Twilight awoke to find that she was somehow already awake, and not only that, but her lips were in motion.

“And I’m telling you we must find another way,” she hissed in a low tone.

Before her stood a slightly familiar dragon who had the sharp angular features of the ancient wyrms while also bearing the wider eyes of a pony. He was mostly green, though his scales changed and became a deep scarlet at about his waist. The two toned creature was tall and regal, with a long neck and a prominent ridge of spines growing down his back.

His wings were large, his claws the size of daggers, and his teeth as long as short swords. He also stood just slightly taller than an alicorn, though at the moment he was lying upon the floor like an oversized rug. His yellowish-red eyes stared off into the distance, the dragon seemingly oblivious to Twilight’s presence.

The room around them was dark, small, and was one that Twilight recognized from her past self’s home. Though cramped due to the size of her visitor, the dragon didn't seem to mind and sipped his tea delicately despite his large claws. His expression was contemplative, though confident, unlike Twilight’s which she could feel was a mix of anger and indignation.

“There isn't,” he replied in a soft, but powerful voice.

“What if we captured a dragon, then we could-” Twilight felt herself say, only to be cut off.

“We went over this already,” the dragon exclaimed. “To wield the vast power of your spell, the individual needs to be willing.”

Twilight cursed under her breath and pounded a hoof against the table. “Then we mind-wipe one of them. Make them believe they are on our side.”

“Would you trust the fate of your species to someone who does not wholly believe themselves to be on your side?” replied the dragon.

The unicorn’s jaw tightened, her brow furrowed, and she seemed ready to explode with rage. “It is a better option than sacrificing one of our own.”

“What is one life compared to the needs of so many?” offered the dragon and raised a hand. “The question itself is moot, of course. We don't have the time to enact a wild plan even if it were possible.”

“We can make time,” Twilight growled.

The dragon sighed tiredly and shook his head. “Twilight, Twilight, Twilight. I love your stubborn desire to do the right thing, but this is just not one of those times where it will work out. It needs to be me wielding your spell, and it needs to be me who rights the wrongs of my species.”

“They aren't your species,” Twilight exclaimed. “You are no more kin to them than I am to the dead.”

The dragon snorted a ring of smoke at her. “You know what I meant.”

“And I know that you carry the weight of sin not your own,” Twilight retorted, jabbing her hoof at the dragon.

“Aye, it is true,” he murmured somewhat wistfully. “It should not be my burden to bear, nor is it healthy for me to have shouldered it, but the point stands regardless. I need to do this.”

“What would your sisters think?” Twilight whispered. “You can't just leave behind your family.”

The dragon’s eyes narrowed. “I know you mean well, Twilight, but you had best watch your tone. They are the reason I must do this.”

“You are no martyr, Sinthgunt, you are a fool who sacrifices himself too readily in order to rid himself of guilt not earned through action,” Twilight exclaimed, rising from her seat.

Twilight wanted to stop her host, to urge her to watch her words, but she could do nothing but watch. Watch and silently hope that her past self would reign in the rage that filled her heart so utterly.

The dragon, meanwhile, bristled visibly, though his own anger was short-lived, and he quickly calmed once more. “You are just saying that because you grieve for me before I am gone,” he exclaimed with a shake of his head. “I don't blame you for what you’ve said, but I should remind you that death isn't certain.”

Twilight ground her teeth together. “I admit there's a chance that you are able to channel such power and put your kin to sleep without perishing, but that very chance is tiny. Infinitesimal, even.”

“So was the chance that you were born, and that you became who you are today,” the dragon pointed out. “There were a trillion choices that brought you here, yet here you are.”

“Don't bore me with your chaotic theories once again,” Twilight muttered, falling back into her seat.

“I happen to know that you love my theories,” replied the dragon with an exaggerated pout.

“Maybe after I’ve had a few hard ciders,” Twilight murmured to herself.

The dragon chuckled. “Then I won't bore you, and instead I’ll simply remind you that should this spell fail, your little resistance will as well. Ponykind will be made slaves once more, and this time there will be no alicorns coming to save you from your bondage.”

Twilight felt bile rise in her throat and a bitter remark gather on her lips, yet it was never uttered.

“Fine,” she muttered.

“Then I have your blessing?” inquired the dragon.

Twilight snorted and crossed her hooves over her chest. “You do. Though I don't know how I’m going to break this to Luna, Celestia, or Cadance.”

“You should do so honestly and quickly,” exclaimed the wyrm. “They deserve as much.”

Twilight hesitated a moment before nodding. “You are right again.”

“I usually am,” he exclaimed with a smirk.

Twilight sighed, her gaze becoming distant. “I wonder how they will react.”

“This isn't another attempt to guilt me into changing my mind is it?” Sinthgunt asked.

“No,” Twilight quickly replied. “I am genuinely concerned. This war has taken a lot from them, and I fear how they will respond to your loss.”

“Again, I am not dead yet.”

Twilight snorted. “You know what I mean.”

The dragon nodded slowly and caressed his chin. “I suppose Luna will take it the best and will likely mourn me only briefly before moving on. Cadance will cry and cry, but will ultimately accept my passing as inevitable. Your little morning star though… I worry about her.”

Twilight felt a blush come to her cheeks before quickly banishing it. “Why do you say that?”

“She is more delicate than she lets on, and more than that I fear that there are greater powers at work here,” remarked the other being.

“Here we go again,” Twilight muttered bitterly.

The dragon rolled his eyes. “Even you must admit that my theories are seeming more and more true by the day. What is this conflict anyway, if not the struggle between order and chaos?”

“Those things are fundamental forces of the universe, not living breathing things,” Twilight countered. “They make no more decisions than gravity does.”

“Oh, come now, Twilight. Were my formulas not at least a little bit convincing?” exclaimed the dragon.

“I admit they raised some interesting questions, but they proved nothing,” Twilight smirked. “Save for the fact that you really enjoy the smell of chalk.”

The dragon smiled. “Good. If you’re joking about it, then it means you’re ready to return to work.”

“I suppose I am,” Twilight murmured. “Though perhaps I will take the evening to myself.”

The dragon blinked in surprise. “Who are you and what have you done with my dear friend Twilight?”

The unicorn snorted. “I simply wish to think about things. There is much to consider, after all.”

“Well, try not to stay up all night going over that spell of yours,” he offered and rose to all four legs.

“I will try not to,” Twilight murmured.

The dragon stopped at the door. “Oh, and Twilight?”

“Yes, Sinthgunt?” Twilight replied.

“If I do pass on, then you gotta promise me something.”

“You aren't gone yet.”

The dragon rolled his eyes. “Yes, well. In the event that I don't make it, you have to marry that mare.”

Twilight felt her cheeks begin to glow hot, and her jaw tightened. “I will consider it.”

Sinthgunt’s smile grew, and he flashed the mare a wink. “I knew you would.”

“Get out of my house,” Twilight spat while grinning.

“I’m going, I’m going,” replied the dragon as he tromped out the door.

Twilight shook her head, and was about to grab a book when she heard the dragon yell from downstairs.

“Oh, and name one of your kids after me!” he shouted.

Twilight’s face became hot, and she started sprinting after the dragon, only to stop at the door. There she stood, listening to his departing laughter until he was long gone, and she was alone once more. Without the dragon’s teasing presence, Twilight’s foul mood quickly returned, and she slowly trotted back to her desk. She seated herself, pulled a drawer open, and began to root around within.

Retrieving a hand mirror, she lifted it up in order to gaze into her own eyes. Before she could speak though, Twilight couldn't help but think that this version of herself looked tired, exhausted even. Heavy bags hung under her eyes, and she had a haunted look that was strangely intense.

“I feel you back there, watching me,” she exclaimed.

Twilight wanted to react in some way, but found herself unable to do anything but watch.

“I have felt your presence before and then, like now, you did nothing but watch,” Twilight announced. “I know not what you want, or why you are here, but I can assure you that I will figure it out.”

There was a pause, and her past self frowned. “I know not why you linger, spirit. But I will only tell you this once. Begone, lest I lose what little patience I have left.”

Twilight wanted to leave, and though she had no magic to call her own, the unicorn tried to summon it regardless. Questions remained, Twilight knew it was best to do everything she could to depart, lest her past self follow through on her unspoken threat. It took a bit of struggling, but soon Twilight felt the familiar tingle of magic, yet her past self’s horn remained dull.

Not wanting to question the strangeness of it all, Twilight simply willed herself to return back to the time she had just left. The effort made her very soul ache, and she felt a headache coming on, but it was beginning to work. Her vision started to swim, her mind stretched, and the world was starting to fall away to nothing.

Be kind, she told herself. Please.

For a moment Twilight thought she saw a flicker in her past self’s eyes, but then it was gone, as was she.

This time Twilight awoke not with a start, but with a slow, solemn sigh. The passage beneath reality was as unpleasant as ever, and she was quite glad that she had not been awake for it the last time.

At least I didn't have another run in with the beast beneath all, she thought as her eyes flickered open.

Her hooves were folded over her chest, and her body lay on something cold and flat. Unlike the thin, white, and rather warm sheet which had been draped over her entire body, including her face. Despite the blanket covering her eyes, she could tell that the room was brightly lit, which hopefully meant she wasn't in a morgue.

Or whatever equivalent they have in this time period, Twilight thought to herself.

For a moment the pony resisted the urge to throw aside the cover and instead merely studied her own body. There were a few aches and pains which had already made themselves known, but other than that, she felt fine. Though just as she thought that, the headache from earlier returned, making her wince and squeeze her eyes shut.

Soul headaches are downright awful.

Shaking off the worst of it, Twilight reached up, and gently pulled aside the sheet in order to reveal a surprisingly normal room. Behind her was a large window through which streamed a ray of sunlight that illuminated her nude form as well as the granite block she had been resting upon.

“No wonder I’m so stiff,” Twilight murmured as she rose into a sitting position.

Looking around, the mare was able to discover that she was in a small, mostly empty room. The only other object other than the bed/height hunk of stone she had been lying on was a single small chair. Though no one sat in it at this moment, Twilight could tell from the lingering smell of sunflowers that Celestia had used it recently.

The thought of the alicorn was enough to jog Twilight’s memory and make her think back to the last moment she remembered. The fight, the struggle, and her success was all as clear as day, though she couldn't recall how she escaped. One second she had been in the monster’s jaws, and the next she simply wasn't.

“And then…” Twilight murmured, a deep frown growing on the pony’s face.

With a sigh, the mare abandoned her attempts to remember what had happened, figuring that her memories would return with time. Right now she assumed that simply getting her hooves under her and alerting everyone to the fact that she was alive was more important.

Landing with a thump, Twilight stumbled for a moment, only to catch herself at the last second. Holding onto the granite slab that had served as her bed, Twilight slowly steadied her trembling body. Though it took a few minutes, the pony was able to return feeling to her body and, with a shaky step, began to walk.

She expected the wooden door to have opened at some suitably dramatic moment, but that didn't happen. And a good thing too, because she likely would have eaten a faceful of oak if it had. Instead she made it all the way into the hallway before anyone noticed she returned to the world of the living.

“Holy shit,” muttered a gryphon adorned with silver armor who stood just outside. “You’re alive.”

“Last I checked, anyway,” Twilight muttered, glancing down the more or less empty hall. “Where is everyone?”

“Celestia just left to get lunch. Said something about having a hunch you’d be back by then, but I thought she was crazy,” remarked the gryphon in a still disbelieving tone.

“Well, I’m alive now,” Twilight exclaimed, eying the gryphon closely.

He was tall, with broad shoulders but a narrow frame, leaving him looking rather lanky and uncoordinated. He also had bluish feathers, several of which transitioned to a deep yellow color that was close to gold.

“I better tell someone. The boss lady is going to want to hear this,” he announced, glancing down the hallway.

Twilight waved a hoof. “Go ahead. I’ll wait here for Celestia.”

“Thank you, ma’am. Good to have you back, by the way,” offered the gryphon, who gave Twilight a quick salute before sprinting away.

Twilight shook her head, trying to dismiss the last vestiges of fatigue which clung to her even still. “I should have asked about Cadance,” Twilight muttered, only to shrug. “I’m sure Celestia knows.”

She didn't have to wait for long, for around the bend to her right Twilight heard the heavy clop of a familiar set of hooves. Sure enough, Celestia appeared a moment later, a large platter of food held in her magic and a hopeful grin on her face. Upon seeing Twilight, Celestia smiled wider still and though she nearly lost her grip on the food, the alicorn caught it before it could fall.

“Y-you are back!” Celestia excitedly stated, running up to the unicorn as fast as her load allowed. “I knew you would return to me.”

Twilight smiled wearily, stifling the uncomfortable feeling that rose whenever she was near the alicorn. “Yeah, I’m back.”

“But are you… you?” Celestia inquired.

“I…” Twilight paused and scratched her chin. She is probably wondering if I am the old Twilight.

“I’m not your Twilight,” she exclaimed. “I ran into a complication during the resurrection and wasn't able to send myself back.”

A brief flash of guilt passed over Celestia’s features before being just as quickly dismissed. “But you can still do it, right?”

Twilight shrugged. “Probably. Though I’ll need to get my strength back first.”

“Well, it's a good thing I brought you this then,” Celestia offered, raising the small platter of food.

Which smelled like the finest cuisine the unicorn had ever beheld, prompting a flood of saliva to fill Twilight’s mouth. Her stomach rumbled as the scent washed over her, and though it was fairly plain in appearance, Twilight knew it would taste anything but.

Twilight grabbed a hunk of black bread and stuffed as much as could fit in her mouth without uttering a word. She was way too hungry to do anything but chew noisily and swallow as soon as she was certain she wasn't about to choke. She followed the bread with a gulp from the tomato soup, and was about to bite into the salmon when she realized Celestia was laughing.

“Whut?” Twilight asked, mouth still partially full.

Celestia chuckled and wiped a tear from her eye. “It's nothing. I was just so worried you’d come back changed or not at all, but here you are.”

Twilight gulped. “You were worried about me and not… your me?”

“Crazy, I know, but you’ve proven you're a good person. Especially after what you did for Cadance,” Celestia answered.

Twilight’s eyes went wide. “Then it worked?”

“Wait, you didn't know?” Celestia asked. “But Cadance said she saw you save her.”

“I was… attacked or something,” Twilight muttered. “The whole thing is… blurry.”

Celestia said nothing and walked into the small room that had nearly become Twilight’s tomb. There she set the plate down on the block of stone before seating herself on the empty chair. Twilight needed no prompting and quickly began to eat once more, though this time she paid the alicorn at least a bit of attention.

“Most importantly, you saved her soul from being consumed by the assassin who had killed her,” Celestia began. “She has since made a nearly full recovery, though she will be using a wheelchair for a little while.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow.

Celestia quickly waved a dismissive hoof. “It’s nothing. The shock of being brought back is apparently enough to leave most bedridden for weeks, but Cadance is tough.”

Twilight sighed and resumed stuffing her face with food.

“It's wild to think that only two weeks ago she was dead, and now she is as good as new,” Celestia wistfully remarked.

Tomato soup shot from Twilight’s nose. “Two weeks?”

Celestia stood up and patted the other mare on the back. “Didn't Gallus tell you anything?”

Twilight shrugged as she wiped away the mess she had made across her face. “No. He just said something about letting the boss lady know I was alive and took off.”

Celestia sighed and shook her head. “The damn fool. I told him to update you on what was going on the second you woke up.”

“Well, I was dead… again,” Twilight murmured.

“Regardless,” Celestia quickly added, “you’ve been out for two weeks. Luna wanted to bury you, but I got her to hold off.”

Twilight shivered. “Well, that's good. I’m really claustrophobic.”

Celestia chuckled and walked back to her chair. “I know exactly how you feel. If I had woken up in some pine box somewhere… well, let’s just say voices wouldn't be the only problem of mine.”

“Voices?” Twilight questioned before biting into a hunk of salted fish.

Celestia winced. “Luna says that it's natural to hear your loved one’s voice after they pass. Even see visions of them while you’re awake. Though thankfully that never happened.”

Twilight observed the other mare a little closer and immediately noticed the deep strain visible just beneath the surface. The bags under Celestia’s eyes were the most obvious, but it went deeper than just that. For within those magenta orbs was a level of exhaustion that Twilight had not seen in anyone that was not at death’s doorstep.

Then it was gone, as Celestia smiled once again. “But that's a thing of the past now.”

“Right. I’m sure it's nothing,” Twilight murmured.

Celestia nodded, though it was clear she didn't wholly believe even herself. “Feel better?”

Twilight blinked and looked down to find that she had completely inhaled all the food. “A little. It may take a bit, but I’m sure it won't be longer than a day or so before I can return to my own time.”

“That's wonderful news,” Celestia exclaimed. “Because no matter how much I’ve come to appreciate your company, I really want my little evening star back.”

“And you will get her back very soon, I promise,” Twilight replied with a fake smile of her own. “Would you mind getting me some more of this soup? I can't seem to shake this cold.”

“Of course! I’ll be right back,” Celestia exclaimed before doing just that.

Now alone once more, Twilight waited until the sound of hooves had receded into the distance. Once she was certain Celestia wasn't about to return anytime soon, Twilight hastily lit her horn and began to cast a familiar spell.

“Come on, come on,” she muttered. “Please have enough power left for the spell.”

Her horn grew brighter and brighter before flickering several times and finally dying before the spell could complete. “No! It's worn off already,” she muttered, slamming a hoof into the bowl Celestia had left behind.

Twilight fell into a heap on the cold hard ground as raw panic rose from within her. “What am I supposed to do now?”

The empty room gave no answer.

“I can't just ask Celestia to give up another piece of her soul… can I?” Twilight murmured, only to shake her head. “No. You saw what it did to her the first time. I can't just ask for that again. Especially not so soon.”

Rising up from the ground, Twilight began to pace back and forth, muttering to herself all the while. “I could ask Luna, but she was against the use of it in the first place.”

Twilight stopped. “Cadance then?”

The mare shook her head.

“No, that would be like asking a stabbing victim to donate blood,” Twilight murmured. “But she did know several of the words. Maybe one of them could empower me somehow?”

Twilight hummed and hawed before ultimately letting out a short sigh. “I guess that's really the only option I have at this point. I can't keep screwing up my other self’s life, and I really should return back to my own time, lest I ruin something else by accident.”

Twilight nodded to herself. “Right. I just need to find her then.”

The pony began to trot towards the exit, but was blocked when it opened suddenly to reveal a familiar dark blue alicorn. Behind her stood a pair of guards, one of whom was familiar to Twilight, though thankfully both were relaxed. Their posture spoke of the excitement born of a returning hero and not the quiet anxiety that came before a fight.

“You’re awake,” Luna exclaimed with a wide smile.

“I am, and I am not your Twilight,” replied the unicorn.

“Not our Twilight?” asked Gallus.

Luna sighed and ran a hoof down her face. “Don't concern yourself with such matters, private.”

“Err, right,” he muttered, stepping back into the hall a second before the door closed behind him.

“Sorry about that,” Twilight remarked.

“It's fine,” Luna exclaimed. “Though I am surprised you are still here.”

Twilight winced. “I was anticipating that the alicorn extract would last long enough for me to cast the sending spell. I was not anticipating that I would lose two weeks.”

Luna’s shoulders slumped, and her body relaxed somewhat. “I suppose that is fair. What now then?”

Twilight hesitated, the alicorn’s tone making it clear that the question was also an offer of assistance. It also felt like the taller mare was subtly gauging whether Twilight was about to ask for another infusion. Something they both knew was possible, but neither wanted to be necessary.

“I was hoping Cadance would know some word which could empower me briefly,” Twilight admitted.

Luna nodded slowly, eying Twilight closely. “She may be able to do that. Her empathy has allowed her to assist in spellcasting before, though I don't think she has assisted with anything quite at the level you will likely need.”

“Would she be up to doing something like that then?” Twilight gently inquired. “I wouldn't wish to worsen her condition, but I really should return your Twilight.”

“That you should,” Luna admitted, stroking her chin. “I suppose she could. Though of course you would need her permission.”

“Of course,” Twilight quickly replied.

“Then I will take you to her and leave my guards to ensure that Celestia knows of your whereabouts,” Luna finished.

Twilight released a sigh. “Thank you so much for your help. I’m really clutching at straws here.”

Luna waved a dismissive hoof. “It's nothing. You’ve earned much more than that for what you’ve done.”

Twilight watched as her escort opened the door and uttered a few quick orders before fully stepping out into the hall. Luna’s inviting expression was all the prompting Twilight needed, and she hastily trotted out after the alicorn. Together they began to walk in a vaguely northward direction, descending down several staircases in the process.

Eventually they made their way to the primitive throne room which at the moment was devoid of said giant pieces of furniture. Only several normal looking chairs, as well as a bed, and a few desks were scattered about the place. Cadance lay near the back end of the space, just in front of where the Equestrian seat of government would normally be. From the looks of it, the desks had likely been set up for the court clerks, though at the moment they were empty, as were the chairs which sat on either side of Cadance.

The alicorn herself seemed perfectly healthy at first glance, but upon getting closer, Twilight could tell that was not the case. She had lost a significant amount of color and still had deep rings under her eyes. Not only that, but she was thin, abnormally so, though her ribs were thankfully not visible.

The moment Twilight entered the room, Cadance turned and smiled widely, sitting further up on her bed. Luna was quick to swoop in and help to pile pillows beneath Cadance’s lower back, a concerned look on the dark alicorn’s face.

“You shouldn't be moving around like this,” Luna exclaimed. “And where did my guards and maids go?”

Cadance rolled her eyes. “You mean those fussbottoms? I told them to take a break and give me some privacy.”

“You shouldn't be alone. It's dangerous, and you have yet to regain your strength,” Luna continued.

Cadance snagged the other alicorn’s hoof and forced their eyes to meet, stopping Luna’s fussing. “I’m fine, dear sister. I am not so frail that you must tend to my every whim.”

Luna sighed. “I suppose you are right. I am merely-”

“Worried,” Cadance finished, flashing Twilight a smile. “Now before I get interrupted again, I think I have a certain brilliant unicorn to thank for my return to the world of the living.”

Luna took a step back, though her muscles remained tense, as if she were ready to leap to Cadance’s defence at a moment’s notice.

“That's not necessary,” Twilight quickly exclaimed. “I was merely doing what is right.”

Cadance raised an eyebrow and looked at Luna. “I see my dear pupil has learned humility in my absence. Don't tell me this was your doing?”

Luna shook her head. “It was not I. Though perhaps it was, just not yet.”

Cadance blinked, glancing from one mare to the other, as if searching for answers. “I feel as though I am missing something.”

Celestia burst into the room, with a plate loaded with soup, bread, and salted meat, interrupting Twilight before she could speak.

“There you are. You could have told me you were coming here,” Celestia exclaimed, trotting up to the sole unicorn.

“I apologize,” Twilight quickly stated. “Luna gave me an idea, and I had to see it through as soon as possible.”

Celestia hummed thoughtfully. “Well, you had best eat up then. You can't hope to regain your strength with an empty stomach.”

“Thank you, Celestia,” Twilight politely replied.

“Come, sister. Twilight and Cadance have an urgent and private matter they need to attend to,” Luna exclaimed.

“One moment,” Celestia retorted, the alicorn levitating over a desk for Twilight to seat herself at before placing the tray of food atop it. “Now we may go.”

Luna shook her head and walked away in silence. Celestia took up the rear and gave Twilight a strained glance before leaving the room as well. In that look Twilight saw a hint of regret, an ounce of fear, and a single drop of nervous hope.

With the dull boom of the closing double doors still echoing in the room, Twilight turned and looked to Cadance who had a concerned, somewhat strained expression on her face. One which Twilight mirrored, though she did not know it at the time.

“You are not Twilight,” Cadance stated.

“I-er yeah. How did you know?” Twilight inquired.

“You hold no love for Celestia, and that's putting it politely,” Cadance exclaimed.

Twilight sighed and plunked herself down in front of the desk which itself sat next to the right side of Cadance’s bed. “It is true, and to put it simply I am Twilight, but just not your Twilight.”

“So Sinthgunt’s theory on alternate universes was true then?” Cadance half stated, half asked.

“Err no- well, maybe,” Twilight shook her head. “I am from your future, and I was initially here to find out a few other pieces of information which would become lost to history. None of that matters now though.”

“Then what does matter?” Cadance inquired, her green eyes narrowing curiously.

“That I return to my time before I hurt my past self or otherwise mess up the timestream somehow,” Twilight quickly replied before her hunger forced the mare to fill her mouth with more bread.

“Before we get to that, I must ask,” Cadance began, her gaze narrowing. “What happens in the future to make you pity me so much?”

Twilight pounded her hoof against her chest, forcing down the bit of food which had become lodged in her throat. “What would make you assume that?” Twilight weakly replied.

Cadance chuckled. “I can see it in the way you look at me, your eyes searching my features for scars not visible. Your body language is also strangely differential, but you don't respect me enough for that to be the sole cause.”

“I do respect you though,” Twilight quickly retorted.

“I never said you didn't,” Cadance pointed out, only to smirk. “I’m also a natural empath and can taste the pity wafting off you.”

Didn't Chrysalis say something about tasting emotions? Twilight thought to herself, only to dismiss the notion. “You get hurt in the future. Quite badly at that, unfortunately.”

Cadance smiled warmly. “Then you have no reason to pity me as it has yet to happen.”

“Emotions are not so easily dismissed by logic. No matter how sound the argument,” Twilight remarked sadly as she took another bite of the now cold bread.

“Very true,” Cadance agreed. “Though I’m curious as to what you hope to get from me.”

Twilight perked up and swallowed her food. “I was hoping you could help me cast a spell I don't quite have the strength to complete while in this body.”

Cadance raised an eyebrow. “I assume this spell would return our Twilight to us and allow you to go back to your own time?”

“It would,” Twilight answered.

Cadance nodded slowly. “I might be able to assist you, though I have a few questions for you first.”

“So long as you don't try to pry about the future too much,” Twilight quickly added.

“I did have a few questions on said topic, but before that I just wanted to thank you again for saving me,” Cadance offered, a wide, genuine smile crossing her face. “I genuinely thought that my long struggle with that monster would ultimately be in vain, and that I would be consigned to oblivion.”

Twilight blushed and looked away. “It was no problem at all. Your Twilight wasn't quite strong or knowledgeable enough, so in return for getting what I want, I lent a hoof.”

“Still. That was an incredibly brave thing you did,” Cadance stated.

Twilight cleared her throat. “Anyway. What did you want to know?”

“I assume you knew me in the future, right? Did you plan this excursion to the past with the future me?” Cadance inquired.

Twilight blinked. “I do, and no. This little trip was a little more spur of the moment then I would like to admit.”

“So then I will need to act as though it is our first meeting when I meet you,” Cadance murmured to herself, the alicorn reclining in her bed. “Difficult, but not impossible to remember.”

“Should we establish some kind of code word then?” Twilight asked.

Cadance’s bright emerald eyes sparkled. “That is a brilliant idea. But it has to be a code phrase that wouldn't just come up in casual conversation.”

“How about…” Twilight rubbed her chin. “The eagle has landed?”

“No, that feels wrong for some reason,” Cadance retorted.

“What about… The circle is now complete?” Twilight offered.

Cadance nodded slowly. “Yeah. That sounds thematic and not something that you would say by accident. Let's go with that.”

Twilight smiled. “Perfect. Is there anything else you wanted to know?”

“Not particularly, now that I’m thinking about it,” Cadance remarked. “I don't want to accidentally mess with history either, and this already feels like we are straying dangerously close to doing just that.”

“I know what you mean. This entire little escapade has felt like one big long tempt of fate,” Twilight added.

Cadance chuckled. “Why don't you write out your spell on a piece of paper so I can study it while you eat?”

Twilight nodded and quickly pulled a loose sheet from the desk she was seated at. For a moment she hesitated to put her borrowed pen to paper though, as doing so would likely change the future. Then she remembered all the advanced magical knowledge she had already inadvertently given them and brushed aside such a thought.

“Here,” Twilight offered, extending a hoof. “I’d ask that you destroy it after, but I don't think it really matters at this point.”

“I will honor your request regardless,” Cadance replied, taking the sheet of paper.

Twilight watched the other pony begin to study the spell for several seconds before returning to her meal. Regardless of whether Twilight believed that the alicorn would follow through on her promise, the ball was no longer in Twilight’s court. The unicorn simply hoped that all the trust she had shown this much younger Cadance would be rewarded.

Filling her stomach took time, though those minutes were well-spent, as the taste was to die for. Cadance, meanwhile, seemed to struggle to understand the spell for the majority of that time. Thankfully for Twilight, the alicorn was able to figure out the relatively advanced bit of magic without assistance.

“A fascinating bit of spellcraft,” Cadance exclaimed. “Did you come up with it yourself?”

Twilight blinked, leaning forwards in her seat and removing her hoof from her now full stomach. “No, well, sort of. It's hard to explain.”

“Time shenanigans. Got ya,” Cadance replied.

“Pretty much,” Twilight agreed. “Can you do it though?”

“Yes, I should be able to assist you in this matter. Though I should warn you that the experience of having your spells aided in such a manner can be quite… intimate,” Cadance explained.

“Intimate how?” Twilight inquired.

“For a brief moment our souls touch,” Cadance continued. “There is no give or take, mind you. Merely a brief instant where you will feel what I do and vice versa.”

Twilight nodded. “It wouldn't be the first time I’ve experienced something like that.”

“Oh, is that so?” Cadance cooed, leaning in as close as she could manage. “And who was this person you’ve shared such an intimate moment with?”

Twilight blushed and quickly shook her head. “N-noone important. Now can we please just get back to the spell?”

Cadance giggled. “No matter the Twilight, you are all so fun to tease.”

Twilight huffed indignantly, though she couldn't bring herself to actually be angry at the alicorn. “Be that as it may. Do you need more time to recuperate before we cast the spell?” Twilight inquired.

Cadance shook her head. “Contrary to Luna’s opinion, I have gotten back the majority of my strength. We could cast it right now, if you would like.”

The unicorn wanted to enthusiastically state that such a plan was exactly what she wanted, but Twilight stopped herself before opening her mouth. She wanted to learn the other words which Cadance no doubt knew and may not be able to teach her in her own time. Twilight also wanted to learn the words that Celestia knew, but she wasn't certain if such a thing was even possible.

Thinking too hard on that last subject left Twilight feeling like she had forgotten something important. A thought which she ultimately brushed aside as inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. She had learned two of the words, both of which were very applicable to her skills and strengths.

They will have to be enough, Twilight reasoned. “That would be excellent. I don't want to potentially ruin anything else. Nor would I wish to rob my past self of her body for a moment longer than necessary.”

“An excellent response,” Cadance praised, extending a limb. “Now, give me your hoof, and I will aid you as best as I can.”

“Thank you, by the way. I don't know what else I would have done,” Twilight replied, allowing Cadance to hold her right foreleg. “Other than panic, of course.”

“It's no trouble at all, my friend. It is the least I can do for you, considering what you’ve done for me,” Cadance exclaimed. “Though I still feel like I should do more to pay you back.”

“I’m fairly certain you already have,” Twilight retorted with a wry smile.

One which Cadance shared. “Well, it's good to know that my future self does not forget a debt. I would hate to turn out as some honorless cur.”

“You don't have to worry about that,” Twilight stated confidently.

Cadance nodded, and lit her horn. “Right then. Let us get you sent back before my sisters walk back in and force me to go back to sleep.”

“Yes, let’s,” Twilight enthusiastically agreed.

“Now, just start to cast your spell like normal, and when you begin to reach your limit, hold onto it for a few more seconds, okay?” Cadance offered.

“Got it,” Twilight answered.

Cadance nodded, prompting Twilight to do as she was told, her own horn beginning to glow as she started to go through the motions. Gathering the necessary power took little time, as did focusing herself on the objective she wished to accomplish. Returning home was an easy goal to keep at the forefront of her mind, as it already consumed nearly every thought she had.

Then Twilight pushed to complete it and received the familiar sensation of her body attempting to go further then was possible. The feeling was like lifting something you knew was too heavy, only you were straining the muscles in your mind. Which would leave Twilight with a bad headache as well as a good amount of recoil, though thankfully that never happened.

For right as Twilight’s horn began to flicker, a strength suddenly filled her body. A strength which came not from within, but from the alicorn next to her, whose own horn now glowed like a miniature sun. With that feeling of power came understanding, emotions, and a few flashes of memories she knew weren't her own.

This might have overwhelmed the unicorn at one point, especially when the other mare’s recollections of her past hit Twilight, but now was different. Calling upon her time spent lost amidst the tide of souls which lay beneath the world, Twilight refused to experience Cadance’s memories. They, like the other pony’s emotions, were brushed aside. Their link only deepened as far as it needed to be and no deeper.

Which allowed Twilight to stay focused on simply casting the spell properly. A task which she would have likely struggled with, had she not come to understand the soul so profoundly. There, at the precipice of completion, Twilight held her magic in order to give Cadance one last appreciative nod.

A gesture that was returned a second before the deed was done.

In an instant Twilight felt her body become numb as her mind and spirit were pulled free from her mortal coil. As she departed, Twilight could see her past self crumple on the bed, a patient Cadance placing a pillow beneath her head. Then Twilight was gone, the world blurring away into nothing and being replaced by the strange ooze-filled void.

This time the vast swirling ocean of nothing was not quite so intimidating, and though the creature beneath the world was present, it was satiated. It did not stir as Twilight passed through its domain under reality itself and merely sat motionless within the void. Something Twilight was quite glad for, as she did not want to deal with whatever it was after having already gone through what she had.

Several minutes passed as Twilight maneuvered through the miasma before turning upward and swimming towards a distant light. One which quickly parted to reveal the ceiling of the ritual chamber which Twilight had left behind all those weeks ago. Twilight eagerly pushed herself towards this sight, a feeling of relief already welling within her being.

The pony gasped, feeling having returned to her a second after she had left that strange below place that lay under reality. With sensations flooding her being once more, Twilight released a second, smaller sigh and simply appreciated the fact that she was home. Already she felt more relaxed than she had during her time-displaced adventures, and Twilight hoped her friends were nearby as she desperately wanted to see them.

Looking around, Twilight found that she was alone, though thankfully the exit to the ritual space was open. Standing slowly, Twilight quickly realized that her body had probably been there for a while, given how stiff her joints were. She made a note of getting some help from Sunset’s healing magic before continuing on.

To the bottom floor which had been renovated quite extensively in her absence. All of the trash had finally been cleared away and furniture had been brought in, a lot of it at that. Enough even for someone to live down here comfortably and without missing out on any of the small luxuries.

A bed, desk, chest of drawers, even a primitive bathroom complete with tub, chamber pot, and sink were visible off to one side. It was a far cry from the unpleasant mess that Twilight had left behind, though it was also slightly confusing. As it left her wondering why someone had bothered to do all this, and why there was no one around to greet her.

Maybe more time has passed than I thought, Twilight reasoned as she scanned the room once more.

This time when she finished her inspection, she noticed that a familiar skeletal unicorn outfitted in rusting armor and wielding an equally worn halberd was standing nearby. Her eye sockets were empty, but her gaze was piercing nonetheless, and the skeleton seemed ready to strike at a moment’s notice.

“State your identity,” demanded the undead.

“The head researcher of this facility. Or at least I was, anyway,” Twilight replied.

The skeleton relaxed and placed her weapon against the wall. “It is good to have you back. That creature which possessed you was not one for conversation.”

“Is that so?” Twilight mused as she looked around. “Where is everyone?”

“Your friends left several weeks ago after it was apparent that you would not return immediately,” Sharp Eye replied.

Twilight snorted angrily. “Figures. Nothing is as easy as it should be. How long exactly was I gone?”

“Two weeks and five days,” Sharp Eye quickly replied.

Twilight’s initial shock quickly melted away to bitter resentment, and the pony shook her head in disgust. “Great, just great,” she muttered.

“Would you like me to summon Beaker? He has been staying abreast of the various goings on in Ponyville and the surrounding area,” Sharp Eye offered.

“Yes-wait. Do you know where Spike is?” Twilight inquired.

“I do,” Sharp Eye replied. “The dragon went topside for supplies, and will be back within the hour.”

“That is good,” Twilight murmured as she began to pace. “Now then. Should I wait for him to come back… or, on second thought, where is Beaker anyway?”

“I’m right here!” exclaimed the excitable undead, who popped up next to Twilight.

“Where were you?” Twilight muttered, looking around in confusion.

“Oh, I was standing over there,” Beaker replied, gesturing to the room Twilight had just exited.

Twilight briefly wondered how she had missed the other skeleton before shrugging it off. “I need to know what has been happening in Ponyville while I was gone.”

“Oh, plenty of things,” Beaker exclaimed. “Rarity has nearly mastered the art of weaving and threw a wonderful little soiree for all of us who helped with her fashion show.”

Twilight nodded slowly, watching as Beaker continued to rattle off details without stop.

“Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy moved in together, which is a bit quick in my opinion, but they are already saying ‘I love you,’ so I guess it makes sense,” Beaker exclaimed. “Spike and Sweetie Belle are just adorable together, by the way. Even if the poor girl is scared to death of the undertower. I don't see why she feels that way, it's just a big empty hole in the ground at this point.”

Twilight leaned toward Sharp Eye. “How often do Rarity and him talk?”

“Nearly every day,” murmured the female skeleton.

“Applejack is still struggling with how big her farm is nowadays, but the whole family is taking it all in stride. Rumour has it that she went out with some guy named Svensomething or other, but that didn't work out,” Beaker gushed, only to perk up. “Pinkie Pie passed some sort of special shaman test or something. I wasn't really paying attention, but she seemed really happy about it.”

“I wasn't really-” Twilight began only to be cut off.

Beaker sighed dramatically, somehow. “Sunset is still being an absolute stick in the mud and refuses to even entertain the idea of dating despite how much Sharp Eye flirts with her.”

Twilight glanced to the armored skeleton, and for a moment was fairly certain she was blushing, but that notion passed quickly.

“I do not,” Sharp Eye muttered.

“You carry around all of her stuff whenever she shows up and agree with everything she says,” Beaker retorted.

The armored undead shifted awkwardly. “She is very smart and has very good ideas.”

“Hold on,” Twilight quickly interrupted. “I don't really care about my friends’ love lives. I just want to know what has been happening in Ponyville. Has Celestia attacked again?”

Beaker pawed the ground, avoiding Twilight’s gaze. “Not yet.”

“She's close then?” Twilight pressed.

“Sort of,” Beaker admitted. “You have time though, and everyone has been doing a real good job shoring up the castle’s defences. Why, Nebula even began to recruit more of her wayward children. I’m sure this whole thing will blow over in no time at all.”

“What, exactly, is attacking us?” Twilight pressed.

Beaker took a nervous step back. “Oh, just a bunch of golems, their handlers, and a small contingent of knights.”

“There are forty golems, twenty-three mages and sixty-nine knights still advancing on Ponyville,” Sharp Eye declared.

“Like the kind I fought at the tower?” Twilight questioned.

Beaker nodded meekly.

“That is… very bad,” Twilight murmured. “How long exactly before they are here?”

“Four, maybe five days,” Sharp Eye replied.

“That is…” Twilight trailed off.

“Not very good, isn't it?” Beaker inquired.

Twilight shook her head, her gaze growing distant. “No, Beaker. That is not good at all. Come. We will have to speak with Nebula immediately.”

“You mean we’re leaving the undertower?” Beaker gently asked.

“You are. It is long past due that you were rewarded for your service, though that may need to wait until after this newest problem has been solved,” Twilight murmured.

“No reward is necessary,” Sharp Eye quickly stated.

“Well, I wouldn't mind a reward of some kind. Maybe a new jacket or something,” Beaker murmured, gazing down at his bare, bleached bones.

“You will get far more than just a new wardrobe,” Twilight stated. “Provided we are all still alive in a week’s time.”

“Status on Sergeant Oaken Hammer?” Tempest Shadow inquired, stepping up to the hastily erected medical tent that sat within the swath of destruction they had cut through the Everfree.

The short and clearly exhausted mage standing before her sighed. “I’m afraid there is nothing we can do for him. The creature was able to sever his spine, and though we were able to save him, without advanced medical care soon, he will never walk again.”

“Which means he can't fight,” Tempest murmured, her gaze lingering on the flap to the medical tent.

A frown crossed her face, and her brow furrowed with disdain for the situation she was in. For although she was in the midst of a hastily erected camp and was relatively safe, she knew things wouldn't remain that way for long. Around her ponies napped where they could, while the lucky few granted a full night’s rest tried their best to get what little shut-eye possible.

The swarm of stinging gnats that had plagued them for weeks had thankfully been defeated, though their endless biting was still remembered keenly. As were the numerous rats which had somehow made their way into the camp during the dead of night. Their food supplies had not been hit that hard by the persistent rodents, though their morale had taken a beating.

For those minor concerns were only two of many such worries the unicorn commander had been forced to contend with. Her army had taken a lot of damage, friends had been buried, all while everything from the flies to the squirrels attacked them on sight. That was without even mentioning the giant worm creature they had killed only a day earlier, the mere thought of which made Tempest shudder.

It was enough to make the unicorn wonder if she would make it out alive, her gaze wandering to the path they had left behind. The formerly straight shot back to Canterlot had vanished over a week ago, the forest having started to regrow behind them. Without being able to see their city of origin, the ponies under her command had grown paranoid and fearful.

Though even still, the will of Celestia moved through them, bolstering their courage during those moments of weakness.

“Commander?” inquired the unicorn.

Tempest blinked. “What is it, soldier?”

“I was just asking what we should do with Oaken Hammer?” pressed the unicorn.

Tempest opened her mouth to speak, only to twitch violently, a golden glow emanating from behind her eyes. “Leave him behind. We don't have the pony power to return him to Canterlot, nor can we afford to be slowed down anymore than we already have been,” Tempest announced.

“Y-yes, Commander,” muttered the pony, who quickly turned and trotted away.

Tempest watched her subordinate go. Soon, we will not be required to make such sacrifices, for our foe will be slain. Then we shall return to Canterlot as heroes, rescued from the bowels of these accursed woods by Celestia herself.

“I can already see it now,” Tempest murmured, closing her eyes and ignoring the distant roars of what sounded like an enraged manticore.

Her mind conjured images of what her victory parade would look like, tantalizing herself with what she knew the future would hold. Her body would be made whole once more, and her life would return to a state of normalcy for the first time in forever. She would be granted the rank of general, which she had so coveted, and beyond that she would be appreciated by everyone.

Why, she could even imagine the many faces which lined the streets, each one looking up at her with wonder. The ponies she saw would be told of her great deeds and many sacrifices by Celestia herself, Tempest just knew it. Those smiling, sometimes awestruck features seemed so real to the unicorn that she could reach out and touch them.

Though there was one individual in particular that Tempest felt her gaze drawn to more than the others due to how much it stuck out from the rest. For this creature was no equine, as it stood upon two long legs which allowed it to tower over the ponies that stood around him. Not only that, but he wore armor, which bore an insignia that Tempest knew from somewhere, though she couldn't recall where.

Then it was gone, and the smiling faces returned.

Tempest shook her head and dismissed the idle musings, reminding herself of the many things she had yet to do. With the setting of the sun, their defences would need to be secured, and the beasts of the forest subdued. Once that was done, she would return to her tent and enjoy another dreamless slumber.

Or at least that was the plan.

“I hope I don't have to use another sleep aid,” Tempest murmured as she weaved through a throng of ponies. “I never had trouble before this.”

She shook her head and snorted. Now I’m talking to myself. Wonderful. I can't wait to return to where I truly belong.

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