Twilight and Fluttershy. As far as they knew, she might have been a mad machine, yet they still believed in her. She felt a happiness like no other at that moment, and before long pulled both of them into a hug.
“Thank you, Twilight and Fluttershy,” Dash said, “Now, let us rescue our friend!”
When Rarity came to, she noticed that she couldn't move. She was bound to what looked like a hospital bed, her wrists and ankles strapped tightly to the bed by shackles, and even her mouth was gagged with a black band. She looked around and saw her spear on another desk, being examined by a figure in a white lab coat. She couldn't really see who they were, as they had their back turned to her and she was at an odd angle.
What's going on?
Why am I here?
“Finally awake, Chrono Trigger?” the figure, revealed to be a male, said. He was an elderly man with thick glasses and a long white beard, wearing a red suit shirt, black tie, and black pants underneath his white lab coat.
Chrono Trigger? What's that?
“I have to say, your composition is astounding,” the man said, “To think that someone was born that's completely organic. You're not from this world, or any world, for that matter.”
Not from any world? What ever does he mean?
Rarity tried to ask him about that, but the band around her mouth was too tight.
“You have questions, I'm sure,” the man said, “But as you noticed, you've been silenced for the duration of your stay. The reason for that is quite simple. Here, you are nothing but a tool to be used by me, so that I may learn how to control Lavos.”
Lavos again? What does he mean by control?
Wait… did he say… tool?
Rarity tried screaming at the man, but he turned away from her.
“I know you have no intention of helping me on your own free will. That's why I'll just have to take it by force. I need to get something from my main office. I will return shortly.”
The man left the office, shutting the door. Once alone, Rarity pulled at her bindings frantically, screaming as loud as she could. She tried summoning her Element, but it was no use. She used up all of her energy fighting those robots.
Rarity didn't really care about herself. Okay, that was a lie. She was terrified for herself. But she was more worried about her friends. Were they okay? Were they still alive?
Twilight… Fluttershy… DASH…
Please be alive…
end song
“Good, you're finally alone.”
Rarity looked around frantically, after hearing an electronic voice speak from somewhere in the room. Was there another robot in there with her?
“Don't bother looking for me,” the voice said, clearly using a voice synthesizer to hide their voice, “I'm not in that room with you. I've hacked into Tirek's systems to communicate with you. My voice is coming from his computer.”
Oh dear… not another one…
“You're not in any danger with me,” the voice said once Rarity closed her eyes in fear, “I'm on your side. Tirek is a horrible man who desires control of all the computers and robots in this world. He believes that by using the power of Lavos, he'll be able to control everything in the world. For that reason, he wants to use your powers as the Chrono Trigger.
“Your friends are already on their way, but we can't afford to wait for them. You must at least make your way to the first floor of this compound. From here, I can at least release your arms and legs. It will be up to you to get out of there though. Once you're released, grab your spear and get to the first floor. Now, are you ready? Blink once for yes, and twice for no.”
Could this person see her? Rarity looked and saw a security camera looking right at her. Chances were, that whoever she was talking to was watching her through that.
Realizing that she didn't have a choice, Rarity closed her eyes tightly once for yes. A few seconds later, she heard a machine activate, and the bindings on her wrists and ankles opened. She immediately sat up and undid the band around her mouth.
“Ugh, that wasn't fun,” Rarity said, immediately pulling a compact and lipstick from her pocket, quickly redoing her make-up, “I don't know how anyone would find that appealing. Um… thank you, uh…”
“Just call me… Solaris,” the person who helped her said, “Once you get out of there, you'll find an old warp room west of here. You should be safe there, as it's under my protection. You can return to Standard, or go to any other world you need to from there.”
Rarity nodded and ran to her spear, “Got it. I'll start making my way there now.”
“Good luck, Rarity,” Solaris said. Rarity turned to the camera in shock.
“How do you know my name?” Rarity asked. Sadly, her question went unanswered, as Solaris probably disconnected. Rarity sighed and left the room, deciding to instead focus on meeting up with her friends.
Once she turned the corner, she ran into two security drones. Both robots turned their blasters at Rarity, who did a fancy cartwheel behind the corner out of the way.
“Well, I will say this much, this experience has done wonders for my figure,” she said to herself, remarking at how much more athletic she had become over time. Once they stopped firing, Rarity rushed out to them and slashed one with her spear, knocking it back. When the other one fired at her, she jumped away and charged up her black element, firing her Shadow Ball at the second one, destroying it instantly.
Am I getting stronger…?
Yes… I think so!
Rarity turned to the remaining drone just in time to block its shots with her spear. Even she was amazed by how well she was doing. Feeling a little bolder, she spun her spear around in front of her walking toward the drone. She then stuck her spear into the ground in front of her, and used it as a lever kicking the drone into a wall, breaking it.
Right after the fight, the alarm went off. Was that because of her?
“Ooh, looks like the paparazzi is coming,” Rarity said nervously, “I should probably try and dodge them, else they catch me in a compromising position.”
She continued to rush through the compound, stopping in front of the elevator. She pushed the call button for it, and then tapped her foot nervously.
“Come on…!” Rarity said. She looked to her side and saw two more drones turn the corner along with a bulky looking security bot standing upright with treadmills on its feet. They fired at her, but she quickly ducked out of the way, rushing to the stairs instead.
As she ran down the stairs, she saw a few drones coming up the stairs toward her. She got on the railing and slid down past them, blowing them a kiss before she jumped off and ran through the door to the first floor.
Once there, she was ambushed by two of the larger security bots. One of them pointed a machine gun at Rarity and fired, but she rolled to the side just in time. Sadly the second one was right in front of her in a second and whacked her back into a wall.
Rarity stood up and charged up her black element. Instead of Shadow Ball, she rushed toward the robot that just assaulted her and used her Grim Slash. It seemed to do a bit of damage, but she saw an odd looking drone floating behind them charge up what looked like Twilight's white element.
Oh, you better not!
Much to Rarity's dismay, it launched “Cure” at the drone she just attacked and healed it completely. Rarity swore and rushed over to that drone, but the other security robot knocked her back onto the ground. She looked up and saw the robot she attacked raise its arm above her and try to slam it down, but Rarity rolled to the side and whacked it with her spear. She slashed it a few more times and then jumped back charging up her black element again. This time she did fire Shadow Ball, right at the healing drone.
And sadly the robot in front of it rolled in the way defending the attack. It then pointed its machine gun at Rarity and fired. She jumped back away from the attack, but the second security robot grabbed her and held her up.
end song
“N-no!” Rarity screamed as she struggled, “Let me go!”
Just as the second robot prepared to fire at her, an electric blast shot it in the back knocking it down. As it fell, Rarity saw DASH, Twilight, and Fluttershy running to her aid.
“Girls…!” Rarity cried, tears of joy forming in her eyes.
Twilight pulled out her bow and slid underneath the healing drone. At the same time she pointed her bow at it and fired as fast as she could. Once she charged up enough of her element, she charged up and fired her Ray Shot at it, destroying it.
“The healer is down!” Twilight shouted, “We can take them out now!”
DASH and Fluttershy nodded, both of them running toward the robot that was holding Rarity. The second robot rushed toward them knocking Fluttershy back, but DASH took to the air, activating the jets on her feet.
“Fluttershy!” DASH cried.
“Leave robot to me! Save Rarity!” Fluttershy ordered. DASH nodded and flew over to the robot that was still holding Rarity. She landed on her feet, running toward it and then jumped into the air doing a drill kick at the robot's face, making it release Rarity.
Once Rarity ran behind her, DASH charged up her yellow element and pointed her cannon arm at the drone. She built up energy, and then fired her Charged Shot at the robot, destroying it in one shot.
Nearby, Fluttershy kicked the last robot back and then charged up her green element, knocking it back with Wind Blade, surprisingly killing it.
“My word!” Rarity said in shock, “How did her attack do so much against it?!”
“Those robots have a yellow element,” DASH explained, “Thus green elements like Fluttershy's are the most effective. Rarity, are you okay?”
“I am now,” Rarity said, immediately hugging DASH, “Thank you! All of you!”
“It is no problem at all,” DASH said with an arrogant grin, “They had me backing them up. There was no way we could lose.”
“Rarity, there's a warp room further away from her,” Twilight said, “We need to-”
“I already know,” Rarity said, “Someone named Solaris told me.”
“She bring us here,” Fluttershy said, standing on the remains of the robot she destroyed, “We go now?”
“Damn right we do,” DASH said, “Follow me. I will lead us right there.”
The four of them rushed out of the compound, Rarity happy and amazed to see how far they went for her. They might not have been her versions of her friends, but it felt nice to know that no matter where she was, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy were there to protect her.
Girls… thank you so much.
end song
Tirek walked through the halls, looking at the remains of the robots scattered all around him.
“Stupid drones!” she exclaimed, kicking one of the scraps in front of him, “We had her right where we wanted her!”
“Don't worry, Tirek,” a voice said behind him. He turned to see a figure standing in the darkness behind him, wearing a black trench coat and with really long hair.
“Ah, Mistress, I apologize for losing the Chrono Trigger,” Tirek said with a slight bow.
“Worry not,” the woman said, “I'm sure its only a matter of time before they go to the one you refer to as Medieval. My servant is there now, and we are preparing for their arrival. Once we capture them, I will make sure you receive all the information you need.”
“Thank you, Nightmare Moon,” Tirek said, “This is more than I deserve.”
“Think of it as my way of thanking you for providing me with a vessel from this world,” the woman, Nightmare Moon said. She stepped out of the darkness slightly, revealing her long dark blue hair.
Hair that looked almost like the night sky.
“Well, here we are,” DASH said as they entered the fancy room. It looked like the computer room from the Junkyard, but much nicer looking with newer computers. Rarity, Twilight, and Fluttershy looked in the middle of the room and saw what looked like a mirror of some sort hooked to a machine.
“This is the warp room?” Rarity asked.
“Yep, using this we can warp to all of your worlds or any other world that we need to,” DASH explained, “We can also get information on Lavos.”
“Can we first track down Rarity's world?” Twilight asked, “I'm really worried about it.”
“Yes, I worried too,” Fluttershy said.
“Sure,” Dash said sitting down at the computer, “Rarity, may I have a piece of your DNA?”
“S-sure,” Rarity said. She hated doing this, but realizing she didn't have a choice, she took a single strand of her hair and pulled it out. She handed it to DASH, who put it into her computer and scanned it. After a second, the computer beeped, but the word “UNKNOWN” appeared on screen. Rarity looked up at the computer
“What does that mean…?” Twilight asked nervously.
“I am not sure,” DASH said thoughtfully, “It may take some time to work this out and gather information on Lavos. You can stay here with me for that, or you can return to Standard for now.”
“Um… think we could go back to my world for a bit?” Twilight asked, “I think I want to take this time to check on my friends.”
“Y-yeah, sure,” Rarity said distantly, looking up at the screen. She was terrified, trembling unable to look away from the screen.
Unknown…?
Does this have to do with what Tirek said…?
“I stay here with DASH,” Fluttershy said, “Keep company.”
“You should hold onto the gate key,” DASH said handing Twilight the gate key, “Use that to come back here. I should be ready in one to two days.”
“Thanks DASH,” Twilight said, “How do we use it?”
“Hold it up in front of the warp gate,” DASH explained, “You will end up in a place with multiple doors. You'll see images showing you the world, but the door to Standard will be pretty obvious.”
“Thank you,” Twilight said, “We'll be back soon. Rarity, are you ready?”
“W-what?” Rarity turned to Twilight suddenly, “Oh, uh… yes darling. I'm… fine.”
“Rarity, are you going to be okay?” Twilight asked. Now all eyes were on Rarity, who for the first time found herself shirking away from the attention.
“I… don't really want to talk about it right now,” Rarity admitted, “Maybe later, but…”
Fluttershy embraced Rarity tightly, “Find your world, friend. Answer with Lavos, I sure of that.”
“Same here,” DASH said, “I will not rest until I find everything I can about Lavos.”
“Thank you,” Rarity said. She turned to Twilight and took the gate key, “Now, let's head back to your world.”
Twilight nodded, still looking at Rarity seriously, and followed her to the warp gate. She held the gate key above her, and electricity converged on the mirror, which started to ripple like water. Rarity placed her hand on the mirror, surprised to see that like the portal to Equestria, her hand went right through it. She then took Twilight's hand and pushed through the warp gate.
The area they two girls found themselves in was terrifying, yet also beautiful. The ground underneath them looked like it was made of metal, and it circled around what looked like a holographic globe of planet earth. Around the circular platform were four large mirrors, each one showing a different landscape. While the rims of all of them were fancy looking, most of them had silver rims while one had a golden rim. Surrounding all of them was what looked like a glass wall either colored to look like outer space, or were clear showing them the outside.
Considering that Rarity saw slight movement though, she assumed it was the latter.
“Looks like we came out of this mirror,” Twilight said looking back at the world showing them “Machine”. Through that mirror they saw a far off image of a super advanced city.
Rarity looked around, seeing only four mirrors, “Are there only this many worlds?”
“I doubt it,” Twilight said, “These are probably the only worlds that they could find, probably because the differences are so vast in them.”
“I see,” Rarity said, walking around the area. She saw a door that showed her a forest like landscape, and another one that showed her what looked like a medieval castle. If the last one was “Standard” then that meant…
“Rarity?” Twilight asked.
“Let's go,” Rarity said curtly, walking to the golden mirror. Twilight sighed and followed her. The two girls looked into the mirror, seeing an urban metropolis before them.
Rarity and Twilight took each other's hands, and jumped through, returning to Standard.
Author's Notes:
So yeah... things are getting complicated now, aren't they? As you see, I'm using more of the Chrono Trigger style of story telling, so not too much fluff. The next chapter will be different than the others, but I assure you, NOTHING is pointless.
Please follow me on Patreon.
Standard: Stand Up for Yourself
Standard – Stand Up for Yourself
Twilight was so happy her bike was back at her house when they got back. Not that she couldn't just get another one, but she liked that bike. Apparently, her friends (now joined by Rainbow Dash) covered for her absence, as she got a text message from Pinkie Pie as soon as she got back, asking her to call her as soon as she could.
After talking to Pinkie Pie for a bit, getting her updated on what happened, Twilight took her shower and went to her and Rarity's room. Rarity had taken her shower already and was probably asleep now. Twilight was really worried about Rarity. She hadn't talked much since they returned from Machine. Twilight kept thinking about what Forest Celesta told her about being Rarity's light.
She did think it was interesting that she was a light adept while Rarity was a darkness adept.
Twilight slowly opened the door, but saw that Rarity was still up, looking at the moon from Twilight's window. She was already wearing her pajamas, but she didn't show any sign of going to bed anytime soon.
“I was thinking about going to school tomorrow,” Twilight said walking into the room, “Might be a good idea to see everyone, you know?”
“Mm hm…” Rarity nodded, still not turning to Twilight. Twilight sighed walking over to her.
“Rarity, what's the matter?” Twilight asked, “I haven't known you for very long, but I can tell when you're really upset about something.”
“I'm fine Twilight,” Rarity said, her voice darker, actually giving Twilight a chill. Her entire air was beginning to darken.
“No you're not,” Twilight said, “It's about what we saw in Machine, right? How DASH wasn't able to find your world?” Rarity tensed up, but she didn't turn around, “Rarity-”
“I don't want to talk about it,” Rarity said, the flair in her voice gone, something Twilight noted was a sign that she was really upset, “Just… leave it alone for now, okay?”
“Stop doing that,” Twilight demanded. This time Rarity slightly turned to Twilight.
“Stop doing what?” Rarity asked.
“Pushing me away like this,” Twilight said, looking down and trembling, “I get it, you're suffering right now. You put on a happy face so Fluttershy, DASH, and I won't suspect anything is wrong, but deep down you're in a lot of pain. You're sad, scared, frustrated, angry, all of those things, and it's okay that you feel that way,” Twilight ran over to Rarity, turned her around, and grabbed her shoulders looking her in the eyes, “But what isn't okay is bottling it up like this, and pushing your friends away. I know I'm not your Twilight, but I do care about you. I want to be there for you, but I can't if you keep blocking me out.”
Rarity averted her eyes, and started trembling horribly, like she was about to break down.
“I… I can't…” Rarity said, “If I let it out… I don't know if… I'll stop… or if I'll be able… to… stand…”
“That's okay,” Twilight said, “I'll hold you. I'll hold you for as long as I have to. You'll feel better if you just let it out. Please, Rarity.”
Rarity closed her eyes tightly, and a stream of tears flowed. Twilight immediately embraced her friend, who soon after started wailing, unable to even keep standing. Twilight went down with her, holding her tightly as Rarity lost all composure.
They stayed like that for a good few minutes. Once Rarity calmed down a bit, Twilight took her downstairs and pulled out a carton of strawberry ice cream, which the two of them shared. Rarity hadn't spoken yet, but she also hadn't left Twilight's side.
“I don't know what to do…”
Twilight was started by Rarity's voice, but then turned to her friend confused.
“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.
“When I was alone in that compound, a man called me “Chrono Trigger”, and said that I wasn't from any world,” Rarity said.
“Solaris said something like that too,” Twilight said, “She kept calling you “Chrono Trigger” too. I wonder what that even means.”
“I don't know, but it's sounding like my world might be…” Rarity choked back a sob, covering her mouth and looking away.
“That's what has you so upset,” Twilight said, “Seeing DASH unable to find your world must have been like confirmation of your worst fears.”
“My world, my friends, my family,” Rarity started trembling again, “They're gone…! All of it is gone!” she broke down again, covering her face in her hands, “I'll never see any of them again!”
“What if… what if I am your Twilight?”
Rarity stopped sobbing and looked at Twilight confused, “What do… you mean…?”
“Well, what if your world was just shifted into this one?” Twilight asked, “I mean, that would make sense with what DASH saw, right? I don't know,” Twilight sighed looking forward, “I'm just… I don't want you to give up hope.”
“You… really care that much…?” Rarity asked.
“Of course,” Twilight said, “I know how I'd feel if this happened to me, and I'm willing to bet that if I had met you, you'd be the same way. I don't know how we're going to save your friend or find your world, but I do know that giving up hope isn't the way. So… I want you to be strong. Crack a joke, brag about your appearance, and when you see your enemy, say something really arrogant like you always do.”
Twilight felt Rarity embrace her tightly.
“Thank you, Twilight,” Rarity said softly, “I don't know what I'd do without you.”
“You won't have to figure that out,” Twilight said smiling, “I'll be there for you, no matter what.”
As they hugged, their hands met, their fingers interlocked with each other in a very intimate and loving manner.
The next day, Rarity decided to go with Twilight to school. She needed the distraction, and it honestly didn't make sense to just sit around and do nothing for the day. She wasn't much of a gamer herself unless it was Candy Crush, so she didn't see herself spending the day playing video games, and Standard didn't have any monsters to fight, so no training.
Well, unless she ran into this world's Fluttershy.
Everyone was happy to see her. Pinkie Pie kept asking both her questions about their trip, and even Applejewel seemed interested, especially when she heard about the alternate versions of Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Dash actually smiled bashfully when she heard that her alternate self was a robot.
When it was time for homeroom, Twilight and Rarity walked in, surprised when they saw Fluttershy. Rarity waved to her, forgetting what this Fluttershy was like. When she scowled at her and turned away grumbling to herself, Rarity remembered.
Right, Standard Fluttershy is a bitch.
That sounds… so wrong.
When homeroom ended, Rarity shot up and ran after Fluttershy as she left.
“Hey, wait!” Rarity called out. Fluttershy stopped and turned to her.
“What do you want, bitch?” Fluttershy spat.
“I…” hoo boy, after a few days being with a more pleasant Fluttershy, standing in front of this version was back to being jarring, “How… are you doing…?”
“Wanna know how humiliated I am after you cheated in our fight?!” Fluttershy asked harshly.
“C-cheated?! Says the one who tried to ambush me with her goons!”
“I saw that stupid goth's video!” Fluttershy said, “I don't know what that black ball was you shot at me, but I'm going to get my revenge, not just on you, but on everyone there! Jewel, Pinkie Pie,” Twilight walked over to them, “Four-eyes over here!”
“Four-eyes?” Twilight asked.
“Oh, and don't think Dash is safe! She's going to get it the worst! I'm going to make all of you fucking bitches wish you hadn't messed with me!”
With that, Fluttershy stormed off to her next class. Twilight looked at her glasses and frowned.
“I haven't been called Four-eyes since elementary school,” Twilight said, “I didn't even know that insult was still a thing.”
“Oh dear,” Rarity said with a sigh, “I might have messed up a bit.”
“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, putting her glasses back on.
“I was hoping Fluttershy would think about what happened and try to better herself, if only a little,” Rarity admitted, “It sounds more like she's even worse now.”
“Yeah… that's just how she is.”
Both Rarity and Twilight turned to see Rainbow Dash standing meekly behind them.
“She hasn't hurt you or anything, has she?” Twilight asked.
“No more than usual,” Dash said, “Pinkie Pie and Applejewel stay with me most of the time, so she doesn't get the chance to try anything, but she still forces me to do all of her homework.”
“Why do you put up with her?” Rarity asked.
“Because I made a promise,” Dash said somberly, “Remember when I said that Fluttershy got bullied a lot when we were younger? I sort of promised that I'd be her friend no matter what.”
“Wait, you actually consider Fluttershy your friend?” Twilight asked, mirroring Rarity's shock.
“Of course I do,” Dash said as if it were obvious, “I know why she's really like this, and I'm not going to let her attitude destroy our friendship.”
“As loyal as that is,” Rarity said, “And believe me, I think that's really loyal of you, that doesn't give her the right to push you around like that. You need to stand up for yourself.”
“I… can't…” Dash said sadly, “I don't want to hurt her anymore than she is right now. I need to get to class. I'll see you at lunch, okay?”
Dash pushed past them and walked to her next class. Rarity folded her arms and pursed her lips as Twilight sighed shaking her head.
“If this keeps up, Fluttershy's just going to keep bullying Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said, “What should we do?”
“Leave it to me,” Rarity said.
“What are you going to do?” Twilight asked nervously.
“Dashie here can't see herself as strong,” Rarity said, “So I wonder what would happen if she saw a stronger version of herself.”
“Hold on,” Twilight asked, “You're not about to do what I think you're about to do, are you?”
“I am,” Rarity said walking off, “I'll be back in a bit.”
“Rarity, we don't know how the time space continuum would be affected by that,” Twilight said, “We've been lucky so far, but what if we cause a paradox or something.”
“Back in my world, my Twilight once met another world's Twilight and they had a full on conversation,” Rarity explained, “The world didn't implode on itself then, and I don't believe it will do so now. Besides, Dashie needs this.”
Rarity walked out of the school, thankful that she didn't run into any teachers on the way. She walked over to the statue in front of the school, looked around, and then pulled out the gate key. She held it up, and then walked through the base.
When Rarity arrived in Machine, she saw DASH-379 sitting at the computer right where they left her, still working. Nearby she saw Fluttershy lying on a table sleeping. She smiled and walked over to DASH, touching her shoulder.
“Rarity,” DASH said turning to her, “It is good to see you. I apologize, but I have not finished my analysis.”
“That's alright,” Rarity said, “Actually, I need your help with something in Standard.”
“Eh, sure,” DASH said swiveling her chair around, “I can assist you. What do you need?”
Rarity explained to her the whole situation in Standard, about her alternate self's timid nature, and how she was enabling Standard's Fluttershy. When Rarity finished, DASH-379 considered the situation carefully.
“Huh… that is serious,” DASH said.
“I know that this really isn't your business,” Rarity said, “But Dashie is also a good friend of mine, and I want to help her. I figured if she spoke to you, she might get a burst of courage.”
“Well, it is worth a shot,” DASH said standing up, “Allow me to borrow the gate key. If you are willing to stay here with Fluttershy, I will talk to my alternate self and be back soon.”
“She should be heading to her next class soon,” Rarity said, “Thank you, DASH.”
“I could use the break anyway,” DASH said standing up and stretching. Once again, Rarity couldn't take her eyes off DASH's chest. She really wanted to know if Standard Rainbow Dash or her Rainbow Dash for that matter was this built.
Rarity handed her the gate key, and DASH through the warp gate. Realizing that DASH might be a minute, Rarity sat down in the chair and spun around, immediately regretting not bringing some sort of entertainment.
Okay, next time I'm asking Twilight to borrow her hand held or something.
DASH-379 stepped out of the monument and looked around, scanning the environment.
SEARCHING FOR SIGNS OF AUTOMATON LIFE FORMS
SEARCH COMPLETE: NO AUTOMATON LIFE LOCATED WITHIN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY
INITIATE STEALTH MODE?
Before DASH could figure that out, she heard someone gasp in shock. She looked and saw two students looking at her pointing. When the students ran away, DASH rolled her eyes.
NEGATIVE
STEALTH MODE WOULD DO NOTHING TO ALTER THE SITUATION
DASH sighed to herself, and then sauntered through the school. As she walked through the halls, a lot of the students and a few teachers were giving her odd looks. She even heard someone actually whistle as she passed by.
WHISTLE IS PROBABLY A SIGN OF ATTRACTION DUE TO UNIT'S PHYSICAL FEATURES
CHANCES OF AWKWARDNESS FOR STANDARD ALTERNATE SELF
87%
Well, she wasn't really phased by it. For one thing, she wasn't programmed to be bashful about her appearance. Also, she was hot, and her armor did a great job of showing that off. Why shouldn't people enjoy the show?
She walked over to another student and tapped her shoulder. When the black haired student turned to her, she stepped back in shock.
“Whoa! Um… Rainbow Dash…? Is that you…?” the student asked.
“I am looking for a girl about your age that favors my appearance,” DASH said, “It is of the utmost importance that I speak with her.”
“Um… this is weird,” The student said, “But… if you're not Rainbow Dash, you're probably looking for the gymnasium. I think this is a free period for her, and she spends that in the gym.”
“Thank you for your assistance,” DASH said with a bow. She then walked off, doing her best to locate the gymnasium.
It took a bit, but she eventually found the gym. Just as the student said, her alternate self was sitting on a bleacher by herself watching students play basket ball. DASH was a little taken aback by how delicate this version of herself looked. She was very pretty in her own right, but she didn't look very strong physically.
DASH walked over to Rainbow Dash and sat down next to her, waiting for her human self to notice her. It only took maybe a second.
“Ahh!” Rainbow Dash screamed in shock. DASH turned her human counterpart and smirked.
“Hey, you are this world's version of me, right?” DASH asked. Rainbow Dash's eyes were wide.
“Oh my God… you're the alternate version of me that Rarity met!” she cried, “The one who's a robot!”
“So you know about me. That makes things easier,” DASH-379 said.
“W-why are you here though?” Rainbow Dash asked nervously, “This isn't like the Terminator, is it?”
“The… Terminator…?” DASH-379 asked confused, “No no no, I am here on Rarity's behalf. She asked me to talk to you.”
“Rarity asked you…?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“She told me about you and this world's Fluttershy,” DASH-379 said, “How she bullies you.”
“She's… difficult…” Dash said, “But she's not a bad person.”
“I did not say she was,” DASH-379 said, “But she does bully you, correct?”
Rainbow Dash tried to deny it, but she sighed looking shamed, “Maybe a little…”
“Do you know why she targets you so much?” DASH-379 asked.
“It's because… I'm her friend,” Rainbow Dash admitted, “She goes after everyone a bit, but when it comes to me, I'm the main one she attacks.”
“Why do you allow her to do that?” DASH-379 asked, “Why do you not stand up for yourself?”
“Because she needs someone…” Rainbow Dash said sadly, “I don't like the way she is now. Actually, I hate it. She used to be so nice, but after her friend died, she was crushed. If I don't stay with her, she's going to be alone…”
“You value her as a friend,” DASH-379 stated.
“I do,” Rainbow Dash said, “That's why I…”
“That is why you have to be the one to face her,” DASH-379 said, shocking Rainbow Dash.
“W-what?! Me?!”
“Uh, yeah. You claim that you value her as a friend, but right now all you are doing is enabling her. You want her to go back to the way she was before, right?”
“More than anything,” Rainbow Dash said.
“So how is what you are doing now helping her with that? How does being her punching bag, doing her homework, and letting her crush your self-esteem bring her back to being her old self?”
Rainbow Dash looked down seriously, gripping the skirt of her dress tightly, “Um… you know another Fluttershy, right? What's she like?”
“She is a wonderful person,” DASH-379 said, “Kind, strong willed, maybe a little slow when it comes to machinery, but she always means well. I am assuming that is more like the Fluttershy you remember?”
Rainbow Dash nodded, “She was so sweet back then. When we were kids, she never hurt anyone. She liked animals, mainly bunnies. She cried a lot, but that was okay, because she had Rarity and… me…”
end song
At that moment, almost on cue it seemed, Fluttershy stepped in. DASH-379 had to admit, seeing Fluttershy like this really messed with her head, but she didn't let it show. Fluttershy turned to them and stormed over to them.
“Hey Rainbow Trash, the teacher said that my math homework was wrong,” Fluttershy fussed, “You better do a better job next…” she noticed DASH-379 sitting there and stepped back, “What the fuck…? Who are you supposed to be?”
“That is not important,” DASH-379 said, “I believe Rainbow Dash here has something to say to you, right?”
DASH-379 turned to Rainbow Dash, and looked at her intently. Rainbow Dash stood up, looking down trembling as Fluttershy got closer to her, looming over her.
“Is that right, Skittle-Head?” Fluttershy asked, “You have something to say to me?”
“You… you…” as Rainbow Dash stammered, DASH-379 looked up at her nervously, and Fluttershy narrowed her eyes at her.
“What?” Fluttershy asked harshly, “You got something to say apparently, right? So come out and say it, if you've got the guts that is.”
Rainbow Dash tightened her fists, shaking uncontrollably thinking about what Rarity and Twilight said to her, what DASH-379 said, and also how badly she wanted her Fluttershy back. What happened next shocked everyone, as Rainbow Dash took a deep breath.
“YOU CAN DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK!!!”
Everyone stopped what they were doing, all eyes on Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. DASH-379 smiled proudly, but Fluttershy was shaking in rage.
“W-what… did… you… say…?!” Fluttershy seethed.
“Y-you h-heard me…!” Rainbow Dash said, still trembling but now looking Fluttershy dead in the eyes, “I've… put up with you… for years… because you're my best friend… but this… stops… NOW! I'm not going to be your victim anymore!”
Fluttershy started breathing heavily, her face starting to turn red she was so angry, “You… talked back… to me…?! I WILL FUCKING WRECK YOU, BITCH!!!”
“Go on!” Rainbow Dash said, “Instead of threatening to do it, just do it! Maybe that's what I need to stop putting up with you! To see that my best friend is really gone!”
Fluttershy raised her hand as if to slap her, and Rainbow Dash flinched in fear. The hit never came though, as Fluttershy looked like she was struggling with herself. She stepped away from Rainbow Dash trembling as tears fell from her eyes.
“I hate you…” Fluttershy said, “I FUCKING HATE YOU!!!”
She then turned around and ran out of the gymnasium. Everyone was silent for a few seconds, until someone started clapping. Soon, all the students in the gym started clapping. DASH-379 stood up and patted her human counterpart on the back.
“You did good, Rainbow Dash,” DASH-379 said.
“You heard her though…” Rainbow Dash said sadly, “She hates me now…”
“That was a lie,” DASH-379 stated, “She is resisting, but she felt what you were saying. Hearing her best friend call her out on her bad behavior might be the wake-up call she needs.”
“I… I don't know where any of that came from,” Rainbow Dash said, “I'd never be able to do that before…”
“You could, you just did not know you could,” DASH-379 said putting her hands on Rainbow Dash's shoulders, “You and I are the same. That means deep down you have the heart of a warrior,” she smirked, “Besides, I refuse to believe anyone with my face is weak. As far as I am concerned, you are a DASH unit like me, and that means you are the best in your line.”
“I'm… the best…?” Rainbow Dash asked before smiling more confidently, “Yeah. I guess I am pretty cool. Thanks robot me.”
“Do not mention it human me,” DASH-379 said, “Oh, do not be surprised if your popularity shoots up a good sixty percent. See ya, DASH-380.”
“Popularity…?” Rainbow Dash asked, “What do you mean by that?” she stopped when she noticed how her robot counterpart walked, unable to take her eyes off her hips. As she started blushing, she noticed two of the boys playing earlier behind her watching too.
“So uh… just how similar do you look to that?” one boy asked. Rainbow Dash looked down sheepishly, blushing even more now.
Yep, she was now a superstar in the school.
Outside the gym, DASH-379 thought back to what she just did and smiled.
“I think she will be just fine,” DASH said to herself, “I have to do my best too. Rarity is counting on me,” she looked down at her hand and tightened it into a fist, “Even if I am malfunctioning, Rarity is my friend, and I have to do whatever it takes to help her.”
With renewed spirit, DASH-379 made her way back to Standard's warp gate. She felt something within her change, almost as if she gained a new power of some sort. When she checked the list of elements she knew, she saw a new one present.
Speed Boost.
When DASH returned to Machine, she saw Fluttershy was now awake, sitting in front of Rarity who was applying make-up.
“And there,” Rarity said, “Take a look.”
Rarity held out a mirror and pointed it at Fluttershy, who looked mesmerized.
“I pretty like you now?” Fluttershy asked. Rarity giggled.
“Oh darling, you were already gorgeous,” Rarity said, “This just calls attention to how gorgeous you are.”
“Looks like you two are having fun,” DASH said smiling. Fluttershy immediately shot up and ran over to DASH hugging her.
“DASH! You come back! I scared when woke up and you not here!” Fluttershy cried. DASH looked Fluttershy in the eyes intently, “DASH…? You okay…?”
“Y-yeah…” DASH said softly. She smiled and pulled Fluttershy into a tight embrace, “I am fine Fluttershy. Just… promise me you will never change, and we will always be friends, okay?”
“Promise,” Fluttershy said immediately, returning the embrace, “I never change, and I always your friend.”
DASH released Fluttershy and walked over to Rarity, “I believe this belongs to you.”
Rarity took back the gate key and smiled, “Thank you DASH. Is everything okay now?”
“Everything is fine,” DASH said, “My human counterpart has taken a major step to becoming stronger, and I feel that I have become stronger as a result.”
“Wonderful,” Rarity said, “I feel better then. But… are you sure you're okay, darling? You have a sort of… odd look in your eyes.”
“I… guess seeing a version of Fluttershy and I that were not so close just… affected me,” DASH explained.
“What matters is how close you are with this Fluttershy,” Rarity said, “No matter what, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy have been, and always will be best friends. I think that's just something that has to happen in any world.”
“Perhaps so,” DASH said returning to her chair, “I will work overtime to get the information on Lavos, and anything that can locate your world.”
“Thank you…” Rarity said, somewhat surprised by how far DASH was going for her, “That… means a lot to me.”
DASH-379 nodded to her, and put her focus back to the computer. Rarity turned to Fluttershy and took her hands.
“I have to go for now, Fluttershy. I'll be back tomorrow though, okay?”
Fluttershy nodded smiling and embraced Rarity lovingly, “Bye Rarity. I see you tomorrow.”
Rarity used the gate key, and went through returning to Standard. She was anxious to see what the aftermath of that would be.
When Rarity walked out to the portal and went back to the school, it was lunch time. She picked up her lunch and met up with her friends in the library. She only saw Applejewel, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie waiting for her.
“Well look who reappeared,” Applejewel said, “You missed somethin crazy.”
“Oh did I?” Rarity asked sitting down.
“This scantily clad robot that looked like Rainbow Dash just walked through the school like she owned the place and talked to her!” Pinkie Pie said excitedly, “Then Fluttershy came in being a bitch like usual, and Dashie told her off!”
“Is that right?” Rarity said, feigning ignorance, “Sounds like things got exciting while I was gone.”
“Are you sure this was okay Rarity?” Twilight asked, “DASH really called attention to herself with that,” Applejewel and Pinkie Pie turned to her, “I'm talking about the robot Dash.”
“Oh,” both girls said at the same time.
“I'm sure it'll be fine,” Rarity said, “Speaking of, where is Dashie?”
“Probably runnin away from all the boys givin her rhythm,” Applejewel said, “Poor thing is so shy, she's probably afraid ta leave the bathroom now.”
They heard the library door open, and all four of them looked out to see who it was. They saw Rainbow Dash walk into the library with a boy. They couldn't hear what was being said, but he smiled sheepishly rubbing the back of his head, and Rainbow Dash giggled. The boy waved to her and left, and Rainbow Dash squealed happily before running to where her friends were waiting for her.
“Hi girls,” Dash said, more enthusiastically than usual.
“Hey… Dashie…” Twilight said, “You seem to be in good spirits.”
“Ever since my robot self appeared, I've been getting so much attention!” Dash said happily, “Before no one noticed me, but now I'm one of the most popular girls in school!”
“And… yer okay with that…?” Applejewel asked.
“I was surprised too,” Dash admitted looking down, “I was scared at first, but after a while, something inside of me lit up. I realized everyone in the school was talking about me and well, I think I like that.”
“That's wonderful,” Rarity said embracing Rainbow Dash, “I'm so happy for you. Now, what about Fluttershy though.”
“I'm not worried about her,” Dash said honestly, “She had a chance to attack me, but she didn't take it. I'm sure now, deep down my best friend is still in there, and I'm going to keep fighting for her. But…” Rainbow Dash opened her lunch, “she's doing her own homework from now on.”
Everyone laughed at that, Rarity the hardest and happiest. Somehow, she seemed just a tad more like her own Rainbow Dash.
“So… question for the blog,” Pinkie Pie asked pointing her camera at Rainbow Dash, “Who was the boy you came in with, and what were you talking about?”
“Oh, that was Soarin,” Dash said, blushing madly and smiling, “He… asked me out on a date this weekend.”
“WHAAAAAT?!!!!”
end song
Turned out this was the break that Rarity needed, as she felt so much better now when she woke up next to Twilight the next day. The two of them showered, got dressed (Rarity taking extra time with her make-up) and they made their way to the warp gate early in the morning.
They arrived in Machine shortly after, immediately going over to DASH-379 and Fluttershy.
“Hello friends,” Fluttershy said happily.
“Hey Fluttershy,” Twilight said hugging Fluttershy, “It's seriously great to see you again.”
“Did you discover anything?” Rarity asked DASH-379.
“Concerning your world's location, I am afraid not,” DASH admitted, “But, I did discover something very interesting concerning Lavos.”
“That's a start at least,” Twilight said, “What did you find?”
“It turns out, Lavos gives off unusual temporal energy,” DASH explained, “It is the same temporal energy that comes off of Rarity.”
“Really?” Rarity asked looking at her hand.
“DASH, tell them other thing,” Fluttershy urged.
“Ahh, right. So once I discovered that, Fluttershy suggested looking for that energy signal elsewhere. Sure enough, I did not have to look very far either. Turns out, there are two locations that give off this temporal energy. The first one being here in Machine.”
“And the second one?” Rarity asked.
“In the third and final registered world,” DASH said, “We have code named this world “Medieval” as it seems to favor more of a medieval style.”
“You mean that other world we saw,” Twilight said, “I think we should go there next.”
“I agree,” Rarity said, “We can come back here and investigate anytime, but if there's a new lead we need to follow it.”
“So… we go to new world then?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yes,” Rarity said, “We're going to Medieval.”
“Then we should depart immediately,” DASH said, “Solaris told me that she is monitoring this area, so we can leave this in confidence.”
“Then let's not waste any time,” Twilight said.
The four of them walked over to the warp gate, standing in front of it. Rarity held up up the gate key, and led her new team through the warp gate, making their way to their next destination and newest horizon.
Next stop, Medieval.
end song
Deep in a lush forest, a group of knights were camped out. They were making their way back to their kingdom of Canterlot, sadly not with good news. Their queen was still nowhere to be seen, but after the rough time they had, their leader felt it was time for them to return home to regroup.
Said leader stood on a hill looking out at the horizon. Clad in silver knights armor with a flowing red cape, they tightened their fists.
“Even if I have to go alone, I will not rest until I find my queen,” the knight said, “That's the mark of a knight of the queen, right teacher?”
The leader drew their sword and held it up, red energy briefly shining through it.
Medieval: Just A Tool
Medieval – Just a Tool
Rarity's group arrived in what appeared to be a ruined monument, the portal behind them being the remains of a statue. It looked like the sun had just risen in this world. Fluttershy immediately ran forward on all fours and breathed in happily while DASH-379 walked ahead and scanned the environment.
“Forest!” Fluttershy cheered, “Trees! Fresh air!” she fell back onto the ground and relaxed, “Feel much better here!”
“Ack! Fluttershy, stop rolling around in the dirt!” Twilight scolded running to their animal like companion, “Didn't you just take a bath before coming here?!”
“Huh… I am picking up an abundance of odd energy,” DASH said, “I cannot get an accurate reading on it.”
“What about Lavos' energy?” Rarity asked, “Can you get an accurate reading on that?”
DASH-379 looked around for a second, and then shook her head.
“Sorry, but negative,” DASH said, “I am picking it up, but it does not feel like it is in the world, if that makes any sense.”
“What? Like it's enveloping it?” Rarity asked.
“Correct,” DASH said, “We will have to explore this area if we are to learn more.”
“I wonder where that castle was,” Twilight said dusting an annoyed Fluttershy off, “You know, the one that appeared on the warp gate.”
“That is a very good question,” DASH said, “It would have to be important for the warp gate to show us.”
“By the way, where did that area come from?” Rarity asked, “The warp gate chamber.”
“How should I know?” DASH-379 asked resting her hands on the back of her head.
“Well, you were made in Machine,” Twilight stated.
“What? Just cause I am a robot I should know everything?” DASH asked, clearly offended, “I believe you humans would call that racist.”
“What?! No no! I didn't mean it like that!” Twilight covered, “I just figured with you being made there, that information would have been downloaded to you.”
DASH turned to Twilight and activated her cannon presenting it, “Do you see this? This is what I was built for. I am strictly a combat machine. Yeah, I can learn pretty much anything I want, but at the end of the day, this is what I am meant to do.”
“So… you were created to fight… and destroy…?” Rarity asked sadly, “That's it?”
“Pretty much,” DASH said, not even visibly fazed by that.
“But… doesn't that make you sad at all? To know that you were made for one purpose and that's it? To never be given a choice as to what you want to be?” Twilight pressed.
“I have never thought about it,” DASH admitted, “I am a robot, a machine. Basically, I am a tool to be used by humans, just like your spear, Twilight's bow, or Fluttershy's daggers. Even right now, I am a tool being used to assist you.”
“No!” Fluttershy of all people shouted, catching everyone's attention. When they looked at her, she was looking down trembling, fists clenched tightly.
“Fluttershy?” Rarity asked.
“You not tool like daggers, or bow, or spear! You friend! Come with us as ally, not as tool!” Fluttershy stated. DASH-379 looked at Fluttershy intently, and then walked on ahead.
“I will begin searching for civilization,” DASH said, “Please stay close to me.”
“DASH!” Fluttershy called out, her plea going unanswered as their mechanical companion continued to walk ahead, “DASH is friend. She say so herself, so why…?”
“I guess we have to remember, she may have a personality and emotions, but DASH is still a machine,” Twilight said somberly, “Also, there is that part of her malfunctioning.”
Twilight and Fluttershy walked after DASH-379, but Rarity stayed behind for a bit thinking about her behavior, and relating it to her own Rainbow Dash. She had a tendency to push her more sensitive emotions aside to preserve her strong image. Rarity wondered if DASH-379 was similar in that regard.
“What is mal… func…tion?” Fluttershy asked as Rarity ran after them, “Keep hearing big word, but not understand.”
“It means I am not working properly,” DASH explained, still not turning to them.
“Not working properly? I not understand,” Fluttershy said running to DASH's side, “You not broken. You are friend, DASH. Friend fine just as is.”
DASH tightened her fists in frustration, looked down covering her eyes with her bangs, “Fluttershy…” she said through gritted teeth. Before anyone could say anything, she stopped suddenly and held out her arm, “Hold!”
“What's going on now?!” Twilight said, immediately pulling out her bow.
“I am detecting an unusual signal around us,” DASH said, “It seems… non-organic, but not mechanical either.”
Rarity looked around them and saw shadows take form around them. The shadows turned into black upright creatures with glowing red eyes that still looked like living shadows, and there were a lot of them.
“DASH! Do they feel like Lavos?” Rarity asked pulling out her spear. Fluttershy drew her daggers and DASH got in her fighting stance.
“Scanning,” DASH said, “Affirmative! I am picking up the same energy as you and Lavos from these creatures!”
“Then we're in the right place! Everyone, get ready!” Rarity commanded. The four of them spread out and engaged the creatures, which seemed much stronger than what they were used to fighting. At least, Rarity noticed that she was having a harder time with them.
She swung her spear at three to build up energy, and then jumped away charging up her element. Feeling much stronger, she set her spear down and held out both hands, firing two Shadow Balls at the monsters. They took the attacks head on, but they didn't seem to hurt much.
“Um… problem dearies…!” Rarity said picking up her spear and backing away from them.
“These enemies have a black attribute!” DASH shouted doing a spin kick knocking a shadow monster back, “Your elements will only have one third their usual effectiveness!”
“Well isn't that lovely!” Rarity groaned.
“Hold on,” Twilight said, “DASH, what is black weak against?”
“All elements are weak to their opposing colors!” DASH explained, “Blue and Red, Yellow and Green.”
“And Black and White,” Twilight said, “Got it!”
Twilight, feeling invigorated, spun around firing her arrows at all the shadow monsters she could. She then charged up her white element, held her bow above her as if to shoot at the sky, and fired an arrow. It then exploded into tiny white shots that hit every shadow creature, doing massive damage to each one (Star Shower).
DASH charged up her yellow element and fired her Charged Shot at a shadow monster that tried to hit Fluttershy, killing it. Fluttershy looked at DASH in surprise.
“Are you okay, Fluttershy?” DASH asked lowering her gun. Fluttershy nodded but then gasped in shock.
“DASH, behind you!” she cried. DASH turned around just in time to see one of the shadow monsters charge up its own black element and fire a Shadow Ball at her, knocking her back.
Fluttershy gritted her teeth in anger and rushed at the shadow monster in question slashing with her daggers. Once it seemed like she gathered enough energy, she charged up her green element, and spun around using her Tail Spin attack to hit every shadow creature present.
“Well wasn't that fun?” they heard a familiar voice ask above them. They all looked and saw Pinkamena standing on a tree branch looking down at them.
“I was wondering when you'd show up again!” Rarity said pointing her spear at the demonic looking jester, “I know about Lavos!”
“Ooh, do you now?” Pinkamena asked smiling evilly, “Feeling big and bad now that you know the mastermind behind your pain and suffering?”
“So you don't deny it!” Rarity said, “Lavos is the reason for everything! What happened to my world, Sunset Shimmer being captured, and even you! All of it is because of Lavos!”
“Well, I can't say all of it is Lavos,” Pinkamena said shrugging her shoulders, “But you're right about Lavos being more or less the reason for all of this.”
“You seem pretty loose lipped today!” Twilight said pointing her bow at Pinkamena.
“Well, sure you know what Lavos is, but what can you do about it?” Pinkamena asked. She snapped her fingers as more shadow monsters appeared around the group, “It's not like you can fight Lavos. Even if you knew where he was, killing him would be impossible. You can't hope to kill a God.”
“Lavos not God!” Fluttershy shouted, “Lavos is monster! You are monster!”
“Aw, is that any way to talk to an old friend, Fluttershy?” Pinkamena asked with an evil smirk.
“You not friend! Rarity friend! Twilight friend! DASH friend! You monster that lead attack on village!” Pinkamena laughed.
“Oh, this is rich! You guys still don't know what's happening here, do you?” Pinkamena said, laughing so hard she almost fell off the branch.
“What's happening…?” Rarity asked. DASH scanned Pinkamena while she laughed.
“That woman is completely consumed by the energy that these creatures are made of,” DASH explained, “She's giving off the same reading.”
“Of course I am Rainbow Dash,” Pinkamena said, “I'm just like them, a pawn to be used by Nightmare Moon, the harbinger of Lavos.”
Wait? What did Pinkamena call DASH-379?
“Now shadows, let's continue the party!” Pinkamena said jumping off and getting in her fighting stance, “This is so much fun, I can't take it!”
“Twilight, help me deal with her!” Rarity commanded, “Fluttershy, DASH, deal with the shadow monsters!”
“Got it!” Twilight said.
“Understood!” DASH said. Fluttershy nodded. Twilight and Rarity ran forward to face Pinkamena.
“Now then, let's see what you've learned since I last left you,” Pinkamena said. First thing she did was rush over to Rarity and swung her bladed hoop around. Rarity managed to block most of those attacks, and then began swinging her spear in retaliation.
While that was going on, Twilight used some of the energy she had left over to charge up her element, and then pointed her bow at Pinkamena, “Rarity, move!”
Rarity jumped away, and Twilight fired her Ray Shot at Pinkamena, actually knocking her back a bit. Before Pinkamena could retaliate, Rarity charged up her element and fired her new Twin Shadow Ball move at her. Pinkamena took the attack, and then dusted herself off looking surprised.
“Huh, you know, that actually hurt a little,” she said, sounding impressed, “Good job, Rarity!”
“Quit talking like we're friends!” Rarity screamed rushing over to Pinkamena and slashing with her spear wildly. Pinkamena met her assaults with her own attacks, and the two met in a weapon clash.
“But Rarity, we are friends,” Pinkamena said, pretending to sound hurt, “You and I are best friends, remember?”
“The Pinkie Pie I remember wasn't such a heartless monster!” Rarity screamed pushing back against Pinkamena's hoop.
“So I guess your Rainbow Dash was a combat android, your Fluttershy was an amazon warrior, and your Twilight was a happy student her whole life with lofty dreams, right?”
Rarity wanted to fight that, but then realized what she was saying. These versions of her friends were similar, but they weren't the same. All this time, was she just clinging to the closest things to her friends she could find?
“You know I'm right, don't you Rarity?” Pinkamena asked evilly, “You didn't bring them along because you cared about them. You brought them along because they're the closest things you have to the friends you remember. That's why you hate me so much, isn't it?” she giggled, “It's because I act so much like your Pinkie Pie you can't take it.”
Rarity looked at Pinkamena when she giggled again, and actually saw a brief flash of her Pinkie Pie giggling in the exact same manner. It made Rarity sick to her stomach.
“It hurts, doesn't it?” Pinkamena asked getting real close to Rarity, “Seeing your Pinkie Pie turned into such a heartless monster?” An arrow shot between them, forcing Pinkamena to jump away.
“Stop putting weird thoughts into her head!” Twilight demanded, “I know I'm not her Twilight, but as far as I'm concerned she and I are friends!”
“Now who's putting weird thoughts into her head?” Pinkamena asked, “You're confusing the poor thing.”
She was right to a degree. Rarity was horribly confused. Were these versions of her friends extensions of them, or were they completely different people who Rarity was clinging to because they had the same faces. As those thoughts ran through her mind, she felt a dark feeling consume her, and a black aura engulfing her.
“No… they're my friends…” she said to herself, falling to her knees, “Even if… they're different… they're…”
“Rarity!” Twilight cried. She was about to run to her side, but Pinkamena charged up a black element. She then threw her hoop at Twilight knocking her to the ground. As Twilight cried in pain, Rarity somewhat snapped out of her daze.
“T-Twilight…?” Rarity asked. DASH and Fluttershy finished their fights and turned to them.
“We help?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yeah! Hurry!” DASH commanded. She and Fluttershy ran toward Pinkamena, DASH-379 firing at her with her arm cannon. Pinkamena spun, flipped and blocked all of her attacks, and then met Fluttershy's daggers with her blade. Pinkamena kicked Fluttershy back and spun her blade on her arm knocking Fluttershy to the ground, but DASH flew over to her with a flying drop kick.
Pinkamena fell back from that, and then fought DASH close quarter, DASH mainly slashing with her arms and kicking. She raised her leg blocking Pinkamena's hoop with her knee and glared at her.
“Ooh, you're a strong one!” Pinkamena said, “Look like state of the art machinery Rainbow Dash, or should I call you… Athena.”
The second she said that, something hit DASH, who flinched as if in pain. She staggered back, holding her head in pain.
“That… name…!” DASH said, “Athena…? What does that…?”
Pinkamena took that as her chance to rush over to DASH and slice her with her bladed hoop, doing massive damage to the combat android and knocking her into a bush out of sight.
Pinkamena charged up her black element again, but this time held out her hand. Behind her, a large shadow appeared and cat eyes shined through. A second later, hundreds of black cats made of shadows rushed past all of them as they stood up, knocking Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight back to the ground.
Pinkamena laughed out loud, “Looks like your journey ends here, Singularity.”
“Everyone… can you stand…?” Rarity asked trying to stand.
“I… can't…” Twilight said lying helplessly on the ground. Poor Fluttershy tried to rise to her feet, but then fell back to the ground, and Rarity couldn't find DASH-379 anywhere.
“Well, time to put an end to the show,” Pinkamena said, “Let's end this with a bang!”
Just as she was about to charge up an element to finish them off, fireballs shot down at her rapidly.
“W-what the…?!” Pinkamena asked. She looked ahead and saw a squad of about five knights run to the scene. The leader in the middle wearing fancy silver armor with a red cape, a matching helmet that completely covered their face, and holding a fancy looking broad sword and red and silver shield with the symbol of a golden apple in the center.
“Men, protect the injured!” a powerful voice said from the knight in the red cape. A voice that was somewhat genderless, but sounded somewhat familiar to Rarity.
“You again?!” Pinkamena fussed, “What are you doing here?!”
“What I was trained to do,” the red caped knight said, “Protecting the weak! Teacher, please be with me!” they charged up what looked like a red element, and then pointed her sword at Pinkamena. Instead of one fireball though, they rapid fired hundreds of fireballs almost like a machine gun, forcing Pinkamena to do a series of back flips and then jump into a tree.
“Damn it! I won't forget this! You'll be joining your teacher soon enough in oblivion!” Pinkamena seethed before jumping away. One of the other knights was about to run after her, but the leader held their hand out stopping him.
“But sir!” he exclaimed.
“We have other things to worry about,” the leader said, “Let's focus on the task at hand here.”
end song
“Sir, look here!” one of the knights cried out. The leader ran to his side as he examined Twilight, “This girl looks like the castle Wizard.”
“Odd,” the leader said thoughtfully. Rarity finally gathered enough energy and rose to her feet slowly, catching the knight's attention. Oddly, they all gasped in shock when they saw her.
“Ugh, thank you for helping us,” Rarity said, stopping when she noticed the looks she was getting, “Um… is everything okay…?”
“What in the world…?” one of the knights said looking at Rarity with wide eyes. Rarity turned to the leader and saw they were trembling.
“It's… not possible…” the leader said, “You're… supposed to be…”
“Is… everything… alright…?” Rarity asked as Fluttershy rose to her feet next to Rarity.
“What do you make of this…?” one of the knights asked the red caped knight.
“Take them with us to Canterlot,” the leader said, “Viceroy Luna will want to know about this.”
The knights all gathered around Rarity and Fluttershy, while the knight holding Twilight stepped back carrying her over his shoulder. Sensing tension, Rarity and Fluttershy pulled out their weapons.
“Hold on, what's going on?” Rarity asked. Rather than answer, two of the knights lunched at them. Fluttershy tried to fight them off, but was easily overpowered due to her weakened state, but got frantic as they grabbed her wrists.
“NO! NO!” Fluttershy screamed, “NO MAN TOUCH ME AGAIN!!! NO MAN!!!”
Rarity tried to fend them off with her spear, and for a while seemed to actually be doing a pretty good job, as none of them were able to even get close to her. The leader gripped their sword and rushed at Rarity clashing swords with her spear.
“That technique… that fire in your eyes…” the red caped knight said, “It's not possible though…”
Rarity pushed the red caped knight back and then charged up her black element. She fired her Shadow Ball at the knight, who jumped away and then gripped her sword tightly in anger.
“So that's it,” the red caped knight seethed, “You're one of them!” the red caped knight stood up and charged up their red element and launched three Fire Balls at Rarity, knocking her back into a tree.
“RARITY!!!” Fluttershy screamed. The red caped knight walked over to Rarity as her vision began to darken.
“Lock them up,” the leader said to their men, “We're getting to the bottom of this, one way or another.”
end song
PERIMETER IS NOW CLEARED
DISENGAGING STEALTH MODE
Once all the knights had left, DASH-379 faded into view, leaning against a tree and holding her arm in pain. Her entire body was sparking, and she was breathing heavily watching the carriage that now had her friends held captive.
“Must… rescue…!” DASH said, slowly beginning to walk after them. Something sparked in her leg and she fell to her knees screaming in pain.
POWER OUTPUT AT 18 PERCENT
FURTHER STRAIN RUNS THE RISK OF IMMEDIATE SHUT DOWN
DASH-379 slammed a fist on the ground in frustration. She didn't know why she was reacting like this. Her systems were telling her to stop or else she'd probably deactivate. Normally she listened to her systems, as they never steered her wrong.
But something else was telling her she had to move, regardless of her current situation.
A malfunctioning machine like you doesn't stand a chance against a superior model like me. You should have stayed scrapped.
“Malfunctioning… machine…?” DASH said, SPITFIRE's words automatically playing back in her CPU. Was her irrational behavior because of that malfunction? Was she really a mad machine, disobeying her programming?
Was that… why she was thrown away…?
I am a robot, a machine. Basically, I am a tool to be used by humans, just like your spear, Twilight's bow, or Fluttershy's daggers. Even right now, I am a tool being used to assist you.
That was the truth… right…? She was just a tool. A machine designed to be used for… what? What was she made for? Why couldn't she remember anything?
Ooh, you're a strong one! Look like state of the art machinery Rainbow Dash, or should I call you… Athena.
DASH-379's head started hurting again as that name played in her head over and over again. It felt significant to her, but she couldn't for the life of her remember why? Actually, it felt more like the memory file was being blocked.
Athena…
What was… Athena?
“What… do I do…?” DASH asked herself, “My systems are telling me to cease action… but something else is saying-” another spark cut her off as she cringed in pain, “I… don't know… what…”
You not tool like daggers, or bow, or spear! You friend! Come with us as ally, not as tool!
“Fluttershy…” DASH said. She saw images of how afraid Fluttershy was as the knights grabbed her. That fear seemed almost irrational, like she was traumatized or something. Was she okay right now? Was she panicking?
Would those men actually try to hurt her?
POWER OUTPUT AT 16 PERCENT
FURTHER STRAIN RUNS THE RISK OF-
“Shut up!” DASH-379 said, forcing her systems to cease warning her of her situation. She could find a safe place to let her nano-machines begin partial repairs, but once she could stand, she needed to get going. She didn't know whether or not she was being irrational, as she couldn't trust own programming at the moment. For now though, she knew one thing.
Her… friends needed her.
Unknown to her, something was watching her intently from the bushes. It had begun following them for a long while, trying to keep an eye on them, but couldn't reveal itself just yet. The creature, an oddly colored wolf, backed out of the bush and narrowed its eyes, thinking about what just happened.
It's not time for me to intervene yet.
end song
When Pinkamena made it back, Nightmare Moon immediately knew that she had failed. Unlike the last few missions, Pinkamena was to actually complete the corruption of the Singularity, but when she returned alone, Nightmare Moon knew that punishment was in order.
So when Pinkamena arrived, the first thing she did was strip her of “that” power, setting her “free”. Then she chained her to the ceiling and began firing her with her black magic, now that she was no longer protected by her black element.
Pinkamena screamed in pain as her mistress fired black electricity through her body. She stopped and let the gothic jester hang helplessly.
“Please… no more…” Pinkamena begged. Nightmare Moon loved seeing her like this. Without “that” she was so helpless.
“You have failed me,” Nightmare Moon said, “You returned empty handed, and let that girl defeat you.”
“She… had a white adept with her…” Pinkamena said through her tears, “And that knight from before came at the last minute and-” she was cut of by her own screams as Nightmare Moon resumed her torture.
“How do I know you didn't just chose to leave of your own free will?” Nightmare Moon asked, “You could have exerted your own will over my own.”
“N-never…!” Pinkamena cried, “Mistress… I beg you… give me another chance…! Please…!”
Nightmare Moon considered it, and then relented on Pinkamena's torture.
“I will keep you here for now,” Nightmare Moon said, “I must see how to rectify this situation, now that the Singularity has found not only Athena, but “her” student. As long as you remain with me though, she will have no choice but to fall.”
“Why…?” Pinkamena asked, tears of anguish falling from her eyes, “Why do you have to torture her…? Why can't she… just die… peacefully…?”
“I wasn't the one who chose her for this fate,” Nightmare Moon said, “If you want to ask anyone that, you should ask my foolish sister.”
With that, she left Pinkamena hanging in her cell, and then moved to another wing of her dark castle. In a hidden section below the castle, Nightmare Moon went to her special prisoner. This one was completely naked, her multicolored hair hanging loosely over her chest and down her back as she knelt on the ground in front of the back wall of her “cell”, her hands chained to the wall behind her and a black band over her mouth keeping her silent.
“The Singularity is here now,” Nightmare Moon taunted the helpless woman before her, “Isn't that wonderful news?” her prisoner looked up at Nightmare Moon, eyes wide in horror, “You're knight has her now, but I plan on bringing her ito my side one way or another. There's nothing you can do in this world, Celestia.”
Nightmare Moon patted Celestia on the cheek, and then stepped out of the cell. Inside, Celestia closed her eyes and let her tears flow freely as she thought of the helplessness of her situation.
If what my other selves tell me is true, they should get here soon.
Oh… I just pray for “her” safety. As long as she lives… there's still hope.
Author's Notes:
For those curious: sorry for no Ye Olde English here. I can't write whole sentences like that.
Medieval: The Knight in the Red Cape
Author's Notes:
I'm in a VERY good mood today. So good that I thought "you know what? I'm not going to make people wait too long for the next chapter".
I know I spoil you.
Here's link to my patreon if you wanna support me, and help in my campaign to eventually rule the world.
Medieval – The Knight in the Red Cape
The knights took Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight to what looked like a large medieval city. Rarity was concerned for a number of reasons. For one thing, she was worried about Twilight, who was in another carriage with some of the other knights. She was also worried about Fluttershy, who not only was tied up, but was also gagged and guarded by two other knights.
But her main concern was DASH-379. She was badly hurt in the fight, and they didn't see her anywhere. Without Twilight, would she be able to recover?
Rarity, who was also tied up, sat in front of the leader in the red cape. This knight had never taken of their helmet, and even listening to their voice Rarity couldn't tell if they were a woman, or a young man. But she couldn't shake the feeling that she heard that voice before.
But even through the helmet, Rarity could tell that the knight was glaring at her.
“Something bothering you?” Rarity asked. When the knight didn't answer her, Rarity scowled at them, “You know, it's rude not to speak to someone when they address you directly.”
“Hmph,” the red caped knight said.
Rarity rolled her eyes and turned to Fluttershy. The poor thing was trembling. Her eyes were closed, and she looked like she was getting ready to explode in anger. Rarity reached over to her with her leg to get Fluttershy's attention.
“You okay, darling?” Rarity asked, saddened when Fluttershy shook her head. She turned to the knight in front of her, “You didn't have to be so rough with her.”
“She attacked my men first,” the red caped knight said, “It was the only way to ensure she not cause harm to them.”
“Did you have to gag her though?” Rarity asked.
“After she bit one of my men's hands, yes,” the red caped knight said seriously.
“Why are we even here?” Rarity asked, “You're treating us like we're criminals or monsters.”
The knight turned away from Rarity folding their arms. Rarity couldn't stand them already. Not just because he/she hurt her friends, but because they still refused to answer any of her questions.
When they reached the castle, both Rarity and Fluttershy were pulled out of their carriage. They both looked back at the other carriage and saw Twilight being pulled out by two knights. She turned to them and looked wide eyed.
“Rarity! Fluttershy!” Twilight cried. She tried to rush over to them, but the knights held her too tightly.
“We need to keep them separated,” the red caped knight said, “Take the girl who looks like the wizard to her lab, and lock the pink haired one in the dungeon,” they walked over to Rarity and stood over her, “This one is coming with me.”
The three of them were all pulled in different direction, all of them frantic.
“Rarity! Fluttershy! Help!” Twilight screamed.
“Don't worry! We'll get out of this!” Rarity called out, “Both of you, stay calm!”
As they were all pulled away, all Rarity could do was hope that DASH was still functioning and on her way. She was literally their only hope now.
DASH-379 took to the skies the second she was well enough. She wasn't at one hundred percent, but sixty percent was enough. It was going to be enough at least. She wasn't leaving this place without her friends.
DASH-379 landed, falling to one knee still in pain. She forced herself to her feet and then staggered into the main city.
“Fluttershy… hold on…!” DASH-379 said through gritted teeth, “I will… save you…!”
“Where did you get your power from?” one of the knights asked Rarity. She was brought to a dark room, tied to a chair in the middle of the room. One knight was pacing back and forth, but the leader stood by the door with their arms folded.
“I don't know,” Rarity admitted, “Is this why you captured us?”
“We'll ask the questions here, impostor!” the knight pacing spat, “You're with the shadow creatures, aren't you?”
“What?! Whatever makes you think that?!” Rarity asked, “Those creatures attacked us first!”
“How do we know this wasn't a trick?” the leader asked, “Try to play on our sympathy.”
“Did you not see how hurt we all were?!” Rarity asked leaning forward as best as she could, “Honestly, first you rescue us, and then you lock us up! I don't know what you think we're here for, but whatever it is, that isn't it!”
“Why are you here then?” the leader asked.
“We're searching for something called Lavos,” Rarity said, “My friends and I are…” she stopped herself, unsure of what saying that would do to her situation.
“Are… what exactly,” the leader asked walking over to Rarity. Shoot, now she had to talk, assuming she valued her life at all.
“We're not from here. My friends and I come from… another world. We're traveling around searching for Lavos, the Time Devourer.”
The two knights in the room looked at each other, and then back at her.
“Nice try,” the other knight said, “You don't really expect us to believe that, do you?”
Rarity sighed, “Honestly, I didn't,” Rarity said sadly.
“We need to discuss this with the Viceroy,” the leader said, “We'll return shortly, once we know what to do with you.”
“What about my friends?” Rarity asked, “It seems like I'm the only one you want here, so let them go.”
“Not likely,” the red caped knight said, “If we release them, they're bound to attempt a rescue. I'm not stupid,” both the red caped knight and their companion walked to the door, but stopped and turned to her, “Before I go, tell me something. What is your name?”
Rarity thought that was odd, but she sighed relenting, “It's Rarity.”
The knight with the red cape tightened their fist, and then stormed off, their associate following after them. That confused Rarity. Why was that knight so upset? It seemed like her name upset them for some reason.
Did they know the Rarity of this world? Had something happened to her?
“Sir, you don't seriously believe her, do you?” the knight asked his leader, who folded their arms looking down.
“I'm not sure what I believe,” the leader said, “I'm going to consult with the Viceroy. Keep watch of this room. If she does possess the powers of darkness, we can't be too careful.”
“Yes sir,” the knight said saluting his leader. The red caped knight walked off in search of the Viceroy, who she needed to speak to about this “Rarity”, assuming that really was her name.
ALERT
MOBILITY CIRCUITS STRAINED
UNIT MUST CEASE MOVEMENT TO ALLOW NANOMACHINES TO REPAIR
“Shit!” DASH-379 said falling to one knee. She had just reached the castle, and now she had to stop?! She had wasted enough time as is! Who knew whether or not they were even still alive?!
DASH heard movement. She quickly jumped behind a pillar, seeing two guards walk out from downstairs.
“That forest girl is something else, isn't she?”
“Tell me about it. She's quite the looker. Too bad we can't even get close to her.”
“Hey, with her restrained, anything is possible. Not like she can do anything to stop us now, right?”
“Seriously Thunderlane? Do you know what the captain would say to that?”
“Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?”
As they left, DASH-379 for some reason started seething. She didn't understand why she felt like she did, but it was beginning to overtake all of her programming.
TARGETS ARE TALKING ABOUT A FORM OF ASSAULT ON ALLY: FLUTTERSHY
REPAIRS ON MOBILITY CIRCUITS 64%
UNIT CAN NOW PROCEED ONWARD
DASH-379 rose to her feet and made her way down the stairs, which led to what appeared to be the dungeons. She heard chains rattling frantically ahead of her, and muffled screams. She played the screams back in her CPU and matched them to Fluttershy's voice.
She ran as fast as her state would allow her, following the sound to an area further inside. Here she didn't find another cell. Instead she found Fluttershy chained to a wall, a white scarf gagging her, and a look of pure rage and fear on her face as she struggled to get free. DASH was about to rush out to her, but stopped when she saw a guard approach her along with someone that looked a lot like Twilight, but wearing purple and white robes instead of her usual attire. She actually looked like a wizard.
TARGET IS PROBABLY THE TWILIGHT OF THIS DIMENSION
PROCEED WITH DUE CAUTION
DO NOT ANTAGONIZE UNLESS CAUSE IS FOUND
“So this is the girl you told me about?” Wizard Twilight asked.
“She's assaulted everyone that approached her so far,” the knight said, “That's the reason we had to restrain her.”
“I see,” Wizard Twilight said walking around Fluttershy examining her, Fluttershy glaring at her more controlled, “She doesn't seem to be from around here.”
“One of the other knights said she reminds him of a girl living in Cloudsdale up north,” the knight said, “We're investigating it now.”
“Don't bother,” Wizard Twilight said, “She's probably the same as the girl you said bears my likeness. Let's head back to my lab. I need to run a few tests to see just who she is. It might tell us what's going on.”
The two of them left, and Fluttershy resumed pulling at her bindings. DASH-379 chose that as her moment to come out of hiding and approach her frantic friend.
“Fluttershy, I am here,” DASH said. It sounded like Fluttershy said DASH's name through her gag, but DASH didn't waste any time. She held a finger at the chains and shot a small red laser at them, breaking the shackles and releasing Fluttershy, who immediately pulled the gag off and hugged DASH tightly.
“DASH! You rescue me!” Fluttershy cried happily, “I worry when you disappear!”
“Sorry about that, Fluttershy,” DASH-379 said returning the embrace, “I used my stealth function to turn invisible as to not-” she cringed in pain falling to one knee.
“DASH!” Fluttershy cried, supporting her injured friend, “You hurt?”
“Auto Recovery systems are not enough for these injuries,” DASH said, “Do you know where your daggers are? Though it pains me to say this, I might need some help.”
Fluttershy nodded and ran to a desk, pulling out her two daggers, still in their holders, “Come. We find Rarity and Twilight together. Save friends.”
DASH nodded and ran after Fluttershy, both of them moving slowly as to not strain DASH's body too much. Something was bugging DASH though, so she placed a hand on Fluttershy's shoulder to get her attention.
“Hey, you seemed to calm down significantly in front of the Twilight of this world, but you were so frantic before,” DASH-379 pointed out, “Is there a significance to that?”
“She wasn't man,” Fluttershy stated seriously, “Not like man touch me.”
“Did something happen?” DASH-379 asked, “You do not have to tell me if you are not comfortable.”
“Thank you,” Fluttershy said somberly. She then looked up suddenly sniffing the air, “Rarity.”
“Do you know where she is?” DASH asked. Fluttershy sniffed around.
“I smell sweet scent,” Fluttershy said, “Follow me.”
Fluttershy ran ahead, DASH-379 following close behind. They turned the corner, where they met two knights waiting for them with their swords drawn.
“The prisoner is escaping!” the knight on the left shouted.
“You're not getting away!” the knight on the right shouted.
“DASH, you still fight?” Fluttershy asked.
“I am still combat able,” DASH said, “Locking onto two targets! Commencing combat sequence! Engage!”
The two knights rushed toward them, one going for DASH, and the other targeting Fluttershy. Fluttershy, being in much better condition, was able to flip out of the way and dodge most of the attack, getting in a few of her own. DASH couldn't move as much as she liked, so she resorted to using her armor to block most of her opponents attacks.
Fluttershy kicked her opponent back, and then charged up her green element. She then rushed over to the knight she was fighting and slashed with her daggers, both of them engulfed in green wind making them stronger. (Gale Slash)
DASH-379 saw and opening and began throwing punches and kicks, ending with a back flip kick. She then charged up her yellow element, casting Speed Boost on herself. Her body was briefly engulfed in electricity, and she felt herself become somewhat lighter.
The knight she was fighting tried slashing with his blades, but now DASH was able too dodge his attacks. She then grabbed him by the arm and flipped him over her shoulder.
Fluttershy charged up her green element again, this time casting Wind Blade on the knight DASH threw, knocking him out. DASH-379 saw the remaining knight about to attack Fluttershy from behind, but she quickly activated her arm cannon and shot him back. She then charged up her yellow element, charged up her arm cannon, and then fired her Charged Shot at him. He flew into a wall knocked out.
“All targets have been defeated,” DASH said lowering her arm cannon.
“Hurry! More come!” Fluttershy urged. DASH nodded and followed her to the higher floors of the castle.
On the way, they saw the red caped knight walking across the hall with this world's Luna, who was wearing fancy blue and black robes, black high heels, and white gloves.
“And you're sure that this girl favors her,” Medieval Luna asked the knight.
“Positive,” the red caped knight said, “She's younger, but her resemblance is uncanny. She even fought like her.”
“I'm sure it's a trick,” Medieval Luna said, “Probably by the shadow creatures to make us lower our guard.”
“But Viceroy, she didn't seem to remember me,” the red caped knight said, “She said some strange things too, like mentioning something called Lavos.”
“Did she now?” Viceroy Luna asked.
“If she really is with the shadow creatures, why wouldn't they transfer her memories?”
“Probably to get you to ask these questions,” Viceroy Luna said, “We cannot waver. Once we've discovered her origins, we can quickly dispose of all of them.”
“Viceroy, with all due respect, I'm not sure how I feel about-”
“She has the same powers as the shadow creatures, doesn't she?”
The red caped knight was silent for a while before speaking, “Yes, Viceroy, she does.”
“Then that's all the proof we need,” Viceroy Luna said, “For now, keep all of them under strict watch, especially this “Rarity”.”
“Yes, Viceroy,” the red caped knight said with a salute.
“This is not good,” DASH-379 said as they walked off, “It sounds like they plan on executing Rarity.”
“Rarity close,” Fluttershy said, “Closer than Twilight.”
“We need to get her out first then,” DASH said, “Lead the way.”
Fluttershy nodded and led DASH deeper through the castle. DASH was hoping they'd find Twilight soon, so she could repair her, but at least with Rarity they'd have another strong fighter in case they ran into trouble.
Rarity had completely given up on getting free. The ropes were tied too tightly around her wrists, as were her ankles. She didn't know what was going to happen to her after this, but she did know one thing. She was sick and tired of getting kidnapped. Not only that, but tied up too! Seriously, she hated the feeling of being held down. It made her antsy, and nervous.
Also, her nose itched, and she really needed to scratch it.
The biggest thing that bothered her about this whole thing though, was that knight in the red cape. She couldn't get him or her out of her mind. Something about them felt so familiar, and whenever she heard their voice she felt somewhat comforted despite the situation.
She wasn't falling for them, was she?! No way!
“Oooh, this is so frustrating!” Rarity shouted slamming her feet on the floor angrily, “I hate this so much!”
After screaming for a few seconds in frustration and pulling at her bindings, she stopped when she heard movement from outside. When Rarity saw the door open, she started trembling nervously. This was probably the knights coming back to interrogate her again, or this time maybe even do something dreadful to her.
“Rarity!”
Rarity opened her eyes when she heard a familiar high and breathy voice. She looked and saw both DASH-379 and Fluttershy standing outside the door.
“DASH! Fluttershy!” Rarity cried happily. They both ran in, Fluttershy embracing Rarity tightly before working to undo her bindings.
“You really need to stop getting kidnapped,” DASH-379 said with a smirk. Rarity groaned rolling her eyes.
“Despite my outward demeanor, I try not to make a habit out of it,” Rarity huffed, happy once both her wrists and ankles were free, “Thank you.”
“I return favor now,” Fluttershy said sweetly, “You save me, so I save you. Men not hurt you, did they?”
“No one hurt me,” Rarity said cupping Fluttershy's face lovingly, “You both came just in time,” as they hugged, Rarity noticed the odd manner DASH-379 was looking at Fluttershy, “DASH dearie, is something amiss?”
“It is nothing…” DASH-379 said, “I would like to talk to you about it later. For now, we have to track down Twilight.”
“Yes, I agree,” Rarity said standing up and grabbing her spear, which they left off to the side in the cell, “Do we know where she is?”
“I find,” Fluttershy said, “Same way I find you.”
Fluttershy sniffed the air, and then ran off on all fours. DASH and Rarity followed closely, Rarity realizing how she probably found her.
Yep, she was never leaving home without putting on perfume if it gave her these results.
end song
They ran into the throne room, where Fluttershy stopped running and sniffed around again.
“Twilight scent stronger here,” Fluttershy said, “Coming from room over there!”
“I pray we're not too late,” Rarity said, “Let's hurry so we can get out of here!”
“Why? So you can return to your lair and warn the shadow creatures of where we are?”
The knight in the red cape walked out, standing in front of them with their sword drawn.
“You are the leader of these soldiers,” DASH stated, “Get out of our way right now, or I will make you move!”
The red caped knight stepped back a bit in shock looking at DASH-379, “What the? Just what are you supposed to be?”
“The android that is about to knock your block off, that is what!” DASH said getting in a fighting stance, “I am damaged, but I am still combat able!”
“We're only going to ask you one more time,” Rarity said stepping forward, “Get out of our way!”
“Sorry, but I can't do that,” the red caped knight said pointing her sword at them, “I have my orders. I'm throwing all of you back in your cells.”
All three of them rushed at the red caped knight at the same time, who fought on a whole different level. She managed to push all three of them back with her blade, blocking DASH's attacks with her shield, and even locking Rarity and Fluttershy's weapons with her sword.
She did an impressive spin slash knocking everyone away, and then charged up a red element. Instead of firing an attack, she looked like she charged up with energy as she was briefly engulfed in what looked like a red flame. (Vigor)
“What was that?” Rarity asked. DASH-379 scanned the red caped knight.
“This knight has somehow strengthened their body,” DASH said, “These readings suggest an increase in offensive capabilities.”
“I not understand!” Fluttershy asked, “What does DASH mean?”
The knight rushed over to Fluttershy, slashing downward with her blade which now left a red streak when it moved. Fluttershy screamed in shock and rolled over to Rarity's side out of the way.
“In other words,” Rarity said, “His attacks hit harder!”
DASH-379 charged up her yellow element, and pointed her hands at the knight, hitting them with her Lightning Bolt. The knight took the attack head on, falling to one knee.
Rarity used that as her chance to rush in and begin slashing with her spear to build up energy. Even down on the ground though, the red caped knight managed to block all of her moves. It was almost like she knew all of her techniques.
“You're not going to beat me with those moves!” the red caped knight said meeting Rarity's spear with their blade and rising to their feet, “I sparred against my teacher for years, so I know all of her techniques!”
“Is that so?” Rarity asked, “Then perhaps I should start doing things you haven't seen before!”
Rarity jumped away and charged up her black element. She held out her hand and started launching Shadow Balls at the knight continuously, something she didn't even realize she could do. The knight rolled out of most of them, but had to resort to using their shield to block the rest.
While that happened, both DASH and Fluttershy charged up their elements. DASH held up her hand, and a lightning bolt shot down onto Fluttershy. Instead of harming her though, Fluttershy was engulfed in electricity. Fluttershy then spun around, turning into a tornado engulfed in electricity and rushed past the red caped knight, actually knocking them down. (Double Tech: Hurricane)
The red caped knight flipped to their feet as DASH-379 rushed over to her. The two of them traded blows for a bit, neither one able to get the advantage.
“You're… not human,” the red caped knight said, “I don't know what you are, but I don't feel the same spark of life I do from everyone else.”
“You can tell that I am a robot, good,” DASH-379 said, “Not like that will help you, though!”
“A… robot…?” the red caped knight asked before shaking their head, “I can't lose focus. I have to keep fighting!” the knight pushed DASH away from them, “I have to protect my kingdom!”
“Wait… protect…?” Rarity asked. Suddenly she wondered if this was all a huge misunderstanding. This knight didn't seem too bad. In fact, the more she heard them talk, the more Rarity heard...
No way… it wasn't possible…
Could that have been…?
The red caped knight charged up their red element. They then slashed at the air sending a red beam at DASH-379. Once it hit her, the knight appeared right in front of her and slashed wildly with their blade, doing massive damage to the already hurt DASH. (Sword Dance)
“DASH!!!” Fluttershy cried as DASH fell back onto the ground. Fluttershy growled in anger and rushed over to the knight slashing wildly with her daggers. The knight's defense was too good though, as they effortlessly blocked all of Fluttershy's attacks.
It was driving Rarity crazy. She had to know if they were this lucky.
“Applejack!” Rarity called out. Sure enough, the knight stopped and turned to Rarity, clearly shocked.
“How do you know-” the knight didn't even get the chance to finish their sentence, as Fluttershy kicked them away. DASH, who had managed to rise to one knee, charged up her yellow element and fired her Charged Shot at the red caped knight, knocking them to the ground.
Fluttershy screamed in anger and ran over to the knight to finish them off, but Rarity ran in the way.
end song
“STOP!!!” Rarity screamed, “Don't kill her!”
“She hurt friend!” Fluttershy seethed, “She kidnap us! She use men to attack me! I kill bad knight!”
“This person isn't bad!” Rarity urged, “This is all a big mistake!” Rarity turned to the red caped knight and knelt down, “It's you, isn't it? That's why I recognized your voice. You're the Applejack of this world, aren't you?”
The red caped knight looked at Rarity intently, and then slowly removed their helmet, confirming a few things. Not only was this knight female, but her hazel eyes and long, thick mane of blond hair only belonged to one person.
Applejack…
Rarity's eyes went wide, but soon she smiled, shedding tears of joy. She couldn't contain herself. Yes, she knew that this knight wasn't the same as her Applejack, but all of a sudden it didn't matter. Seeing the face of her beloved friend brought too much joy to her.
“APPLEJACK!!!” Rarity cried, embracing the shocked knight tightly, “Oh, I know you must be dreadfully confused, but I can't believe it! I'm sorry if-”
“N-no!” Knight Applejack said, trembling a bit as she slowly raised her arms to return the embrace, “It's… it's fine… don't let go… Rarity.”
DASH-379 staggered over to Fluttershy, both of them looking at the scene before them shocked.
“Um… am I missing something?” DASH asked. Before she could say anything, an army of knights ran into the throne room with their swords out.
“Captain! We heard fighting! We're here to-”
“Stand down!” Applejack commanded. As all of the knight looked confused, Applejack rose to her feet with Rarity and addressed her men, “Tell Twilight to release the girl who looks like her, and alert the Viceroy that these people are not enemies.”
The men looked so confused, but they lowered their weapons and cleared out. As they left, Rarity looked at Applejack confused.
“Um… why did you change your mind so quickly?” Rarity asked.
“I was wrong about you,” Applejack said, “I had a feeling you were telling the truth, but I was clouded. Once you saved me from your comrade though, I became sure,” Applejack turned to Rarity, “I don't know how this is possible, but you're really who I think you are, you and I are comrades.”
Rarity couldn't believe her eyes. This Applejack was speaking to her as if they had actually been long time friends. Rarity met eyes with Applejack, and felt honest comradeship from her, and even saw a flash of her Applejack giving her the same serious, honest expression. It was enough to bring Rarity to tears all over again.
“I'll have someone tend to your prismatic friend's wounds,” Applejack said walking off, “Twilight will lead you all to the meeting hall, where you can tell me your story. I promise, this time I'll listen to the whole thing.”
As she left, the door behind them opened. Their Twilight ran out and hugged Rarity tightly.
“Everyone! You're okay!” Twilight cheered, “What happened?”
“I believe the knight that attacked us was a representation of Rarity's friend from her world,” DASH stated, “She used the name Appleja-” she cried out in pain as something sparked and she fell to her knees.
“Oh my God! DASH!” Twilight cried as everyone gathered around her, “What happened to you?! You look like you're about to fall to pieces!”
“I will… be fine…” DASH-379 said with a peaceful smile, “I saved… my friends… Mission… complete… going into… standby… mode…” her voice trailed off as her eyes shut and her entire body went limb.
“DASH! DASH!!!” Twilight cried, “I need to repair her fast!”
“You have your tools, right?” Rarity asked frantically.
“I do! I'll have the Twilight of this world help me! Let's get her into the lab!”
“Right!” Rarity and Twilight lifted DASH-379 up as poor Fluttershy looked to be on the verge of tears.
“DASH fight nonstop,” Fluttershy said, “Not stop until she rescue us. DASH live… right?”
“She'll be fine, I'm sure,” Rarity said comfortingly, “The poor thing is just exhausted is all. Don't worry.”
As they all returned to the lab, Applejack watched them from a distance smiling.
“Just like you, worrying about your friends more than yourself,” Applejack said, leaning against a wall and shedding tears of joy, “This is a sign, isn't it TGeneral? A sign that you're still with me, even now.”
end song
After hearing that Applejack stopped fighting the Chrono Trigger, the Viceroy swore to herself. She was hoping she'd be able to continue using that idealistic knight longer, but alas, she proved to be just as sentimental as always.
“Looks like I'll have to find another way then,” Viceroy Luna said, allowing a black aura to engulf her, “Perhaps Pinkamena's poison will prove effective in drawing out more of the Chrono Trigger's darkness.”
Thankfully it didn't take long to get DASH-379 repaired, so she was now fully active, drinking one of her energy canteens to replenish her battery. The group now sat in the meeting room of the castle, naturally joined by this world's Applejack and a few of her knights. Applejack still wore her armor, but she now had her blond hair tied with a large red bow, which Rarity recognized as the same bow Apple Bloom wore in her world.
Maybe they switched head wear in this world.
“So, there are other dimensions out there besides this one,” Applejack said thoughtfully.
“Yes,” Twilight explained, “Rarity and I are from different versions of the same world, DASH is from a more futuristic world with robots like her, and Fluttershy is from a forest world with animal people.”
One of the knights turned to Fluttershy, who slightly drew her dagger growling at him. He looked away quickly, but DASH-379 took note. Now she really wanted to talk to Rarity.
“Everyone exists in these worlds, but are slightly different,” Rarity added, “This is why there are two Twilights here.”
“I see,” Applejack said nodding, “Twilight, what do you make of all of this?”
“Honestly, I think they're telling the truth,” Wizard Twilight said, “I've taken a look at my alternate self thoroughly, and I can confirm that she and I are in fact the same person. The only difference is age and upbringing. Also, those things she's wearing on her eyes.”
“These are glasses,” Twilight said handing her alternate self the eye wear, “They help correct my vision.”
“Really? I just use a spell for that,” Wizard Twilight said pointing to her eyes, which had a slight glow to them.
“That is so cool!” Twilight cheered. Everyone in the room laughed.
“Why did you assume Rarity was with the shadow creatures?” DASH-379 asked. Applejack looked down in shame.
“Once again, I apologize for jumping to conclusions. The powers that Rarity used are of the same variety as the creatures.”
“You assumed that I was sent by them in order to harm you,” Rarity finished for Applejack, who nodded sadly, “What are those creatures anyway?”
“We call them demons,” Wizard Twilight said, “They appeared only a few days ago. They kidnapped Queen Celestia, and have been attacking our kingdom since.”
“They have the Celestia of this world?” Twilight asked, her Wizard counterpart nodded gravely.
“She predicted that someone called the “Chrono Trigger” would come to us in our darkest hour,” Wizard Twilight continued, “Sadly she was captured before we could learn who this person is.”
“Rarity is Chrono Trigger,” Fluttershy pointed out, catching everyone's attention, “I hear word a lot, and always used for Rarity.”
“Is this true?” Applejack asked, “Are you truly this Chrono Trigger?”
“I am,” Rarity said looking down nervously, “But I have no idea what that even means. All I know is that a few people keep calling me that.”
Applejack nodded, “You said that you were looking for something called Lavos, correct?”
“He is an anomaly in the universe,” DASH-379 explained, “We believe that Rarity's world was consumed by Lavos, and have been searching for him. He gives of a temporal energy that is the same as the creatures you refer to as demons.”
“So that's why you're here,” Applejack said, “Sounds to me like we have a common goal then. If DASH is right, then the demons are connected to Lavos, which you need to defeat.”
“So, you'll help us?” Rarity asked.
“I believe I have to,” Applejack said, “I can never truly make up for my mistake, but I can at least assist you in your quest. Besides, since we're probably after the same thing, it makes sense that we'd work together.”
“This is good,” Twilight said, “Thank you so much… Apple… jack…”
Twilight suddenly fainted, catching everyone off guard.
“Twilight!” Rarity cried rushing to her side and holding her, “Good heavens, she's burning up!”
“Rarity…?” Twilight asked, “The whole room is… spinning… I can't…” she opened her eyes and then looked in horror, “No…! No! Those monsters are coming!”
Everyone looked around shocked, but didn't see anything. DASH-379 scanned the area.
“Um… Twilight? Nothing like that is here,” DASH stated.
“No… they're here!” Twilight cried fearfully, “They're all around us…!”
“She's hallucinating,” Wizard Twilight said, “Something must have happened.”
“Let me,” Fluttershy said pushing past everyone going over to Twilight. She took her hand and looked her in the eyes examining her, “I see this before.”
“What's going on with her?” Applejack asked.
“Twilight show signs of poison from my world,” Fluttershy said seriously, “Put on weapons, cause person to see what not there and panic, and body heat up like fire. Person die if not treated.”
“When did this happen?!” DASH asked, “None of us were poisoned!”
Rarity thought back to when it could have happened. She then remembered Twilight getting hit with Pinkamena's bladed hoop. She was the only one to get hit with that directly besides DASH-379, who was probably immune.
“Pinkamena did this…!” Rarity seethed, “She was in Fluttershy's world, so she probably coated her weapon with this poison!”
“There's a cure for this, right?” Applejack asked. Fluttershy nodded.
“Special herb in forest, found in village,” Fluttershy said, “We go there quickly, save Twilight before too late.”
“We're not wasting any time,” Rarity said shooting up, “We're heading back to Fluttershy's world now.”
“I'll go with you,” Applejack said.
“Miss, I appreciate it, but you don't have to concern yourself with us,” Rarity said.
“First of all, just call me Applejack. Second of all, I said that I'd help you. That doesn't just mean with fighting Lavos. Also, I kind of want to see these other worlds for myself.”
Normally Rarity would have felt funny bringing someone along like this, but this Applejack was a soldier. She'd be able to handle herself. Applejack walked over to a shelf, pulled out a fancy spear, and then handed it to Rarity.
“What's this?” Rarity asked taking the spear.
“This belonged to my Teacher,” Applejack said, “As she's no longer here, I feel like it would be best to give this to you.”
“Sir, are you sure about this?” one of the knights asked.
“None of us can use the General's style, so this weapon is collecting dust here, and that's not what she would have wanted. The General wanted her spear to always know the glory of combat. Please take it Rarity. I believe she'd want you to have it.”
Rarity looked the spear over. It was really a beautiful spear. It had a long black handle with a golden base at the bottom and top connecting to the blade, which was composed of two curved blades intertwined with one another. At the base Rarity saw a familiar blue diamond shaped crest.
This Teacher of Applejack's…
Was she… the me of this world…?
Rarity spun the spear over her head, pleased with the weight of it, and then hooked it to her back, “Thank you Applejack. I'll use this well.”
Applejack nodded and then turned to Wizard Twilight and her men, “I want all of you to keep watch on their Twilight. We'll be back as soon as possible.”
“Don't worry Twilight,” Rarity said taking her friend's hand, “You're going to be okay.”
“Thank you… everyone,” Twilight said, “I'm terrified, but I believe in you.”
“Her vitals are beginning to drop,” DASH-379 said, “We must hurry.”
“Then let's get a move on,” Applejack said, “Lead the way Rarity.”
Rarity nodded and led them out of the castle. With DASH-379's help, they made it back to the old ruins, where Rarity activated the gate key sending them to the warp gate.
When they arrived, Applejack looked around in shock. If she wasn't sure they were telling the truth before, she was sure of it now.
“By the Gods…” Applejack said, “This is amazing…”
“Try not to freak out,” DASH-379 taunted, “Would not want you chickening out on helping us.”
Applejack scowled at DASH-379, who laughed walking ahead. Yeah, they were going to get along great.
“The way to forest is here,” Fluttershy said pointing to the silver mirror showing the endless forest, “Come.”
“R-right,” Applejack said. She followed her new team through the mirror, all the while her heart racing. The world was a lot bigger than she thought apparently.
Forest: Mysterious Moon
Author's Notes:
Sorry for the late entry. Life got in the way, but here it is. The next chapter.
Enjoy!
Please check out my Patreon! Support my campaign for world domination!
Forest – Mysterious Moon
The last time they came here, they landed in a clearing. As such, Rarity wasn't sure where they'd end up. So Rarity was a little surprised when they arrived in Fluttershy's world and were walking on water for a bit. She looked behind them as they left and saw some of the water shaped like a door behind them fall back into the main body.
Fancy.
I rather like that.
DASH-379 and Applejack looked around, both of them taken aback by the beauty of the lush forest surrounding them.
“So, this is your world Fluttershy?” DASH-379 asked.
“Yes. This lake behind Canterlot Village. Actual village this way,” Fluttershy said pointing ahead. Applejack looked a little nervous.
“So uh… we're actually nowhere near my world, huh?” Applejack asked, “As in, no matter where I go, I'm not going to find the castle anywhere.”
“Afraid not,” Rarity said, “Trust me, it's something you get used to.”
“Doubt it…” Applejack said rubbing her arm.
“If you are so worried, you can stay behind me,” DASH-379 said with a smirk, “I will protect you, oh "brave" knight.”
“Watch it, you self absorbed tin can,” Applejack said glaring at DASH-379, “Else I knock you on your hide, again.”
“Tin can?! My body is composed of 1.3 kilograms of bioplast material, and my armor is composed of titanium alloy mixed with 16 grams of platinum and 5 grams of iron! And for your information, you got lucky when you disabled me in combat! Had I been at optimal capacity, you would have been easily terminated!”
“Is that a challenge?!”
“If you think you can take me!”
DASH-379 and Applejack got real close to each other's faces glaring at one another. Rarity could almost see the electricity between their eyes.
“Whoa whoa whoa!” Rarity shouted getting in between her two friends, “Why don't we focus on the task at hand rather than at fighting each other, hm?” As Rarity spoke, DASH-379 and Applejack were replaced with her own Rainbow Dash and Applejack in her mind.
Yeah? Well… I'm still better!
Keep tellin yerself that, Dash. Rarity's right though, we got a mission ta continue.
Rarity shook her head, and saw both DASH-379 and Applejack return to normal, both of them looking at her confused.
“Um… what was that?” Rarity asked.
“I said we have a mission to continue,” Applejack said, “Are you okay, Rarity?”
“Yeah, you kind of zoned out there,” DASH-379 added.
“Yes, I'm fine. Absolutely fine,” Rarity said, “Come along. We can't keep Twilight waiting for too long.”
DASH-379 and Applejack walked over to Fluttershy, and all three of them watched Rarity walk off in confusion. Rarity herself was confused, as for a split second she felt like she was moderating one of her Applejack and Rainbow Dash's fights.
But… that's not the case…
They're not my Rainbow Dash or my Applejack…
My friends… are gone…
When they arrived in the village, they noticed a tense air around them. Fluttershy led them to the Chief's hut, where they saw Chief Luna and Seer Celestia talking outside of the hut. It looked serious.
“Chief! Seer!” Fluttershy called out, catching their attention. The Seer and Chief turned to them, Celestia smiling warmly.
“Fluttershy, Traveler, you return,” Celestia said, walking over to them and hugging them before turning to DASH and Applejack, “And you bring more Travelers.”
“Yes. These are new friends, DASH and Applejack,” Fluttershy said pointing to the robot and knight in question, “They from other worlds.”
Chief Luna walked up to DASH-379 and examined her closely, “Not human, but not animal either. Strange.”
“Yeah, you get used to it,” DASH said, “Do not worry though, you are perfectly safe with me.”
Seer Celestia looked around confused, “Where is Twilight? She not with you?”
“That's… actually why we're here…” Rarity said, “Perhaps we should talk inside.”
Once inside, Celestia and Luna took their usual spots kneeling in the center of the room and Fluttershy and Rarity knelt down in front of them. Applejack and DASH-379 opted to remain standing though. After explaining the situation to the Chief and Seer, both of them looked serious.
“This unfortunate news,” Celestia said somberly.
“Friend die if we not cure fast,” Fluttershy said, “Must get herb to make cure.”
Chief Luna looked down gravely, “I sorry about friend, but we can't give herb.”
Everyone looked horrified.
“What do you mean?!” Rarity asked, “If we don't get this herb, Twilight will die!”
“You misunderstand,” Celestia said, “We would if we could, but can't.”
“Does this have anything to do with the tense air around here?” Applejack asked. Celestia nodded gravely.
“Shortly after you leave, Wolf Tribe begin attacking more ferociously,” Chief Luna said, “Attacks even more frequent and brutal than before.”
“I thought I saw a few burned huts around here,” DASH pointed out, “Were you all attacked recently?”
“We were,” Celestia said, “Hut with herbs attacked and burned down. All healing herbs destroyed in fire.”
“No…” Fluttershy said covering her face with her hands, “Without herbs, can't cure Twilight!”
“There has to be another way,” Rarity said, “Maybe a place where we can get them ourselves.”
Seer Celestia looked thoughtful, “Actually, yes. Find herbs in old shrine.”
“Celestia, are you sure?” Luna asked her sister, “Shrine sacred place. No one go there.”
“Friend dying, Luna,” Celestia pointed out, “Traveler and friends help us, so we help them in return,” Celestia turned to Rarity and Fluttershy, “Shrine in deeper part of forest west of village. It day's walk. Best if leave as soon as possible.”
“Thank you,” Fluttershy said, both she and Rarity bowing in respect. DASH and Applejack both nodded to the Chief and Elder, and the four of them exited the hut.
“Old shrine, huh?” Applejack asked, “Think we have enough time?”
“Poison take while to kill, three moons,” Fluttershy said, “Longer we wait, harder to cure, but if we hurry, Twilight live.”
“I have started a timer,” DASH said, “I will keep track of the time for us.”
“Good,” Rarity said turning to Fluttershy, “Lead the way, darling.”
Fluttershy nodded and led the team through the forest.
end song
Rarity wanted to keep going, but once night came everyone felt it would be safer to wait until day time. Since DASH-379 didn't need her battery recharged, she opted to stay awake as to not only keep watch, but also to wake everyone up when it was time.
Rarity felt a little lonely as she lied down to rest. She had become accustomed to sleeping next to Twilight, so not having her there made Rarity feel a little uneasy. In fact, her absence period was a little nerve wracking. Whenever she couldn't sleep, she'd just hold onto Twilight. Sometimes, she'd find Twilight wrapping her arms around her on instinct.
She hadn't realized just how much she was growing to love Twilight until she wasn't there.
“Are you still up?”
Rarity turned to the side and saw DASH-379 standing a bit over her.
“Yes, I'm having a little trouble sleeping,” Rarity said, “Is something bothering you, DASH?”
DASH averted her eyes looking serious, “What happened to her?”
“To who?” Rarity asked sitting up.
“To… Fluttershy,” DASH asked. She sat down next to Rarity before she continued, “I noticed it when I broke into the castle to rescue you all. She was very upset, but only got that way when a male approached her, and I did not miss her shying away from all the males we have passed after that. Do you know the source of her Androphobia?”
Rarity was a little confused by that word, until she realized what DASH was probably asking. She wanted to know why Fluttershy was afraid of men. Once again she was taken aback by how human DASH-379 was.
“Well… I do actually,” Rarity said, moving to sit right next to DASH, “It happened right before we arrived in your world. The previous leader of the wolves captured her. She already hated the idea of being tied down, believing herself to be like the wind, so that was bad enough. However… Greymane… he… assaulted her, if you get what I mean…”
DASH-379's eyes went wide, “You do not mean…” when Rarity nodded sadly, DASH looked down, visibly upset, so much her eyes were watering, “Damn it…!”
“I believe that was her first time as well…” Rarity said somberly, “He stole something from her, something she'll never get back,” Rarity was shocked when she heard something slam next to her. She looked at DASH-379 and saw a shocking sight. She was trembling, her fist slammed in the ground in anger. But that wasn't all that got to Rarity.
Is she… crying…?
“Why…?” DASH-379 asked through her tears, “Why did he do that to her?! Why would anyone want to do that to her?!”
“Oh my word…” Rarity said wrapping her arms around her robotic friend, “You're really upset about this, aren't you?”
“Damn right I am,” DASH-379 looked at Fluttershy, who was sleeping curled up against a tree by herself across from them, “Fluttershy is my… friend. She is the first true friend I have ever made. She does not see me as a simple machine. To her, I am a living person, and she is not afraid of me even though I am malfunctioning. Maybe she does not fully understand it, but that is okay. When she speaks to me, I feel comforted.”
“She has really taken a shine to you,” Rarity said also looking at Fluttershy, “She's the same with me, mind you, but there I feel like she wants to protect me. When it comes to you, she almost seems to rely on you for protection.”
“What can I do?” DASH asked, “How can I help my f-friend?”
“Well, I'd say for starters, be a presence,” Rarity said, remembering when she and her Rainbow Dash had a similar conversation, “She wants to depend on you, so let her know that she can depend on you. You don't have to do anything special, either. Just continue to be yourself, DASH. By doing that, you'll be doing wonders for her.”
“Do you think, she will recover from that ordeal?” DASH asked. Rarity sighed.
“Hard to say really,” Rarity admitted, “One's first time paints their outlook quite a lot. She might not ever recover completely. If she doesn't though, she'll need her friend more than ever.”
DASH looked back at Fluttershy, nodded, and rose to her feet. She actually looked like she was heading over to Fluttershy.
“Oh, and DASH,” Rarity called out, stopping DASH, “Just know that we all feel the same way as she does. Twilight, Applejack, and myself all see you as a living person, just like Fluttershy. You have more friends than you realize. Don't forget that.”
“I… will not,” DASH said slowly, “Thank you, Rarity.”
With that, DASH-379 walked over to Fluttershy, and sat down next to her, resting Fluttershy's head on her lap and caressing her lovingly. It was an interesting sight for Rarity. On one hand, it felt right, seeing Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy so close. On the other hand, knowing that this Rainbow Dash was a robot made that gesture all the more meaningful. Somehow, DASH-379 was actually… alive. As terrifying as that was in hindsight, it meant that she had a true heart.
Maybe even a soul.
Rarity looked around their camp sight, and saw Applejack lying down. She had removed the upper part of her armor, revealing a simple red bra underneath. Rarity walked over to her and lied down next to her.
“Having trouble getting to sleep?” Applejack asked.
“A little,” Rarity admitted, “It may sound odd, but if possible… could I sleep next to you?”
Applejack smiled, and turned to the side wrapping her arms around Rarity, “Sure thing, Rarity. Is this better?”
“Much better,” Rarity said snuggling in Applejack's embrace, “I guess I've gained a bit of a fear of… sleeping alone.”
“I can imagine,” Applejack said, “Your story wasn't really a happy one. I'm sorry about your world, Rarity.”
“It's… alright,” Rarity sighed, “Well, no it isn't, but I'll manage I suppose.”
“If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, and Twilight isn't there, you can come to me. I'll be there for you, just like my teacher was for me.”
“You mention your teacher a lot,” Rarity pointed out, “What were they like?” Rarity was surprised when Applejack tightened her embrace.
“Actually, she was a lot like you Rarity.”
In Applejack's strong embrace, it didn't take long for Rarity to fall to sleep. More and more, she wondered if Applejack's teacher was who she thought she was. If so, that meant the two of them were a lot alike.
Both of them sort of using the other as a surrogate for someone that they lost. Someone precious, and beloved.
end song
The next morning, they arrived at what appeared to be an old shrine. The outer section was covered in moss, making the whole building look like it was centuries old.
“This old shrine,” Fluttershy said, “Find herbs inside.”
“What was this place used for?” Rarity asked, “Do you know?”
Fluttershy shook her head, “Place not used to worship Lavos. Odd statue further in, but no one knows what it is.”
As they walked toward the building, DASH-379 stopped and looked up, “Vitals detected! We are not alone!”
As soon as she said that, arrows shot at them, almost hitting Rarity. Thankfully Applejack moved in the way just in time and blocked with her shield. Four wolves came out of the bushes and stood in front of them, two holding bows and two with swords.
“It's an ambush!” Applejack said as all four of them drew their weapons and got in their fighting stances.
“Just once I'd like to go in and out without needing to get my hands dirty!” Rarity fussed.
The two sword wielding wolves rushed at the group, one focusing on Fluttershy and DASH-379 while the other one focused on Rarity and Applejack. While they fought, the two holding bows charged up red elements and shot fire arrows at all four of them that exploded on contact.
“They couldn't do that before!” Rarity cried.
“Wolves stronger now!” Fluttershy stated, “High level red elements!”
“Alright then, here's the plan!” Applejack said, “DASH, cast an element to increase Fluttershy's speed, while I cast one to increase her strength! Rarity, you and I will then use long ranged elements on the archers while Fluttershy charges up! Once you're ready, Fluttershy, I want you to use a wide spread attack on everyone!”
Everyone was a little taken aback, but they nodded and followed the plan. DASH-379 charged up her yellow element and used Speed Boost on Fluttershy, who was now able to move out of the way of the arrows and hit the swordsmen. Applejack slashed one of the swordsmen with her sword to get energy, and then charged up her red element, using a Power Boost on Fluttershy. Both she and Rarity continued using long ranged elements while Fluttershy gathered energy.
Once she had enough from basic attacks, she charged up her green element. She then jumped in the middle of the area and spun around, using Tail Spin to create a large tornado that engulfed everyone, knocking them down.
Rarity felt a new power build up within her and decided to test it. She charged up her black element, and then spun her spear above her, pointing it at the wolves now grouped together. A black wave appeared over them, and then converged on top of them flattening them, even causing the ground to temporarily cave in. (Gravity Well)
Needless to say, they didn't get back up.
Everyone put their weapons away and gathered in front of the door.
“Wolves meet us here?!” Fluttershy asked, “We must hurry! They might take all of herb, or even burn down rest!”
“Twilight currently has 61 hours until the poison takes full effect,” DASH-379 stated, “We must hurry.”
As DASH-379 and Fluttershy ran in, Rarity turned to Applejack, who had her arms folded looking troubled.
“Is something wrong, Applejack?” Rarity asked.
“You remember what this world's Celestia said, right?” Applejack asked, “This place is sacred, and private. No one knows about this place except for the people of the village. Also, that was an ambush. They were waiting for us. How would they have known about us being here?”
Rarity thought about that. Now that she thought about it, that was odd. It was almost as if someone had told them ahead of time where they were, but the only ones who knew…
Were this world's Celestia and Luna…
“Let's worry about that later,” Rarity said, “For now, we need to rescue Twilight.”
“Right,” Applejack said, “Let's go.”
They proceeded deeper through the shrine, DASH and Fluttershy up front while Applejack and Rarity stayed behind them covering the rear. The shrine was more complicated than Rarity thought it would be, with a lot of twists and turns. The interior felt odd to Rarity though, as if it didn't fit with the rest of the world.
They eventually reached a large room with a large statue in the back sitting on a throne. The statue looked somewhat like a knight, but its face had a simple blackened orb in the middle, and its entire body was green from the plant life growing on it.
“Odd,” DASH-379 pointed out, “This room is made of different material than the rest of the shrine.”
“You can see all that, huh?” Applejack asked.
“Affirmative. The environment seems different than the rest. My readings are showing… Spectrum carbonate?”
“What's that?” Rarity asked.
“It is a metal found in my world…” DASH said, “Why is that here?”
Fluttershy walked around the room, stopping when she found a small plant growing right in front of the statue. It had small white flowers on it. Fluttershy smiled and ran over to it.
“Found herb!” Fluttershy cheered.
“Oh thank heavens!” Rarity cried, “Now we can rescue-” she was cut off by the entire room shaking, “W-what's going on?!”
“I am picking up strong energy readings!” DASH-379 stated, “It is as if something is activating in this room!”
“Brace yourselves!” Applejack commanded, “I don't like the looks of this!”
You who seek enlightenment…
I am one who guards the door to Zenith…
“The… door to… Zenith…?” Rarity asked.
Only one who passes my test can enter the door…
Prepare yourself…
The orb on the statue lit up, turning white. The statue itself then slowly stood up from its throne. Rarity grabbed Fluttershy's arm and ran away from the statue a bit as it walked toward them.
“What do you suppose we do?!” Rarity asked frantically.
“We don't have a choice!” Applejack said drawing her sword, “If we don't fight it here, it might follow us to the village! We have to defeat it!”
“Understood!” DASH-379 said getting in a fighting stance, “Locking onto single target! Engaging!”
The odd statue charged up a green element, and then stomped its foot. Its entire body was engulfed in a green sphere of wind and empowered.
Rarity and Applejack charged in first, slashing the statue with their weapons. Understandably this did absolutely nothing to it, but it allowed them to gather energy. Both of them jumped away and charged up their elements at the same time. Rarity charged up her spear with darkness, and Applejack charged up her blade with fire. Both of them charged at the statue slashing in a sort of X formation, doing minor damage. (Double Tech: X-Strike)
DASH-379 stayed away from the statue, using her arm cannon to shoot at it. It took a few of her shots head on, and then pointed its arm at her. It's hand retracted into its arm and let a large fan come out, and it blew sharp gusts of wind at DASH, blowing her away a bit. Fluttershy caught her and kept her steady thankfully.
“Thank you,” DASH said to Fluttershy, who smiled in response. DASH then charged up her yellow element, and got on one knee charging up her arm cannon. She then fired her Charged Shot at it, seeming to paralyze the statue.
“It can't move!” Rarity shouted, “Now's our chance!”
Applejack rushed in and slashed with her blade, only so she could gather energy. Once she was finished, she jumped back and charged up her red element, and then shot a red beam at the statue. Once it hit, she appeared right in front of its face in mid air and used her Sword Dance.
When Applejack jumped away from it, Rarity charged up her black element. She held out her hand, and shot three Shadow Balls at the still paralyzed statue. As it looked like it was about to get back up, Fluttershy quickly rushed in and slashed it with her daggers, and then jumped away charging up her green element. She then ran to the statue and used her Gale Slash at it.
The statue slowly rose to its feet and began walking toward them. Out of its hands it shot out green lasers at it walked toward them, forcing all of them to scatter.
“DASH, can you use your Charged Shot again on it?” Rarity asked.
“Leave it to me!” DASH-379 said giving Rarity a thumbs up. She ran toward the statue and began punching and kicking it to gather energy. Her final move was a back flip kick away from it, and she charged up her yellow element, firing her Charged Shot at the statue again.
Once it was paralyzed, Applejack charged up her red element, and used Vigor on herself, which Rarity learned doubled the power of whatever her next move was. Made Rarity wish she had something like that herself.
Applejack ran over to the statue and slashed it with her blade, finally doing some visible damage to it. It seemed to recover from DASH-379's attack quicker though, as it started getting up and raised its arm.
“Look out!” DASH shouted. She ran over to Applejack and pushed her out of the way just in time as the statue slammed its fist onto the ground. Applejack looked at DASH in shock.
“Thanks for that,” Applejack said.
“Do not mention it,” DASH said, “You are still my friend, even if I could kick your ass in true hand to hand combat.”
Applejack chuckled, “Fair enough, but we'll have to agree to disagree on that last part.”
Applejack and DASH stood up and charged up their respective elements. DASH and Applejack jumped to either side of the statue, and then charged at it both of them attacking it in the side with all their strength. (Double Tech: Beat Rush)
The statue recovered from their attacks and started targeting Fluttershy and Rarity, both of them running out of the way of its assaults. They both took cover behind pillars close to one another.
“I think statue has same affinity as me!” Fluttershy said, “Attacks not hurt me much!”
“Are you saying you'll act as bait so I can get a good shot in?” Rarity asked. Fluttershy nodded in response, “Alright, but be careful darling. We don't have Twilight to heal us this time.”
Fluttershy rushed out and ran around the statue. It flailed and slammed its arms around trying to hit Fluttershy, but DASH-379 used her Speed Boost on her to heighten her speed, making her almost impossible to hit.
While that went on, Rarity charged up her black element, but something came to mind. She remembered that attack that Pinkamena used on them, the one with the black cats. The name “Feral Cats” suddenly came to mind. Could she…?
She gave it a shot, holding out her hand and allowing the darkness to heed her commands. Hundreds of black cats shot out of the shadows from behind her, shooting at the statue and knocking it to one knee.
“The statue seems to be getting weaker,” DASH said, “We need to end this now.”
“Agreed,” Applejack said, “DASH, your attacks seem to do the most to it, so this one's all yours.”
DASH nodded and charged up her yellow element. Instead of charging up her arm cannon though, she held up her hand allowing a bolt of lightning to hit it, engulfing her hand in electricity. She rushed at the statue and slashed it once real good with her arm acting as a blade, doing massive damage to the statue. (Elec Sword)
The statue exploded from that final attack and fell to the ground. As everyone sheathed their weapons, they heard that voice again.
end song
Well done…
The path to enlightenment has partially lit up…
There are two more tests…
“So… does anyone here know what the hell they're talking about?” Applejack asked.
“Negative,” DASH-379 said, “But that fight ate up a lot of time. We have 53 hours to rescue Twilight.”
“As long as we hurry we should have plenty of time,” Rarity said, “Let's go.”
As they all ran out, DASH-379 stopped briefly and looked at the statue lying on the ground. She frowned to herself, and then ran out after her friends. They'd deal with it later, after Twilight was safe.
It took a while, but they eventually made it back to Canterlot Village. They saw Celestia waiting for them right at the entrance.
“Ah, you return safely,” Celestia said, “I worry when I had vision of struggle.”
“Do you know what that statue was?” Rarity asked, “It mentioned something about “Zenith” and a test.”
Celestia looked at Rarity, giving her a somewhat odd expression, “It is nothing you need to worry about right now, Traveler. Your friend needs you.”
“R-right,” Rarity said. She sort of had the feeling that Celestia wasn't telling her everything she knew, and for some reason it disturbed her. Before they could leave, they saw Chief Luna walk through the village.
“Sister, Traveler and friends return,” Celestia said. Chief Luna flinched and turned to them with a strained happy expression.
“Very good,” Luna said, “You find herb then?”
“Yes,” Fluttershy held out the herb showing it to Luna, “We take to Twilight now.”
“Very good, Fluttershy,” Luna said, “Sister, I tired. Going to rest.”
“Very well,” Celestia said with a slight sigh, “Rest well, sister.”
As Chief Luna walked off to their hut, Applejack watched her with a slight frown.
“Everything okay?” Applejack asked Seer Celestia, “You two seem a little tense.”
“You find out soon enough,” Celestia said, “Go, save Twilight.”
“Thank you, Seer,” Fluttershy said with a bow, “I come back soon.”
Celestia smiled, bowed to all of them, and walked off deeper into the village. Applejack folded her arms and frowned again.
“What is wrong?” DASH-379 asked.
“The Luna of this dimension sort of rubs me the wrong way,” Applejack said, “In fact, she feels sort of like my Luna.”
“That's not too weird though, right?” Rarity asked, “I mean, they are the same person somewhat.”
“Well yeah, but this feels different. It's more like they're literally the same person, just in two different places. I don't know if that makes any sense.”
“No, I get it,” DASH-379 said, “Chief Luna is the only other one I have seen so far besides yours, and I noticed the same thing when I saw both of them.”
“If both of you are sensing it, then there might be something to this,” Rarity said, “Fluttershy, when your tribe began sending women as tributes, who was the one who spoke to Greymane?”
“Chief Luna,” Fluttershy said, “She talk to Greymane alone.”
“She did not bring her sister with her?” DASH-379 asked, “That sounds illogical to me.”
“They do seem rather tied to the hips usually,” Rarity said, “Come to think of it, Applejack, you said that the demons captured the Celestia of your world, correct? Where was the Viceroy during this time?”
Applejack thought back, “You know, I don't think I even saw her during the kidnapping. I saw her after it though, as she took over the Queen's affairs in her absence.”
“Now that sounds suspicious,” DASH-379 said, “We might need to investigate this angle. If she is connected to the kidnapping of Queen Celestia, she would be connected to the shadow creatures.”
“And thus Lavos by extension, right?” Rarity asked, getting a nod from DASH, “First we need to hurry back to Medieval. I don't think Luna would act suddenly to harm Twilight, as that would make us suspicious of her, but I still don't feel comfortable leaving Twilight alone with her.”
“I hope we wrong,” Fluttershy said, “I not want to suspect Chief of putting village in danger.”
“I know,” Rarity said putting her arms around Fluttershy, “But we have to cover all of our bases. Let's cure Twilight first, then we can discuss a plan to investigate Luna.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. Rarity didn't want to suspect Luna either, but now that she thought back to it, she did feel a little odd around Chief Luna. She sadly never got to see Viceroy Luna, and she was pretty sure that seeing her would be difficult with her being such a high ranking official. There was one other option though. If she wanted to confirm this feeling herself, she'd need to find another Luna and talk to her, right?
Looked like she was taking another trip back to Standard.
Standard: Real Strength
Author's Notes:
Once again, I'm sorry for this being so late. Tuesdays tend to get super busy for me.
If you really want to help these come out faster, and help me in my campaign for world domination, please consider donating to my Patreon.
Standard – Real Strength
Rarity felt bad leaving Twilight like this, but when they arrived back in Medieval she was asleep. Applejack and DASH-379 offered to stay with her while Wizard Twilight began working on the antidote to cure Twilight's poison.
This left Rarity and Fluttershy, who decided to head back to Standard to enact Rarity's plan.
Truth was, Rarity didn't need anyone to come with her, but she didn't feel right going back to Standard by herself. Also, she knew it would be the end of the school day when she got there, and she still didn't want to be alone. She missed Twilight fiercely, but this was a good chance for her and Fluttershy to spend time together. Twilight wouldn't mind, she was sure.
After they arrived back in Standard, she saw a number of students rushing out of school, happy to see the day ending.
“Fancy runnin into you here, hon,” Applejewel said walking over to Rarity and Fluttershy.
“Hello Jewel,” Rarity said. She and Applejewel hugged, but then Applejewel saw Fluttershy and frowned slightly.
“Um… this is one of the alternates, right?” Applejewel asked. Rarity giggled.
“Yes Applejewel, this is an alternate Fluttershy I'm traveling with. Don't worry though, this Fluttershy is extremely nice,” Rarity explained. Fluttershy got close to Applejewel and sniffed, smiling.
“You have pleasant scent,” Fluttershy said, “Smell like citrus.”
Applejewel giggled, “Well thank ya kindly. It's my aunt's special fragrance, based off of the scent of oranges.”
Oranges? Right, Applejack had an aunt and uncle named Orange who were aristocratic. This must have been what Applejack would have been like had she stayed with her relatives rather than move back to the farm with her immediate family.
It's so hard seeing Applejack act so… frivolous though!
Rarity was caught off guard by a crash. The three of them looked and saw Standard Fluttershy fussing at another student who apparently bumped into her. Rarity couldn't make out what she was saying, but it sounded violent.
Fluttershy on the other hand, looked at her alternate self intently with an odd expression. Applejewel sighed and was about to say something, but a beep behind her caught her attention. She turned to look, and smiled seeing a white and orange limo by the school waiting for her.
“Looks like my ride's here,” Applejewel said, “Y'all two want a ride? No reason ta walk back home, ya know?”
“You know, that would be lovely,” Rarity said, “Fluttershy, you don't mind, do you?”
Fluttershy was shocked by Rarity's voice, but shook her head. Applejewel clapped her hands happily.
“Splendid. Come along, y'all. Today, you get ta ride with a super star.”
Rarity laughed awkwardly, “That's wonderful, Applejewel. Thank you so much.”
The limo was really nice and spacious. Rarity was surprised to see just how rich Applejewel actually was. Apparently, she alone was worth almost one million dollars, and was destined to inherit her Uncle's business and funds one day.
Talk about loaded.
“So… what's going on with your Fluttershy?” Rarity asked, “Has she caused Dashie any trouble?”
“Not in the slightest,” Applejewel said, “But it's kinda hard ta get close ta Dash since she's always hangin with the basketball team. She's now officially datin the captain, an' the rest of the team adores her. She's quickly becomin almost as popular as yours truly.”
“That must drive Fluttershy crazy,” Rarity said, Fluttershy now turning her attention to their conversation.
“It does. Most of the school's startin ta stand up to her, so she's losin power fast. So ta compensate, she's jus' bein real nasty ta everyone. She got detention jus' yesterday for startin a fight with Octavia, an' all she did was look at her.”
“Geez, what is it going to take?” Rarity said, more so to herself than to anyone else.
“Why don't ya jus' let it go?” Applejewel asked with a shrug, “By now, ya jus' have ta admit it. She's a bad seed. Nothin like this absolute gem though,” she said taking Fluttershy's hand. Poor thing looked so confused.
“I just can't do that,” Rarity said, “She's the Fluttershy that I grew up with, the one that I originally called my best friend. She just had to grow up without me. Jewel, that's still Fluttershy to me, and she will always be my best friend.”
Applejewel sighed, “Ah don't get it, Rarity. Ah really don't. Ah mean, sure she's Fluttershy, but she ain't your Fluttershy. Sides, ya have a perfectly good Fluttershy right here, an' she ain't a complete bitch. Why can't ya leave it alone?”
“Because that's not my style,” Rarity said, “I've never turned away from Fluttershy, and I won't start now, whether she's my Fluttershy or another Fluttershy.”
Applejewel took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of her nose, “Ah suppose there's no stoppin you. You're a good person, Rarity. Too good, I might add, but that's better than not bein good enough.”
Rarity smiled at Applejewel in response to that. After arriving at Twilight's place and saying their goodbyes, Rarity and Fluttershy went inside, using the extra key that Twilight gave Rarity just in case. She really hoped her parents didn't surprise visit, otherwise she'd have some serious explaining to do.
end song
After taking their showers, both girls got in bed together. They had to once again borrow more of Twilight's pajamas, as Fluttershy didn't have any other clothes and Rarity refused to let her sleep in Twilight's bed wearing that. With the only other solution being Fluttershy sleeping nude…
Yeah… Rarity had already seen Fluttershy naked enough to last her a life time. Not that it was unappealing, it was just so awkward for her.
As they lied on the bed, Fluttershy spooning Rarity and holding her from behind, Rarity found herself still unable to get to sleep. Maybe she missed Twilight more than she thought. She had thought about her a lot. Having to find an excuse for Applejewel didn't help either.
She was also thinking about the Fluttershy of this world. As things stood, she was just going to fall even harder. This wasn't like with Sunset Shimmer, where Rarity could shoot a magic rainbow at the problem and it was gone. Rarity had to actually try and change her herself, but so far it seemed like nothing worked.
“Rarity? Awake?”
“Huh?” Rarity asked, “Yes darling, I'm still up. Lately, I just can't seem to get any sleep.”
“Girl that look like me, she is… bad person? I… am bad person?” Fluttershy asked slowly.
“No no no, not at all,” Rarity said turning to Fluttershy, who looked really upset, “Neither you nor the other Fluttershy are bad people.”
“But… she hurt other people… and I still put village in danger…”
“Fluttershy, you were doing what you felt was right. Remember, the wolves were just using Lavos as an excuse to keep the women of your village captured,” Rarity looked away somberly, “As for the Fluttershy here, she lost someone important to her. That person was her rock, and without them… she fell.”
“That person… you?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yes actually. Remember how Twilight and I are from different versions of this world? Well, this is a world where… I died ten years ago. The Fluttershy here is the same as my friend, but she had to grow up without me looking out for her. As such, she went in a bad direction. You see, she's not a bad person, she's just suffering. This doesn't excuse her behavior though. Someone needs to talk to her.”
“I talk to her?” Fluttershy asked.
“I don't know if that's a good idea Fluttershy,” Rarity said, “Honestly, I'm not sure what's a good idea anymore. Nothing else seems to work…”
“Then I talk to other me,” Fluttershy said grasping Rarity's hand, “I talk to other me, and save her.”
Rarity did have to admit, that method worked on Rainbow Dash. That was different though. Dashie needed to talk to someone who represented who she could be. Fluttershy here represented something that as far as Rarity knew, Standard Fluttershy hated.
Still, not like things could get any worse.
“I don't know how you'll get close to her, but I trust you,” Rarity said, “Just… try not to make a scene, alright?”
“Everything fine now,” Fluttershy said closing her eyes, “Other me learn lesson this time. I make sure of it.”
And just like that, Rarity was terrified now. She knew it. Fluttershy was going to make a scene. Well, maybe Pinkie Pie could tape it and get another video on youtube. That would be a bonus, right?
While Rarity went to school, Fluttershy began stalking her alternate self. She was easy to find, because of an odd scent. She herself smelled fine, but those white things she kept smoking left a very bad smell to her.
Fluttershy hated that, but it made it easy to track her.
Her alternate self seemed to keep getting into arguments, yelling at everyone around her and shoving people into walls. Despite what Rarity said last night, it looked like she and this Fluttershy didn't get along too well. That was unfortunate. Rarity really wanted to be close to her friend, so seeing her act so mean had to be hard.
After a little while, Standard Fluttershy stormed toward the back door of the school, bumping into another student on the way and knocking him down. She didn't even acknowledge that it happened. She just walked through the back doors into the back alleyway behind the building.
Fluttershy didn't like that.
She followed her alternate self into the alleyway, where she saw her lighting another one of those white sticks that smelled funny.
end song
“Bullshit,” Standard Fluttershy said, “I fucking hate this place. I hate everyone here.”
“That not nice.”
Standard Fluttershy turned to the entrance, meeting eyes with Fluttershy. Standard Fluttershy backed a way looking really freaked out.
“So first Rainbow Trash meets some weird robot that looks like her, and now this? Some freak that looks like me from the stone age or something?” Standard Fluttershy asked harshly. Fluttershy frowned looking at her other self intently, trying to find something, “Well? Have something to say, freak?”
“Why you push boy to the ground?” Fluttershy asked, “Not even apologize.”
“Apologize to that shrimp?! He should have fucking watched where he was going! Anyone who gets in my way I just shove out of my way!”
She was so full of anger, and hatred. But that wasn't all. There had to be something else. A reason.
“You… shove out of way,” Fluttershy repeated, “Why not just wait, or move out of way yourself?”
“Why should I have to move out of the way? I'm the one with someplace to go! He's just as worthless as everyone else in this fucking place! Thinking they're so important, when all they are is a bug under my boot!” she gave Fluttershy a sneer, “I'm the one on top here. Everyone else in that school just forgot who their queen is. But I'm going to remind them. I'm going to remind all of them.”
“How?” Fluttershy asked tilting her head to the side. Her Standard counterpart laughed.
“By humiliating that bitch Rainbow Trash, that's how. She thinks she's so great, now that everyone in the school thinks that she's this super cool and awesome chick who hangs around the basketball team. But once they see what I have in store for her, she'll never be able to show her face in this school again. And then everyone will remember who the real queen of this school it!”
Fluttershy still couldn't find what she was looking for, but she find something. Something that she really hated.
“You disgust me,” Fluttershy said with a scowl. Standard Fluttershy was wide eyed for a second, but then narrowed her eyes in anger.
“What did you just say to me?” Standard Fluttershy asked.
“You think you are Queen, that you are strong, but all you do is push people around and make them small. You only hurt weak. That because you are weak.”
“You think I'm weak, huh?” Standard Fluttershy seethed, “What makes you so high and mighty, hm?
“I not high or mighty. I strong. Strong for real. Not fake strong like you.”
Standard Fluttershy laughed, “You can't even finish a sentence correctly, and you're saying you're strong?! What, strong in the real way or some bullshit like that? You're a joke!”
“If you strong, prove it,” Fluttershy said getting in a fighting stance, even pulling out her daggers, “We not talk with words. We talk through battle. Show me strength.”
“Oh, you are pissing me off, bitch!” Standard Fluttershy said, surprisingly getting in the exact same stance and pulling out two small knives of her own, “Even if you have my face, I'm gonna enjoy wrecking it!”
The two Fluttershys charged at each other, and a violent fight began, both Fluttershy's slashing, kicking, blocking, doing everything in their power. Fluttershy was impressed with the skill her Standard counterpart had. They truly were the same person at their cores.
But something was off. Something separated the two.
Standard Fluttershy got in a lucky kick knocking Fluttershy to the side, but she flipped to her feet. Her Standard counterpart rushed at her screaming, slashing wildly with her knives and forcing Fluttershy to have to work harder with her blocks.
“You talk big, but so far all you've done is block!” Standard Fluttershy shouted, “Where's that strength you were talking about so much?”
The only reason Fluttershy wasn't fighting back was because she still needed to learn something. She still hadn't seen it yet, the thing that she was looking for. If she won the fight before then, all of this would be for nothing, and Rarity would still be sad.
Fluttershy didn't want Rarity to be sad.
Realizing that she'd have to push a little harder, Fluttershy kicked Standard Fluttershy off her and then went more offensively. Now she saw it a little. Standard Fluttershy was beginning to have a tough time, but she was still determined. But determined to what? What was she fighting-
That was it. What made them different. She herself was fighting to prove a point, but her other self was just fighting to win.
The two of them slashed with their daggers again, this time actually clashing blades. Standard Fluttershy spun around and did a spin kick, but Fluttershy bent all the way down out of the way and then did a flip kick knocking Standard Fluttershy back a bit. When she rose to her feet, she saw her Standard counterpart breathing heavily, a look of pure hatred in her eyes. Something inside of Fluttershy cried out when she saw that.
She pitied this girl so much.
“Stop that,” Standard Fluttershy said through gritted teeth, “Stop looking at me like that…!”
Wait, what? What did Fluttershy see just now? Was that…?
“I said…” she was trembling, “Stop… LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT!!!”
Standard Fluttershy completely lost it and rushed at Fluttershy, this time slashing without technique, without reason. Yeah, it was time now. She won this fight.
As such, all Fluttershy had to do was sweep her foot to the side, knocking Standard Fluttershy to the ground. She rolled to her back just in time to see Fluttershy lift her leg into the air. Standard Fluttershy screamed and moved to the side just as Fluttershy went to drop kick her.
Standard Fluttershy rose to her feet and braced herself, but Fluttershy already rushed over to her, spinning around and slashing with her daggers. Standard Fluttershy tried to block, but she lost grip on her knives. Fluttershy then charged in with her daggers, going in for the finishing blow.
end song
“NO!!!!!” Standard Fluttershy screamed helplessly. Fluttershy stopped, her dagger right at Standard Fluttershy's neck, the poor girl trembling now, “P-please stop…! No more…! No more!”
Fluttershy backed away, and Standard Fluttershy fell to the ground. Fluttershy sheathed her daggers and looked down at her other self.
“You see now?” Fluttershy asked, “Not real strength. You weak, helpless, just like people you attack.”
“I KNOW THAT!!!” Standard Fluttershy screamed, now crying, “I know I'm weak…! I've always been weak…! I hate being like this…! I know everyone hates me…! I hate myself…! But… but if I don't get them first… they'll get me!”
“Who will get you?” Fluttershy asked kneeling before her broken self.
“EVERYONE!!!” Standard Fluttershy cried, “Everyone there will hurt me! Make fun of me! If I don't make myself someone they're afraid of, they'll know that… that I… that I'm scared… of them…
“I was bullied so badly when I was in elementary school… They made fun of my voice… Teased me because I cried a lot… and that I liked animals so much… The first person to ever be nice to me was… Rarity… She fought the bullies for me, made them stay away from me, but then she… she…” Standard Fluttershy broke down completely, probably crying harder than she had cried in years, “SHE DIED!!! SHE LEFT ME HERE ALONE!!!”
Fluttershy placed a hand over her heart. She could feel the intense pain this girl had. Years of this sadness and grief finally being let out. It was almost too much, but she knew that she had to stay.
“I had to be strong…” Standard Fluttershy continued, “So when I returned to school, and I saw the bullies… I was determined to make them leave me alone… So I attacked them! I beat them! Every single one! Rarity couldn't protect me, so I'd just protect myself from now on! I'd hurt all of them so they wouldn't hurt me every again!”
“But now… you hurt yourself,” Fluttershy said, “You push everyone away, and no have no one.”
“This is better!” Standard Fluttershy sobbed, “This way, no one can leave me like Rarity left me! It hurts too much… making friends and then losing them! I'd rather have no friends at all if that's the case!”
“No, that not true,” Fluttershy said, “You want friends. Lonely, sad, afraid, want someone to be there for you, right?”
“N-no! That's weak! I don't want to be weak anymore!”
“Accepting friends isn't weak. Crying in front of friends isn't weak. That takes strength.”
“What happens… when they leave me?” Standard Fluttershy asked, “I… hate that…!”
“Friends come, and friends go. I have friend. Very special friend, but I know she leave me one day. When she leave, I cry. But friend hasn't left yet. I enjoy friend now, so when she leave, I have no regrets. Also, I make more friends. Lots of friends from all over,” Fluttershy took Standard Fluttershy's hands, “You make friends too, Fluttershy. Lots and lots of friends. Friends hold you when sad, friends laugh with you when happy, friends calm you when angry.
“But you have to be true self to have friends. No more hurting people, calling names, and saying mean things. Hurt people, hurt yourself. You not bad person. You kind, gentle person, just afraid. Okay to be afraid, that what friends for.”
“Friends…” Standard Fluttershy looked down, “I don't have any friends… not anymore. The one person who probably would be my friend hates me now…”
“No, not hate,” Fluttershy said, “Probably waiting for you. You apologize, then you friends again.”
“You make it sound so simple,” Standard Fluttershy looked into Fluttershy's eyes, “Maybe… it is that simple, huh? I'm… sorry if I… upset you.”
Fluttershy shook her head, “Not hurt me. I know truth from beginning.”
“H-how though?”
Fluttershy smiled, put her Standard counterpart's hand on her chest, and then placed her own hand on her other self's chest.
“Because… we are same person. You Fluttershy, I Fluttershy. Fluttershy not bad person. That what… special friend say.”
Standard Fluttershy gave Fluttershy a soft smile, “That friend… must be really special,” she then pulled Fluttershy into a tight embrace, “Thank you… Fluttershy.”
“You welcome… Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy waved goodbye to her Standard counterpart as she walked back into the school, and then leaned against a wall thinking to herself.
“Rarity happy now. Save other Fluttershy, so now Rarity smile,” Fluttershy looked up at the sky, “One day, you leave. Sad when you leave, but… that okay. Even when you leave, we still friends,” she held her hand to the sky, letting her tears flow freely despite her smile, “Best friends forever… Rarity.”
As she stood there, she felt a new power grow within her. Something she could share with her friend, and everyone she loved.
Reinforce…
Rarity didn't see Fluttershy anywhere after homeroom. The only class she had with Fluttershy besides that one before lunch was History, so if she decided to cut class, she wasn't going to see her for a bit. Rarity wasn't too sure if that was bad news though.
Things felt lonely without Twilight, but Rarity was determined to enjoy her lunch with her friends. She hadn't forgotten her other reason for being here though. She needed to find Vice-Principal Luna at some point. Her best bet would be to find her after school though, as long as her schedule remained the same as well.
“I hope Twilight's okay,” Pinkie Pie said as they all sat down in the library for lunch.
“She's going to be fine,” Rarity said, “It wasn't anything too serious, so I'm sure she'll make a full recovery.”
I hate lying like this, but if I tell them the truth…
“So, Jewel, you met the other Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Sure did,” Applejewel said, “She was an absolute doll. Why, Ah wish our Fluttershy was that adorable.”
“She really is nice,” Rarity said, “I do hope she's staying out of trouble though. She has a habit of getting into trouble when left alone for too long.”
They stopped when they heard the door to the library open, and all got the shock of a lifetime. Walking into the library, going right over to them…
Was Fluttershy.
She stood over them for a few seconds, everyone looking up at her, nervous about what she was going to do or say. She met eyes with Rainbow Dash briefly, and then turned to Rarity. Their eyes met, and then Fluttershy did something equally shocking. She walked over to the far end of their section, and took a seat.
Naturally, everyone was still staring at her. After a second, she looked up at them.
“What?” she asked harshly.
“Um… can we help you…?” Applejewel asked, “This is kinda our spot ya know.”
“Yeah, I know,” Fluttershy said, “I can sit and eat here if I want to though. You don't own this place,” she caught herself and closed her eyes, “That's… wrong of me to say. I… apologize… if me being here upsets you.”
“You just didn't want to eat alone, right?” Rarity asked. Fluttershy looked at Rarity in shock, and was greeted with the kindest smile, “Personally, I say the more the merrier.”
Fluttershy's expression softened. It took a second, but soon lunch resumed as normal, only now with a new member. One that as time went on, Rarity found sitting closer and closer to her. Oddly this time, she didn't seem to mind.
After lunch ended, they all went their separate ways for the most part, however Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy stayed with Rarity as they had the same class coming up.
“So… you met one too, I'm guessing?” Rainbow Dash asked Fluttershy, who looked away slightly.
“Lucky bitch, yours was a robot. Mine was some freak from the forest,” Fluttershy said. Rarity rolled her eyes smiling.
“Well, I'm just happy she was able to help you,” Rarity said, “And that she's going to be in one piece when I go back to her later.”
“Hey, stop for a second,” Fluttershy requested, stopping everyone.
“Um… we don't want to be late for our next class,” Rainbow Dash pointed out.
“I don't care about that. This is important,” Fluttershy backed Rarity up against a locker looking her dead in the eyes, “The day I met Rarity is a day I'll never forget, and she said she'd never forget either. She made a promise to me. What was that promise?”
Realizing what she was doing, Rarity closed her eyes smiling calmly, “I promised that as long as I was alive, I'd protect you from the bullies, just like a knight in shining armor.”
Fluttershy took a deep, shuddering breath, and then turned away from Rarity.
“I know you can't stay here, but… it's really… um…” Fluttershy was cut off by Rarity's sudden hug.
“It's wonderful to see you again too, Fluttershy. And for the record, all is forgiven, as long as you continue to be nice to Dashie and everyone else here.”
Fluttershy snickered to herself, “I can be nice to Dashie, Applejewel, Pinkie Pie, hell, I'll even be nicer to Twilight when she gets back. I make no promises for everyone else though.”
“I suppose if that's the best I can hope for, then I'll take it,” Rarity said. Rainbow Dash looked behind them and gasped in shock.
end song
“Um… problem,” she said nervously. Rarity and Fluttershy released one another and looked to see Vice-Principal Luna glaring at all three of them.
“Shouldn't you three be heading to class?” Vice-Principal Luna asked.
“Yes! That's what I was saying!” Dash said, “You two need to listen to me more.”
Fluttershy gave Rainbow Dash a deadpanned look and shook her head, “Don't push your luck, Skittles.”
Rainbow Dash sighed, “I guess change doesn't happen over night.”
“Rarity, come on,” Fluttershy called out once she realized Rarity wasn't following them. Rarity was looking at the Luna of this world, reading her. She could feel it. The thing that Applejack and DASH-379 were saying they sensed.
“Is there a problem, Rarity?” Vice-Principal Luna asked.
“Not at all, Vice-Principal Luna,” Rarity said, “I'll be heading to class now.”
“See that you do,” Luna said before walking off. Rarity caught up with her friends and they walked to their next class.
“What was that about?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Something I needed to investigate for my mission,” Rarity said, “It would be too complicated to explain, but I needed to see Luna face to face.”
“This is about another version of her, isn't it?” Fluttershy asked, “Like, one of her selves is an evil witch or something?”
“If what I felt was correct, darling, then not just one of her selves is an evil witch. More like all of them.”
Rarity knew they were confused. Honestly, she was confused too. She didn't know how it was possible, but she could tell by her eyes. Somehow, in someway, Vice Principal Luna… recognized her.
And based off that glare, she wasn't too happy to see her.
After returning back from school, Rarity and Fluttershy gathered their things and went back to Medieval. Applejack had told all the knights to let them through the second they arrived, so they were able to go right inside the castle. Rarity rushed to Twilight's room, worried about whether her friend was okay.
When she reached the medical area though, she was horrified to see that it was empty.
“T-Twilight…?” Rarity asked looking around. Her hands were shaking as she walked to the bed which was now empty, “No… I can't be…” she was alerted by a side door opening. She looked and saw a sight that brought tears of joy. Walking out of the room…
Was Twilight.
“Hey Rarity,” Twilight said with a soft smile, “You did it.”
Rarity's breathing picked up, and she looked at Twilight wide eyed, still shedding tears of absolute joy. She slowly walked over to Twilight, but then ran to her embracing her tightly.
“You're alive!” Rarity sobbed, “I was so… worried!”
“You were…?” Twilight asked, a shocked and touched expression on her face.
“YES!” Rarity looked into Twilight's eyes, “While you were hurt, I realized just how much you truly mean to me! Not having you next to me, healing me, holding me when I'm unable to stand, it was too much! I can't do this without you, Twilight! I…”
“Shh…” Twilight placed a finger of Rarity's lips, “I understand, Rarity. I'm… I'm so happy…!” now she was shedding tears of joy, “All while I was sick, I was worried about you! I kept thinking, what if she's crying? What if she's scared? I can't be there to hold her! But you're here! You're here, and you're okay!”
“Promise me, that you'll never cease being my light,” Rarity said.
“I promise, Rarity,” Twilight said placing a hand on Rarity's cheek, “I'll be your light, always and forever.”
The two of them touched foreheads, laughing happily as they were in each other's arms. Now Rarity felt whole again. While Fluttershy was her best friend back home, Twilight here had been with Rarity since the beginning of her journey. At first she was worried about bringing her along, but now she couldn't imagine Twilight not being there.
She was going to make sure she'd stay safe, no matter what.
As they held each other, DASH-379, Applejack, and Fluttershy all walked into the room smiling at them. DASH had an arm around Fluttershy's shoulder while Applejack sat down on a nearby chair with her arms folded.
“Now this feels right,” Applejack said, “You two must really love each other.”
“I do,” Rarity said looking into Twilight's eyes lovingly, “I love her so much.”
“I am just happy that our team is back together,” DASH-379 said, “Seriously, having to go so long without your healing magic is nerve wracking. I cannot fight as well as I want.”
“You know there's a remedy for that, right?” Twilight asked, “You could try to dodge a little more when you fight.”
“That takes too much extra work, having to focus on fighting and dodging. Why do that when I have the best healer backing me up?” DASH asked.
“Since was dodging a separate program?” Applejack asked tauntingly. All of them laughed, Rarity laughing the loudest of all of them. She felt almost at peace being with this group. It felt almost like she was surrounded by her actual friends.
I know… it's not really them.
But please… let me have this illusion for a little while.
“So, were you able to find the Luna in Standard?” Applejack asked Rarity, who nodded. They decided to just stay in the medical room, DASH-379 and Fluttershy standing close to the door keeping watch.
“Yes, and based on how she looked at me, I think she did recognize me,” Rarity stated.
“You don't really think that Luna is connected to Lavos, do you?” Twilight asked, “I mean, Vice-Principal Luna has always been a little scary, but evil?”
“But we've seen alters of other people before,” Rarity pointed out, “Remember, we've seen Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie, and none of them feel like they're the same person exactly.”
“I can concur with that statement,” DASH-379 said, “When I met the Fluttershy from Standard, the only similarities I could detect were in their DNA. Beyond that, they were completely different people.”
“What about Luna?” Fluttershy asked.
“With both the Viceroy and the Chief, I detected an odd energy signature. It was causing me to register them as the same person in my database,” DASH explained.
Twilight looked down thoughtfully, “You know, I think I sensed something similar. Not with Luna though.”
“With who then?” Applejack asked.
“With… Celestia,” Twilight said, “When I met the Seer from Forest, she looked at me as if she recognized me, and something inside of me felt like I was talking to the Celestia from home.”
“Come to think of it, the Celestia from Standard felt an awful a lot like my own,” Rarity stated, “When I first arrived there, she was the only person who felt remotely correct.”
“What if… Celestias from worlds are same person?” Fluttershy asked.
“That can't be possible,” Applejack said, “I mean… could it?”
“If both Celestia and Luna have some sort of temporal connection with their alters, then it is possible,” DASH-379 stated, “It might explain how both Seer Celestia and Queen Celestia are capable of receiving visions.”
“Like some sort of telepathic communication among their inter-dimensional counterparts?” Rarity asked.
“Affirmative,” DASH said, “The Celestias and Lunas are sharing information among one another. It is possible they have been monitoring our movements for quite some time.”
“Hold on then,” Applejack asked, “DASH, do you think that one of the other Celestias would know where my Queen is?”
“That is definitely a possibility,” DASH-379 stated, “But for safety reasons, we would have to find a Celestia that is not under surveillance by Luna.”
“That means the Celestia from Forest is out of the questions,” Applejack said, “The Chief might be using her position to keep the Seer under watch.”
“By that logic, we can't count on the Celestia from Standard either,” Rarity said, “They're co-workers after all.”
“What about Celestia from DASH's world?” Fluttershy asked, “We not ever meet her.”
“True, but we can't be certain that she's not being watched by Luna already,” Rarity stated.
“What if… Celestia is in hiding?” Twilight asked, “And we spoke to her without even knowing it.”
It took a second, but Rarity, DASH-379, and Fluttershy all gasped in shock.
“Solaris!” they all cried at the same time. Twilight nodded before continuing.
“Here's the scenario I propose. Mind you, this is only a hypothesis, but it makes the most sense,” Twilight stood up and paced around the room, “Medieval Celestia is captured first. She's still in contact with her other selves, so she warns them to be wary of Luna. Machine Celestia manages to go into hiding, but Forest and Standard Celestias get caught by Luna. Both of them are in positions where if they vanished suddenly it would cause a red flag.”
“So Luna just stays close to them,” Applejack said, “Making sure they don't do anything too crazy.”
“Exactly,” Twilight said, “If we assume that they've been waiting for Rarity, who's this Chrono Trigger or whatever, then once she appears before Standard Celestia, she warns the others.”
“Seer Celestia makes sure to send us to Machine, where the only free Celestia is currently,” Rarity said, “It's there that she helps us learn about Lavos,” Rarity gasped, “Twilight, Seer Celestia told us that Lavos is the key!”
“Yep, she also told us that we'd find DASH in the next world, and she had a gate key prepared for us,” Twilight added.
“The gate you used must have been an unstable one,” DASH-379 said, “If you use a gate key on an unstable gate, it sends you directly to the world of the gate key's origins. Forest Celestia knew where the key would take you.”
“It really sounds like our best bet is to go to Machine and speak to the Celestia there,” Applejack said before shuddering, “Which means traveling to another world. Great…”
“Then I say we get going now,” Rarity said, “Before you-know-who warns her Machine self.”
Rarity and her team slowly made their way out of the castle, as usual Fluttershy and DASH-379 taking the lead to watch out for Viceroy Luna. Nothing was for certain yet, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Once they were out of the castle, they ran as fast as they could to the warp gate, heading right to Machine.
“Damn it…” Luna said watching them leave from her window, “I can't have them moving too much without me knowing. Pinkamena, come to me.”
Pinkamena stepped out of the shadows and bowed.
“You called, Mistress?” Pinkamena asked.
“I want you to head to Machine. That's the only place not under my full watch. I will watch them from Forest and Standard,” Luna commanded.
“Yes, Nightmare Moon,” Pinkamena said the a sinister smile, “I will do as you command.”
Next Chapter: Machine: MEMORY UNAVAILABLE Estimated time remaining: 7 Hours, 50 Minutes