5VGq470V

1>You are with an unconscious Celestia in the throne room.
2>If you had a wrench, you could have won a game of Clue!
3>But this isn't a game; it's a story.
4>It's night in the early afternoon and you're waiting for Pinkie Pie to bring back tea.
5>'She probably doesn't know where the throne room is. Or any place, really.'
6>She's social, she should have gotten help by now.
7>'Then where is she?'
8>Up your arse. and around the corner!
9>Your inner-monologue is interrupted by the opening of doors.
10>Told you.
11>A violet unicorn gallops to you and Celestia.
12>The doors closing indicates there was no pony following her behind.
13>'Told you.'
14>"Princess Celestia! I was having lunch when the sun disappeared!
15>Her royal highness does not respond.
16>"Princess Celestia!?"
17>Oh no, Twilight's gonna panic again.
18"She's unconscious."
19>She looks to you, almost as if your presence went unnoticed by her until now.
20>Her head cranes back to her teacher before turning back to you with accusation in her eyes.
21>"What did you do!?"
22>You are unsure of how to respond.
23>While you are not free from fault of Celestia's current status, your heart breaks knowing Twily would blame you so easily over a simple accident.
24"I, um, well- You see, uh- I didn't mean, um- It wasn't my-"
25>You drop your head in shame, knowing you can't explain everything that has happened without her asking more questions, eventually finding out about the extent of your powers.
26>Just because you used to be an actor, that doesn't make you a good liar.
27>Luckily, the doors burst open again with a unicorn maid pushing two trays with her magic.
28>The carts contained baked goods that were worthy of being in those Chinese movies made by Miyazaki, or something like that, you used to watch.
29>Also, there was tea. But them sweets, though...
30>You are enamored by the diabetes-inducing confections before you, that you haven't realized that you were drooling.
31>You mutter half-attentive at what you are saying.
32"Saved by the tea-time."
33>"Don't change the subject on me! What did you do!?"
34>You snap your attention back to purple smart or whatever her name was.
35>Oh yeah, it was Twilight Sparkle.
36>The aroma of herbs dipped in scalding water enter the nostrils of her majesty.
37>She then stirs from her faint to the relief of her pupil.
38>"Hello, my faithful student. What brings you here?"
39>Twilight looks at her as if she has lost her mind.
40>To save Celestia a tangent, you interject.
41"It's 1:44, your highness."
42>"And the moon is already up!"
43>Celestia looks to your worried face, then to her pupil's frustrated face.
44>"I see. Remind me to never agree to that again, Anonymous."
45>Agree to what?
46>"Agree to what?"
47>What Twilight said.
48>"Anonymous thought that he could move the moon for me to save me the trouble. I agreed at first, but when he tried to sing for the moon to appear, he accidentally paused in his last rhyme. So now instead of saying 'late afternoon', ..."
49>Twilight starts to get the picture.
50>"He said 'late, after noon'."
51>Wow! Celestia just covered your ass. You owe her big time.
52>"Exactly! As you could see outside, it was impossible for me to stop it."
53>Well, that should clear everything u-
54>*Splat*
55>Twilight just threw a pie at your face.
56>Never in your life has pain tasted scrumptious.
57>"What were you thinking, trying to do Celestia's job!? You could have killed her!"
58>You take the pan off your face.
59"But I didn't."
60>"But you could've!"
61>She raises her front leg to point at you.
62>"You're just trying to take over Celestia's title, aren't you?"
63>"Twilight, he is not tryi-"
64>"You are a terrible human being, just like the others! No wonder everypony thought you were a monster!"
65>"That is enough!"
66>You don't think prostitutes in Vegas could give such a low blow.
67"... I'm not a monster..."
68>Twilight immediately begins to regret her choice of words.
69>You don't have to take this. You're going home.
70>Wait, you can't go home.
71>You're going to your room.
72>"No wait, Anony!"
73>You don't look back at her.
74>"I'm sorry; I didn't mean it!"
75>You only stop to take a slice of cake with you.
76>Quietly and calmly, you exit the throne room.
77
78>Be Twilight.
79>You just called Anony a monster.
80>The only friend you've made in a long time just walked away from you, heartbroken, because of your angry zeal for your teacher.
81>It really is Moon Dancer all over again.
82>Your ear droop as guilt runs through your veins.
83"I messed up, didn't I?"
84>"What you did was uncalled for. What he did was out of the kindness of his heart."
85"But he was doing your job!"
86>"Because I asked him to!"
87>What? Why would She ask him to do Her job?
88"Why would you ask him to do your job?"
89>"After what happened yesterday, I was afraid it would happen again during the thousandth annual Summer Solstice. So I asked him to control the moon to make sure my body was at its peak for the celebration."
90>You cannot believe what you are hearing right now.
91>Princess Celestia, your Teacher, the Ruler of Equestria needing help for something She's done for almost one thousand years?
92>It just doesn't make sense to you.
93>"But you've done it nine hundred and ninety-nine times before without a hitch!"
94>"Just because I have done something for a very long time, does not mean that I can do it forever."
95>She always responds to you in such a calm, patient manner.
96>"Nothing lasts forever, Twilight. Not even I."
97>You really don't want to think about Princess Celestia's death.
98>"How about we talk more over some tea?"
99>You would never decline Her offer, no matter how much you wanted to.
100>"I would love to, your Highness."
101
102>Be Anonymous once again.
103>Shifting between narrations is hard.
104>Good thing you're not aware of story-shifts.
105>You went to your room to eat your cake in solitude.
106>It was delicious, better than yesterday's, in fact.
107>You would consider complimenting the chef if you weren't feeling down in the dumps.
108>You can't believe Twilight passive-aggressively called you a monster, over a misunderstanding no less.
109>You are not a monster... are you?
110>Your intense brooding that could cut a knife is interrupted by a knock on the door.
111>You answer in a monotone voice.
112"Who is it?"
113>You hear the knob turning.
114>"Sorry to disturb you, sir."
115>The maid who greets you every morning enters your domicile.
116>"I just wanted to check if your room was vacant."
117>You reply flatly.
118"It's not."
119>"Oh..."
120>The maid pony doesn't know how to respond, avoiding your face as per usual.
121>You neither notice, nor would you have cared.
122>"Well, I thought you'd like to know that your clothes have been washed."
123>You continue to stare at the wall across from your bed.
124>"Thank-you."
125>Nervously, she takes your clothes, already neatly folded, and places it on a nearby writing desk.
126>"I'll, uh, continue my duties, sir."
127"Am I a monster?"
128>The maid stops at the exit, her hoof on the handle.
129>She turns around.
130>"What?"
131"Honest answer, please. Am I a monster?"
132>The maid looks outside your room for any nearby solicitors.
133>She closes the door, allowing privacy to embrace the room between the two.
134>"Who called you a monster, sir?"
135>For the first time, she tries to look at your face.
136>The timing could not be worse, as you evade her gaze.
137"The citizens of Ponyville and Canterlot. Heck, even this castle doesn't seem to be immune to name-calling."
138>Giving up on looking at your face, she instead places her left hoof on your right hand.
139>"I take it prejudice doesn't exist where you're from?"
140>You snicker.
141"Are you kidding me? It's worse where I'm from. Humans almost killed a group of people because they believed in something else."
142>The maid revolts at your statement.
143>"That's horrible! I heard humans did terrible thing but-"
144>She stops talking when she realizes that she's making you feel worse.
145>"The point the is, prejudice exists here as well."
146"But this world looks so peaceful, and every pony seems friendly. I just didn't think I would end up being a loser in two worlds."
147>She leans her head to your arm.
148>"I don't think you're a loser."
149>You slightly turn your head to her, avoiding eye-contact, of course.
150"Then, do you think I'm a monster?"
151>She does not respond.
152>She appears to have trouble finding the right words to say.
153"I thought as much."
154>Silence falls between the two of you for a bit.
155>"I know what it's like to be labeled a monster."
156>There must've been a planetary alignment in this universe, because the both of you stared into each other's eyes.
157>Hers seem to change between robin's egg and green, depending on the lighting.
158>Yours was a brilliant hue of-
159"Y-you do?"
160>She struggles to focus on account of your irises beckoning for her to gaze at.
161>"... Yeah."
162>You both continue to stare for what feels like an eternity.
163>... One of you guys need to say something.
164>'Nah, brah. I'm good.'
165>Bitch, speak!
166>'Ugh, fine!'
167"Nice eyes!"
168>'Happy?'
169>It's a start.
170>"Y-you, too..."
171>Well, holy shit! She's as awkward as you are.
172>You both lean in closer to each other.
173>You don't know what's happening right now.  All you're certain of is that your lips must touch hers.
174>"Wait."
175>Goddammit, every time!
176"What's wrong?"
177>She seems nervous about what she's going to do.
178>"Promise you won't tell a soul? Not even to Celestia?"
179"Sure, I promise not to tell a princess pony about my own private business."
180>She's getting flustered from you clowning around.
181>"I'm serious! I don't want to get in trouble with somepony as powerful as her!"
182>You boop her snout to calm her down.  The reverse only seemed to happen.
183"Relax. What's the worst that can happen for having a love-life?"
184>The pony blushes heavily, her eyes shifting anywhere but in your general direction.
185>"I've heard she banished Nightmare Moon to the moon! I don't want to think about what she could do to us!"
186>She banished Nightmare Moon?
187"But Nightmare Moon was banished a thousand years ago. Just because Celestia's ancestors banished Nig-"
188>"You don't know?"
189"Know what?"
190>She stares at you like how an adult stares at a child who doesn't comprehend that their grandparent died.
191>"Celestia has lived for over a thousand years."
192>Just like in the Last-
193>'stop.jntrn'
194"But, I thought ponies lived an average 70 years."
195>"Not Celestia. She's immortal."
196>You have a hard time registering this new information as factual.
197>You get up and head for the door.
198>"Where are you going?"
199"To the study room. I think I need to learn more about this place."
200***************
201>"Anonymous! I was told you have been in here for the remainder of the day?"
202>Celestia entered the study room.
203>It is officially the evening when she entered.
204>There is no response from you.
205>"Twilight went back to her classes a while ago. I was able to convince her to give you another chan-"
206>Anonymous is sitting in front of a table filled with several books. Many are already opened, each page revealing a picture of Celestia, Discord, and Nightmare Moon.
207"Evening, Princess. Let's talk."
208>Celestia reacts submissively; not a response she's used to giving, you're sure.
209>"What, have you been doing today?"
210"Figuring out a millennial puzzle."
211>You'll reveal your trap card soon enough.
212>"I see, and how has your progress been until now?"
213>You look to her.
214"I've been reading about the lore of Equestria, and wouldn't you know it? I've discovered many pieces to this proverbial puzzle."
215>Celestia is nervous.
216>"Anonymous, you are starting to scare me."
217"I'll be blunt for a second. Why didn't you tell me you were immortal?"
218>Celestia's confidence start to return.
219>"Is that what has gotten over you? You could have just asked me."
220>Is she serious? Not even Twilight told you.
221>She lightly giggles.
222>"It is no secret that I have lived for over a thousand years."
223>You'll wipe that smirk off her face soon enough.
224>You giggle back, with a different intention.
225"You're right, that was pretty silly of me."
226>You both giggle together for a few seconds before you're the first to speak again.
227"So what's your beauty secret? Being young till the day I die doesn't sound too bad."
228>She waits for her laughter to subside before answering your question.
229>"Well, I am an alicorn. The only other being that can live as long I can is a dragon. But even dragons die."
230>You better set her up while the window of opportunity is open.
231"Are there other alicorns?"
232>Her confidence seems to sway a little.
233>"There was one, and I think you already know about her."
234>She's not stupid, even you knew that.
235"Nightmare Moon."
236>She nods.
237>"The Princess of the Night, Luna."
238>So it is true.
239>The pieces are starting to fitting together more easily than you anticipated.
240"What was her relation to you?"
241>She gazes into your soul.
242>"Who else knows about this?"
243"No pony."
244>You give her the 'Pinkie Promise'.
245"I swear."
246>Your promise calmed her nerves.
247>"She's my little sister and best friend in the whole wide w-"
248>She covers her snout with her wings.
249>Your trap card has been activated.
250>"What did you do to me?"
251>Monologues were your biggest weakness as an actor, so you give her the TL:DR.
252"I used my power to make you tell the truth."
253>Her eyes widen.
254>"B-but, my rule."
255"Rest assured, I had it affect me, as well."
256>She's not convinced.
257>"Tell me a dark secret about you."
258"I'm a closet furry and subconsciously repressed my urges because I thought it made me gay."
259>You keep a poker face as mountains of spaghetti project out of your pockets.
260"I'm not sure even I knew about that one."
261>"What is a furry?"
262"It means I am sexually attracted to talking animals. I was attracted to Lady Amalthea before she became hu-"
263>You cover your mouth before you spill out anymore pasta.
264>Celestia is not sure what to do now. You both can tell the truth, yet you swear to tell no one.
265>"What is your end-game, Anonymous? Are you planning something sinister?"
266>You look her dead in the eyes as you respond with a sincere:
267"Nope."
268>She's now confused by your intentions.
269>It's rare to feel this smart. But boy, is it fun!
270"Twilight may view me as a monster, but that's not how I want you to view me as."
271>Her royal highness tries to ponder what your plan may be.
272"I'm merely on the verge of solving a mystery, and I simply need your help."
273>She cannot believe it! There's no way that could be the only reason for you to do all of this.
274>Yet, there is no deceit coming from you. Your intentions are clearer than crystal.
275>"Then why force each other to tell the truth?"
276"In case my hunch is right, I don't want to be betrayed by you."
277>Betrayed? Now she's curious.
278>"How so?"
279"Consider this leverage. So long as we're both honest, no secret of ours is safe from the world. Not that I would want to tell anything, of course."
280>She looks to you as if you lost your mind again.
281"Besides, I didn't think you'd be willing to cooperate."
282>She scrunches her snout.
283>"You would probably be right."
284>You extend your hand to her.
285"Can I count on you to solve this mystery with me?"
286>Reluctantly, she shakes your hand.
287>"Don't ever do this again, Anonymous!"
288>Oh shit, contractions! She's serious.
289>Fuck! Her magic is tightening her grip of you. She's really serious!
290"N-noted. Sorry."
291>A bit more relaxed, Celestia takes a seat facing you.
292>"Now then, tell me of this mystery that you are trying to solve."
293>You honestly didn't think past this point.
294>You were expecting her to banish you to the moon or something.
295>But you'll get back to that in a second.
296>For now though, you'll have to give a monologue.
297>The problem with monologues is that you usually go beyond the script and end up talking non-stop.
298"Give me a second."
299>You gather your thoughts and concentrate for a few seconds.
300>... Showtime!
301"Let's start with you and Princess Luna."
302>She eyes you expectantly.
303>She clearly wants to know what you know.
304"Not much about your history is mentioned other than the fact you both ruled Equestria. That was, until Discord showed up and decided to spread chaos with his own brand of magic.."
305>Celestia starts to sweat.
306"And what do you know? The books' descriptions of his power sounded similar to my own; he can create whatever he desires and can defy reality itself."
307>You notice her trying to force a poker face.
308>Spoiler alert: it's not working.
309"Now at first, I thought my powers were different than his because mine were illusionary. But then, I began to question how real my illusions could be."
310>Celestia did not like where you were going with this.
311"I remember writing in my notes that I can not perform any spells through thoughts and speech alone. So, I erased it from my notes and wrote that I can perform it so long as I consciously desire it. Take a guess what happened."
312>She really didn't want to.
313"It worked without a problem. So then, I tried to copy one of Discord's most well-known feats. Would you like some chocolate milk?"
314>Without losing eye-contact, she shakes her head.
315>You smile.
316"Not of fan of that one, huh?"
317>Her majesty was terrified at, what may very well be, the second coming of Discord.
318"I chose that one because it was the least dangerous.  Like I have any intention to use the more dangerous spells. Besides, the full potential of my magic wasn't the puzzle I wanted to solve."
319>She blinks, curious as to where this story was taking her.
320"The real puzzle was what happened after Discord's attempted take-over. You and your sister stopped him using the Elements of Harmony, and peace reigned again."
321>You take a sip of glass of chocolate milk that seemingly appeared out of nowhere before continuing with your lecture.
322"But then, everything changed when the lunar nation attacked."
323>She stares at you in confusion.
324"It's from a show I grew up with. Anyways..."
325>You start to blush.
326>Unlimited power and you still get embarrassed by your own power level.
327"So, Princess Luna becomes Nightmare Moon and you banish her for a thousand years with the Elements of Harmony. We already know that story."
328>Celestia nods in agreement.
329>You place the glass onto the table before it disappears.
330"Except that we don't know that."
331>She tilts her head in confusion.
332"There are stories of Princess Luna controlling the moon, and growing jealous of your sun before leaving Equestria. There are also legends of the mysterious mare in the moon, but not one of them seems to connect the two stories together."
333>Her highness' realization finally hits her.
334"Until you just confirmed it."
335>To the princess' credit, she regains enough composure to respond with confidence.
336>"So my sister is Nightmare Moon. We already solved your puzzle."
337"Actually, we only solved pieces of the puzzle.  You knew I kinda figured Princess Luna was her before I even knew her name.  But I'm still missing some important information. This is where you come in."
338>Celestia really doesn't want to be here anymore.
339"Let's figure out Blue's Clues."
340>"What do you want to know from me?"
341>Good question. You ponder for an answer to give her.
342"I suppose we should start with the obvious; how did your sister become Nightmare Moon?  It couldn't be just a nickname she was given; her real self looks nothing like her Nightmare persona."
343>"Horsona."
344"I know what I said."
345>She takes a deep breath before answering.
346>"It is part of our powers. Us alicorns can change form whenever we desire."
347>You make a mental note of the information she's providing you.
348"Interesting. That leads me to my next question; why are there only two alicorns in Equestria?"
349>She turns her head away from you.
350>"It wasn't our choice. Discord made us alicorns."
351>Hold up!
352"Discord!? The embodiment of chaos made the two ponies who tried to stop you more powerful!?"
353>"You see it as a blessing, when it was curse in reality. He wanted us to become the pinnacle of pony-kind before we would see its demise."
354>A riddle within a puzzle? Curiouser and curiouser.
355>"I did not understand what he meant at the time. By the time I made sense of it, the damage was already done."
356>Your interest is peaked to full capacity.
357>"We were granted immortality, eternal youth and power, so much power, among other things."
358>You suppose you an understand how that was a bad thing.
359"I don't know, though. Immortality and power are goals for many a man's heart."
360>"We were mere children when he cursed us."
361>Oh.
362"That definitely changes the dynamics of the story."
363>"Indeed. Imagine young adolescents with the power of gods fighting over a kingdom."
364>Nothing good can come from that.
365"You were the older sibling, I take it?"
366>She nods.
367>"I was to become the Queen of Equestria."
368"So why aren't you called 'Queen Celestia'?"
369>She closes her eyes to gather her thoughts.
370>"I felt it unfair that we were the two most powerful ponies and I had to rule above her. So, I decided that we would rule together."
371"And unfortunately, it wasn't enough."
372>"In all honesty, I never wanted to rule anything. I preferred living a life devoid of responsibility. But the laws were non-negotiable at the time."
373"Why couldn't you and you sister stage your death, and disguise yourself as some pony else for the rest of your lives?"
374>"You seem to forget that I was a child when all of this happened."
375"I'm sure you were a smart kid."
376>She shifts her eyes for a second.
377>"Even then, shape-shifting is exhausting after an extended period of time."
378>You're sure it is.
379"Still, I believe you also have chaotic magic thanks to Discord. As far as I know, chaotic magic has no limit."
380>"You may be right, but I would never take the chance. Ponies were not made to handle such magic. Most creatures in this world are not."
381>You blink.
382"Why not?"
383>She does not skip a beat to your question.
384>"Chaotic magic corrupts the heart of those who cast it. I have seen it happen time and time again."
385>You start to grow nervous.
386>"So it's like the Ring of Sauron?"
387>One of her eyebrows raise.
388"Nevermind. By corruption, do you mean it turns their hearts evil?"
389>"Not always, I'm afraid."
390>If corruption does not guarantee evil, what does it guarantee?
391"So, what happens then? Do they go mad?"
392>"Sometimes they do, sometimes they do not. The affects of chaotic magic varies within species, intentions, and free will if they have that. The one common ground found from was that its affects are never positive."
393>You feel a pit in your stomach.
394"So, why not just use the Elements of Harmony to cure them? You stopped Discord with them, after all."
395>She stares into the windows of your soul.
396>"Do you know what the Elements of Harmony actually do?"
397>Apparently not.
398"Feel free to explain."
399>"The Elements of Harmony was made to destroy chaotic magic."
400>Celestia's explanation confuses you for a reason you can't seem to immediately realize.
401"So, it's my one weakness. I've lived my life without magic up until this point."
402>"If I used the Elements on you at this very moment, you would not live past this point."
403>You jolt out of your chair.
404>You chew on her words for a minute before you respond.
405"So, the Elements destroys chaotic magic along with the user?"
406>"Sometimes in horrifying ways. Discord, for example, was turned to stone when we used it on him. There were no traces of life beyond the hard exterior. To remind our citizens of the dangers of chaos, we placed him in my garden."
407>That's kind of harsh.
408>You were in the garden earlier today. How did you not notice his statue before?
409>Wait, if the Elements turned Discord to stone...
410>The pieces are coming together. You think you may have solved this mystery.
411"Thank-you, your highness. I believe you helped figured out the answer to this puzzle."
412>You pique her interest.
413>You can't tell if she's excited or frightened by your sudden revelation.
414>"Did I? Well, what is the answer?"
415>You raise a finger up.
416"First, I should probably explain what I'm trying to solve."
417>You clear your throat before continuing.
418"Nightmare Moon's banishment made no sense to me at first. She can control the moon to her heart's content, yet she can't escape from it?"
419>Celestia figures out where you're going with this.
420>"...Please stop."
421>You don't.
422"Isn't that like trying to starve off a hunter by banishing them in a forest?"
423>She closes her eyes.
424>"I am not enjoying this anymore."
425>Like she was enjoying it in the first place.
426"But if what you say about the elements are true, then I have an idea what happened on that night."
427>A tear starts to fall on her face.
428>"Stop this right now, Anonymous! I beg of you."
429"You can stop it all by yourself. You can simply walk out of this room and we never speak of this again. Who would believe me, right?"
430>You move towards her.
431"You could also kill me right now, and hide my body. I'm sure my powers will wear off after my death."
432>You bend down to meet at her level.
433"But no matter what you choose to do, I want you to know that I'm glad that you were my friend."
434>She hesitantly opens her eyes only to meet yours.
435"I just want to know the truth. I have three guesses as to what happened, but I'd rather hear it from you."
436>She searches for any deceit in your words.
437>She searches again, and again, and again. There must be some iota of dishonesty.
438>But she cannot find it.
439>"Why?"
440>Her voice breaks as she talks.
441>"Why do you wish to hurt me in this way?"
442>You touch her forehead with yours.
443"At first, I wanted to solve a conspiracy. But the more we've discussed, the more I've realized something about you."
444>Another tear falls on her face.
445"Your people fear you, though you don't want them to."
446>"Anonymous."
447"If they knew the things you've done in your lifetime, you believe they will never forgive."
448>You slowly raise your arms, aiming towards the princess.
449"Which is why..."
450>You near her shoulders.
451"I want to know what happened..."
452>Your hands are close to her neck.
453"So that I can do what needs to be done."
454>She trembles.
455>"Please don't."
456>You do.
457>You move your hands behind her neck so that they can connect.
458"I forgive you."
459>She says nothing.
460>You move your head to one side of her shoulder.
461"After all that you've done, I forgive you."
462>Her composure is non-existent at this point.
463>She weakly lifts her front legs to embrace you.
464>"Luna, forgive me."
465>You say nothing as you let her cry her royal eyes off.
466*****************
467>How long has she cried now?
468>It feels like an eternity.
469>Nevertheless, you continue embracing her as she lets it all out.
470>In between her sobbing, she told you what happened to her sister that night.
471>Princess Luna had set up a kingdom at the Everfree Forest in Ponyville, yet few would pledge their loyalty to her; mostly because the Everfree Forest was dangerous to the majority of ponies.
472>Those who were brave enough to join her were taught chaotic magic.
473>She was so desperate for subjects to rule over that she gained allies from these bug-like ponies called changelings.
474>Together, a sort of coup was commenced in Canterlot.
475>The changelings would disguise themselves as Celestia's guards while the other ponies performed spells that you'd rather not think about again.
476>You hadn't realized until now how twisted some ponies could be.
477>Luna, meanwhile, was the most blunt in her approach; she sees an enemy, and then she shoots them with a laser from her horn.
478>It was surprisingly fool-proof.
479>When Celestia realized what was happening, she was reluctant to use the Elements at all, especially with what it did to Discord.
480>That's not to say that she didn't use it.
481>When she activated it, some ponies turned to stone, some were reduced to a piles of ash, and others were turned into stars in the night sky.
482>The Elements did nothing to the changelings, as they had no use for chaotic magic.
483>You found that rather odd, but continue to listen to her side of the story.
484>And then there was only Luna, the Nightmare Moon.
485>Any form of negotiation Celestia had in mind was pointless to her sister.
486>Luna wanted her dead, plain and simple.
487>They fought in the sky for what must have been twenty minutes, shooting and dodging lasers.
488>Luna occasionally camouflaging with the night itself or turning to smoke to try to gain an advantage.
489>It almost worked, too.
490>Celestia fell to the roof of her castle from one of her broken wings; Luna high above, more than ready to deliver the final blow.
491>Realizing that she had no choice, she unleashed the Elements of Harmony.
492>Their power alone was great enough to destroy chaos in its wake, but Celestia did the unthinkable when she activated it; she amplified it's destruction with her own chaotic magic.
493>Luna had no chance against it.
494>The force was so powerful, it pushed her past the atmosphere into the moon.
495>When the Elements died down, the smell of smoke lingered in the air.
496>Celestia looked up to where her sister once was.
497>The only thing she found was the moon singed with a silhouette of her sister.
498>To hold such a secret for nearly a millennium must not have been easy for her.
499>But now she's told you everything.
500>A huge weight must've lifted off her shoulders.
501>What will she do now?
502>What will you do now?
503>You both can't hide this secret forever, nor do you think you should try.
504>For now, though, you continue to comfort her until she's got it all out of her system.
505>It's a good thing you stopped time to let her vent out, or some pony could've walked in a while ago.
506***************
507"I don't think I like the odds of this round."
508>The name of the game is 'Five Card Stud', and you are not at your best tonight.
509"Can't I just fold and call it quits?"
510>"Do you expect me to let you surrender when I am on the verge of defeating you anyway!?"
511>Nightmare Moon has been on your ass for 5 rounds now.
512>You'd find it flattering if she wasn't trying to make you file for bankruptcy.
513>That's not to say that you weren't going down without a fight, but you're just tired of fighting.
514>"If the chicken wants to give up, let him. Either way, we win!"
515>Discord was playing by his own rules, yet somehow won a round doing so.
516>You knew there was no point in arguing how a balloon animal was higher than a straight.
517>Convincing Nightmare to just let him win was the true fight in this game.
518>To be fair, though, it was a giraffe; a very elephant-looking giraffe.
519>"It is not just about the victory, it is also about the satisfaction of achieving it!"
520"Are you ever just gonna accept something being gift-wrapped for you once in a while instead of always trying to earn it yourself?"
521>Discord holds back laughter when Ms. Moon glares at you both.
522>"Do you want to surrender so badly?"
523>She levitates all of her chips to the center of the table.
524>"Earn it!"
525>Discord folds.
526>"This is clearly not my battle to win."
527>You have a five, a three, a king, an eight, and a jack in your hand.
528>You give Loony Moony a shit-eating grin.
529"No."
530>Her fury two rounds ago was nothing compared to right now.
531>"WHAT!?"
532>'Oh great, she's doing that thing with her voice again!'
533>Your ears can only suffer so much.
534"Why go all in when I can go further than that?"
535>To emphasize, you move all your chips to the center.
536>"What more could you possibly offer me than your finances?"
537"Redemption."
538>Her interest is piqued.
539"I can give you your old life back, you know? They don't have to fear you or your sister again."
540>You throw a notebook in the center.
541"What do you say, Luna?"
542>She appears lost in her thoughts.
543>'She's probably thinking of different ways to kill you.'
544>Discord does not like the look on her face.
545>"You know, Anonymous, there was a point where you needed to stop, and you've clearly passed it."
546>"I shall meet your wager."
547>"But let's keep going and see what happens."
548>He summons a bag of popcorn to eat.
549>"Discord, I regrettably wish to exchange three of my cards."
550>While chewing on a kernel, he snaps his fingers, causing her cards to switch.
551>He looks to you for the cards you want to switch.
552"All of them."
553>He swallows.
554>"Of course you do."
555>*Snap*
556>'Discord, you son of a bitch!'
557>Luna reveals her hand first.
558>Two pairs of a seven and ace.
559>You show yours next.
560>Luna nearly breaks the table with her front hooves.
561>"WHAT HORSEPLAY IS THIS!?!"
562>Four jokers and a jack of a different suit.
563"1) Never call it that again. 2) Blame Q for my hand."
564>Discord's mouth is currently full, so he uses his talon to talk.
565>"What? The deck comes with Jokers."
566>"YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO REMOVE THEM FROM THE DECK, YOU IMBECILE!!!"
567>Your hair must be a mess from her yelling.
568>Luckily you and Discord, she stops.
569>Instead, she chooses to burn the table with everything on it.
570>"I shall be going back to the moon."
571>She extends her wings, and soars off to the sky.
572>Discord loudly yawns.
573>"All this drama is tiring me out. Let me know if you'll try to make that same wager with me next time."
574>As he disappears with a puff of smoke, his voice lingers on.
575>"I'll make sure to immediately fold."
576>The fire eventually dies out.
577>Your notebook appears to have been untouched by the flames.
578>You look at nothing in particular.
579"Maybe I can redeem us all anyway."
580>You wake from your slumber.
581>What an interesting dream you just had.
582>You feel inspired by it for some reason.
583>There's something on top of your stomach.
584>You look to find Pinkie Pie laying like a dog on top of you.
585>You hear a light snore to your right.
586>Oh shit, it's Celestia!
587>'What happened last night?"
588>Flashback to last night after the crying.
589>You continued time with a snap of your fingers after she got it all out of her system.
590>She wanted you to stay with her for the night in case she cries in her sleep.
591>Pinkie was already waiting for you two in Celestia's room.
592>Turns out, when she entered the kitchen for tea, she got carried away and ended up making a sugary feast that only kids could only dream of.
593>You avoided mentioning to her that Twilight was in the building.
594>You had enough misery for one night.
595>There was a cuddlefest for a bit, but you were just glad that Celestia was feeling somewhat better in the end.
596>Cutting back to now, you notice that there were tear stains on her pillows.
597>You wish you could do something to help end her agony.
598>Unlimited power, and you've never felt more helpless.
599>You almost wish you were disgusted by what Celestia's past actions.
600>You almost wish you could give her the same fate Luna had to suffer through.
601>But everytime you want to wish, you just think back to Twilight and other ponies calling you a monster.
602>It was bad enough being a nobody in your old world, but you're practically worse than nobody here.
603>But Celestia is at the top.  If her people learned of what she really did, she could slso become worse than a nobody.
604>Nobody and no pony should feel worse than a nobody.
605>If only there was a way to show them.
606>If only there was a way help Celestia.
607>If only there was a way for Pinkie to become Twilight's friend.
608>...
609>Thinking back to your dream, perhaps there is a way.
610>As you get up, you put a hand to Pinkie's snout.
611>"Mmph?"
612>You pantomime for her to keep silent.
613>You then point to a sleeping princess.
614>Pinkie seems to get the memo.
615>You release your hand, before whispering:
616"I think I've found a way for you to meet Twilight, but I need set everything up. You want to come?"
617>She rapidly nods her head.
618>You pick her up from the bed and hold her tight.
619"Let's get going."
620>You close your eyes and imagine yourself at your new location.
621"Anonymous? Is that you?"
622>You recognize that southern accent anywhere.
623>You open your eyes at the front entrance of Sweet Apple Acres.
624>Running towards you is Applejack.
625>Oh no, she's gonna tackle you again!
626>Oh, she stopped in front of you. Good.
627>"What the hay are you doing here? How'd you even get here, anyway?"
628>"Oooh, are you Twilight!? You look more like an Applejack."
629>Pinkie hops off of you as she greets herself to your friend.
630"Pinkie, her name actually is Applejack."
631>"Oh, that makes sense."
632>You chuckle before muttering under your breath:
633"Yeah, Pinkie sense."
634>She begins to briefly gasp.
635>"That's right! I have Pinkie senses."
636"Sure."
637>You'll buy it.
638"I just came to help Pinkie make a new friend, but then I realized it would've been rude of me to not pay you and your family a visit first."
639>Applejack blushes.
640>"Aww, that's mighty kind of you. Applebloom's at school today, but I'll be sure to let her know you were here. Unless you plan on being here by next week."
641"Maybe. What's next week?"
642>She gestures for you to follow her.
643>"We're having a family reunion the day before the Summer Solstice. We were gonna schedule it for next month, but when is everypony in the family gonna see the Summer Solstice all at once?"
644"I take it the summer solstice is a big deal here?"
645>She looks to you.
646>"Doesn't sound like a big deal where you come from."
647"Where I'm from, the sun just sets an hour early."
648>She can't tell if she should laugh or pity.
649>"In Equestria, the Summer Solstice is the most important time of the year. Every year, Celestia goes to a different town and raises the sun before our very eyes. This year marks the thousandth Summer Solstice."
650"And they're doing it in Ponyville? Why not Canterlot or something?"
651>"Well, it's because the first Summer Solstice took place in Ponyville. It only makes sense to do it where it all started, right?"
652>Good point.
653"Fair enough."
654>You think back to Celestia's confession.
655>Luna tried to make her kingdom here, the neighboring town of Canterlot.
656>She made her castle in the same place you came from.
657>The plot thickens in more ways than one.
658"I'm not sure I can make it, but I'm sure Pinkie Pie would love to come."
659>Pinkie sticks her head out from a tree after hearing her name called out.
660>"I love parties. Maybe-I-can-help-you-plan-it-out!?
661>Applejack seems hesitant by Ponko's offer.
662"Do you know how to plan parties?"
663>"Are you kidding? I was made to party!"
664>That didn't answer your question, but it was enough to convince Applejack.
665>"Well, I guess I could use all the help I can get."
666>Pinkie soars off the apple tree she was on and gets to work.
667"Try not to ruin her crops, Pinkie!"
668>And then there were two.
669>"Well, ain't she a bowl of sugarcubes?"
670"You learn to enjoy her company."
671>"You sure know how to make friends, Anonymous."
672"Yeah..."
673>You think about Twilight again.
674>You hope she's doing all right.
675>"What's wrong, sugarcube?"
676>Your attention snaps back to Applejack.
677"Nothing's wrong. I just have this other friend who could also use another friend."
678>"Well, whoever they are, they're always welcome at Sweet Apple Acres."
679>That brings a smile to your face.
680>"Thanks, Jackie."
681>Your nickname brings a blush to hers.
682>Your pastafest of a conversation is suddenly interrupted by the sound of an explosion in the distance.
683>'Is that a nuclear bomb?'
684>Holy shit! They have nuclear weapons here!
685>'It's so colourful!'
686>Like the little bitch that you are, you run away from the explosion, screaming in the highest pitch your throat can muster.
687>'Wait, don't we have magic now?'
688>No time for logic. Run!
689>'Good point.'
690>"Anon! Where are you going!?"
691>Oh that's right, you can't forget about AJ.
692>You come back to where you once stood to pick up AJ before sprinting out of the farm.
693>"Anon?! Put me down! I can...!"
694>Her struggles start to die as she feels the magic of a human's embrace.
695>"I can..."
696>It's almost like humans were made to give the perfect hugs.
697>"I can stay in your arms forever."
698>You're not really paying attention because of the whole nuclear detonation thing.
699>You hear what sounds like a sonic jet about to pass you in the air.
700>You look up to find a pegasus flying by so fast, she leaves a streak of colours.
701>The same colours as the bomb.
702>'Did that pony cause an explosion by flying?"
703>The pegasus looks down at you carrying Applejack.
704>She makes a sharp turn before pulling a jump-kick maneu-
705>Oof!
706>'Not this shit again!'
707>You fall backwards, still holding on to Applejack(s, part of a complete breakfast).
708>"Let my friend go, you weird, monkey thing!"
709>At least she didn't call you a monster.
710>"I'm all right, Rainbow Dash. Anonymous was just running because..."
711>She thinks for a second.
712>"Why were you running just now?"
713>If you weren't in so much pain right now, you would've retorted about the bomb that went off.
714>But instead, you're too busy wincing from the pain on your lower abdomen.
715>"Not much of a talker, is he?"
716>"Well, you did just kick him to the ground."
717>The pegasus named 'Rainbow Dash' helps you back up.
718>"I've never seen anything like you before."
719>You take a few deep breaths before attempting to respond.
720"Human, another world, one of a kind..."
721>Nailed it!
722"Ow, that really hurt."
723>Rainbow rubs the back of her head with her hoof.
724>That shouldn't be possible, but you really cannot let go of the pain.
725>"Yeah, sorry about that. I thought you were gonna eat my friend."
726>Gross.
727"But she talks."
728>"And?"
729>'AND!?!'
730"Wouldn't you feel bad if you were eating an apple that could talk?"
731>She shrugs.
732>"I guess. But if I'm hungry, food is food."
733>You're hoping for your sanity that her opinion is an outlier.
734>But you really don't have time for philosophical debates.
735"Regardless, I ran away because of the explosion you caused and I thought I was going to die."
736>Rainbow Dash stares at you for a few seconds before collapsing on the floor in a fit of laughter.
737>You don't have to take this; you walk away from her.
738"Nice seeing you again, Applejack. I gotta get going now."
739>She doesn't want you to leave, but understands why and let's you go.
740>She kicks Rainbow in her flank.
741>"Ow! What did I do?"
742**************
743>You enter the Everfree Forest, the place where you first arrived in this world, looking for the reason you came back.
744>While you were curious about going back to where you started, there was something in this forest that interested you more.
745>The journey was rather pleasant, which confused you.
746>You were expecting a dangerous adventure to your destination.
747>In reality, it was just a normal forest.
748>You saw some dangerous creatures, yes, but they seemed to be doing there own thing.
749>It almost leaves you disappointed.
750>'At least we're alive.'
751>True.
752>Not far in the distance, you find what you were looking for; Princess Luna's castle.
753>It's amazing how there are no locks to the front entrance.
754>Perhaps the locks broke off from the wrath of time, or maybe someone tried to break in before you.
755>It didn't really matter if was locked or not, because some of the windows were smashed anyway.
756>Still, you open the front door and enter the grand lobby.
757>You really hope that ghosts don't exist in this world.
758>You flashback to last night again.
759>After Celestia calmed down from her crying, you asked her what happened to the Elements.
760>She explained that she tried to destroy, but it would've died in the process.
761>Instead, she assigned unicorns with amazing potential to study magic of all types and attempt to destroy it and chaotic magic for good.
762>She took them under her wing, literally, and taught them everything she knew.
763"Faithful students", you told her upon realization.
764>Twilight Sparkle was her latest student.
765>When her students were able to handle chaotic magic, she would take them to the Elements of Harmony and destroy them in secret.
766"Why unicorns?"
767>"Because only unicorns can naturally channel magic.  Earth ponies cannot even handle normal magic, and pegasi are only capable of sky-related magic thanks to their wings."
768>You asked her what happened to her previous students.
769>They either risked their lives trying to destroy it, suffered from using chaotic magic, or simply lived their lives.
770>Her last student went missing after Celestia told her she wasn't ready for such power.
771>Suicide most likely.
772>You decide to stop thinking about that.
773>'She's probably fine.'
774>A fantasy world like this should not have such a concept as suicide.
775>'Stop mentioning it!'
776>Sorry.
777>You see five symbols on the ground.
778>These must be it.
779>Kindness.
780>Loyalty.
781>Honesty.
782>Generosity.
783>Laughter.
784>'Why laughter?'
785>Peace requires a good sense of humour.
786>'Why aren't kindness and generosity the same, then?'
787>... It's probably a mistranslation. It was a thousand years ago, after all.
788>As you internally debate what the Elements were once actually called, you reach down and touch one of them.
789>'Maybe generosity is supposed to be sacrifice, which would make kindness- JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!!!'
790>It burns worse than ice and salt.
791>But this burning sensation felt alien to you.
792>You could not describe the pain if you were given a year to explain it.
793>You release your hand from one of the Elements and notice that your fingers have streaks of colours where they made contact with it.
794>Interesting.
795>You hope the colours aren't permanent.
796>You look to laughter and come up with an idea.
797"What do you get when you cross a shark with a porcupine?"
798>No response, naturally.
799"As far away as possible!"
800>You lightly giggle as you try to pick up laughter.
801>Despite the agony, you force a smile on your face.
802"Two peanuts walk in a park. Once was-a salted."
803>It hurts so much.
804>You try to make yourself laugh.
805"Be still, my right hand which holds the forbidden pow- HA!!!"
806>You let out a laugh, regardless of the sensation.
807The element lightly glows.
808>'Keep going!'
809>You think back to some of the funniest jokes you ever heard, ignoring the pain as you do.
810>The glow never seems to get brighter, no matter how much you're laughing.
811>Not being able to take it anymore, you release the Element of Laughter.
812>One of them alone is too much for you use. How could any of her students hope to destroy all of them?
813>They couldn't, and you don't want to risk destroying them.
814>You look back to your hand to find the colours spreading to your palms.
815>Maybe they shouldn't be destroyed.
816>Maybe their power could have some use.
817>But only Celestia and Luna could use the Elements, and Celestia refuses to go near them.
818>Perhaps it can only be used by alicorns.
819>'But then, who made the Elements in the first place?'
820>Good point, someone had to make it.
821>Certainly not Discord; why make your own weakness?
822>'He did create alicorns, though.'
823>You don't know, you think there's more to this then you initially thought.
824>You're entire hand is a myriad of every spectrum of the rainbow.
825>You need help. Now!
826>You teleport yourself back to Celestia's castle.
827>You place your hand in your pocket so as not to raise suspicion.
828>You awkwardly hurry yourself to the throne room.
829>"Anonymous, there you are."
830>Your journey to finding Celestia has been cut short when she approaches behind you.
831"Hey, can we talk privately?"
832>She starts to grow concern.
833>"Is something wrong?"
834>You look to your pocket.
835>The colours are starting to appear on your wrist.
836"Boy, I hope not."
837>She notices your wrist.
838>"What is in your pocket?"
839>You look around to make sure there is no pony present.
840>When the coasts seems clear, you show your hand to Celestia.
841"I may have screwed up."
842>She takes a cautious step back.
843>"Quickly, to the study room!"
844**************
845>"Are you out of your mind!? What business did you have to go to my sister's castle!?"
846>You are in the study room with Celestia.
847"I thought I could make things better."
848>"Why would you even touch it?!"
849"I wasn't using magic! I thought it wouldn't effect me."
850>"Well, your hand certainly proves it does!"
851"I'm sorry, alright? I just wanted to help you."
852>She shakes her head in disappointment.
853>"How did you think going near the Elements would help me?"
854>You don't know how else to tell her.
855"I thought that learning more about the Elements would help me learn how to make every pony forgive you."
856>You stare at your hand again.
857>The spreading seems to have slowed down now.
858"What's gonna happen to me?"
859>There is silence between the two of you.
860>"I do not know."
861>The unknown is the scariest part of knowing.
862>"This has never happened to any being before. The closest that happened was a griffin who's bird-half resembled more of a macaw than an eagle."
863"That doesn't sound that bad."
864>"My thoughts exactly until he lost the ability to talk. He could only mimic what others were saying."
865>You audibly gulp.
866>That sounds like a story about how echoes exists.
867>Wait, wasn't there a Greek myth just like this?
868>"This was what I meant about the Elements' outcomes. Its effects on chaos vary greatly."
869>This is bad. This is very bad.
870>'Is it really, though?'
871>... Explain.
872>'We're turning into a prism, and that kind of sucks. But are we experiencing pain?'
873>... No.
874>'Is our hand changing shape?'
875>No.
876>'Did we lose our powers?'
877>No!
878>'Then relax until something does happen.'
879>When did you get so smart?
880>'I'm not. I just thought we could use some logic, is all.'
881>"Anonymous, you are spacing out again."
882>You exit La-La Land to catch your attention back to Celestia.
883"Sorry, I was just thinking."
884>"About what?"
885"Uhh..."
886>'Don't panic! Just improvise.'
887>We suck at improv!
888>'No, we suck at monologues.'
889>... Oh yeah.
890"I was just thinking about your..."
891>'Deep breaths...'
892"... students?"
893>Celestia knows that something's up with you.
894>You just didn't want to admit that you were talking to yourself, okay!?
895>"What about them?"
896>She's going along with this. Keep going.
897"How many do you assign at once?"
898>Celestia is slightly taken aback by your line of questioning.
899>"Usually one. Other races sometimes contribute to the research, but I would not consider them my faithful students."
900"May I ask 'why'?"
901>"Because they were not citizens of Equestria. I cannot get away with everything, you know?"
902>You find that oddly political for her to say, but she is a ruler.
903"Touché."
904>But that wasn't the answer you were looking for.
905"What I mean to say is, 'why do you only appoint one?' Why not appoint one for each Element?"
906>"Well, I figured if I can use all of them at once, then they should be able t-"
907>The realization starts to hit her.
908>'It took her, what? A thousand years to figure that out?'
909>Hush.
910"Have you ever tried to assign a faithful student to each Element?"
911>The answer is obvious, but you want to be wrong this time.
912>"I never thought to do that."
913>It would seem that common sense is not so common here.
914>'Let's give her the benefit of the doubt."
915>She was probably gonna lead Twilight to her death!
916>'She knows what she signed up for.'
917>Does she?
918>'... She thought it was a legend.'
919"You were going to let Twilight risk her life."
920>Celestia lowers her head in shame.
921"You were going to let Twilight use chaotic magic and watch her suffer!"
922>"Anonymous, lower your voice!"
923>You were having none of it.
924"You were going to seal her fate to something she could not even begin to handle, and you thought I would just stand here and let her go along with this!?"
925>She shuts your mouth with her magic.
926>"You don't know what will happen to her."
927>Maybe not.
928>But you can find out.
929>Fuck, do her contractions terrify you!
930>With a conscious thought and determination on your face, you both end up falling from the floor.
931>Celestia releases you from her ethereal grasp out of shock.
932>The two you of continue descending for what feels like an eternity.
933>You look at your surroundings.
934>It looks like the inside of a nebula; a greenish cloud-like sky enveloped by, what look like, stars.
935>Is this what paradise looks like?
936>"He's so interesting."
937>That sounds like Twilight.
938>You search for the source of the sound.
939>"No, no, no. He's just a test subject, nothing more."
940>Now where have you heard her say that before?
941>Celestia points to source behind you.
942>You, Celestia, and the Twilight you conjured up.
943>Hard to believe that was two days ago.
944>Noticing your appearance from the past, you remind yourself to shave.
945>"Where did you send us?"
946"I wanted to go to the future, but I couldn't pinpoint when in time I wanted to go."
947>You see another screen from what looks like yesterday.
948>The three of you are singing Bein' Friends.
949>'Wow, this would've made a decent musical back home.'
950>Like anyone would want to watch a show about ponies valuing the power of friendship.
951>...
952>"How far back does this place show?"
953>You turn your attention back to Celestia.
954"If you're worried about me seeing what happened with your sister, I'm not interested."
955>That was a half-lie. You're incredibly interested, but you are currently in the mood to prove this princess wrong.
956>In any case, your reassurance was enough to calm her down.
957>If behind you was the past, then in front of you should be the future.
958>...You hope.
959>You take a step forward, forgetting that you are still falling.
960>To Celestia's surprise, you walk away from her while you both still fall.
961>This was some quantum shit you'd be certain she couldn't comprehend if you paid any mind to it.
962>Curious, she flaps her wings to give herself insurance in case she falls.
963>Because she wasn't already falling.
964>She takes a cautious step, then another, and then another.
965>It must have been weird for her to experience.
966>Her hooves touched nothing, yet were somehow supported.
967>It is definitely a sensation she has never experienced.
968>Not to say that you've felt this before, either.
969>In a way, you were both virgins sharing your first time together.
970>'Please never compare something to my virginity again.'
971>Sorry.
972>You pass by screens of events yet to come.
973"This place is amazing! I'm traveling through time like I'm passing through an aisle at a supermarket! This was not at all how I envisioned timelines would look like."
974>Celestia sees a screen of her and...
975>"Will you accept my friendship?"
976>Celestia sheds a tear.
977>"This cannot be."
978>"Oh, Tia...!"
979>She gasps.
980>"But, there she is."
981>You and the screen simultaneously respond.
982>"Tia!?"
983"Tia!?"
984>'Why didn't you think of that!?'
985>You thought it would be too informal.
986>"That was what she used to call me. She looks just like I remember her last, before she became Nightmare Moon."
987>She peers away from the screen so as not to bawl before you again.
988>You hug her from behind.
989>You're not a total asshole.
990"C'mon, let's not dwell on the past."
991>"I believe this is the future."
992>You look at the screen and find Twilight, Punco Fop, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, what you think is Fluttershy, and a unicorn you've never met before standing beside the princess sisters.
993>That last pony is unnaturally attractive for a horse.
994"We probably shouldn't spoil ourselves of things to come, then."
995>You pull Celestia away from the screen, still hugging her from behind.
996>Time to find what you're looking for, no pun intended.
997>You find another screen similar to the last screen.
998>This one was different, for it showed Luna rejecting Celestia's offer of friendship.
999>'An alternate timeline?'
1000>Curious, you go back a bit and search for a different screen.
1001>You see one where Twilight is alone, facing Nightmare Moon with the Elements of Harmony.
1002>Needless to say, it does not end well.
1003>"I was a fool thinking that Twilight alone could handle such power."
1004>You turn to another screen where Twilight is with Celestia trying to handle chaotic magic.
1005>She seems to be able to control it with ease.
1006"I wouldn't sell yourself short just yet."
1007>To prove your point, you show her what you are looking at.
1008>Twilight then tries to use the Elements of Harmony.
1009>'Only good things can come from this.'
1010>She lifts the nearest one, testing to see if she is capable of one Element at a time.
1011>Although she struggles with one of them, she seems to be okay.
1012>Celestia is able to bring herself to smile.
1013>"Amazing! She has exceeded my expectations!"
1014>Well, what do you know? You were wrong.
1015>"Amazing! You have exceeded my expectations!"
1016>Huh, how uncanny for future Celestia to say that.
1017>"I could not agree more, me."
1018>Okay, this is getting meta.  You can't help but enjoy it.
1019>Twilight appears to be trying to destroy it now, but she's profusely perspiring.
1020>It may be too much for her.
1021>"Be careful, my little pony."
1022>That's an adorable nickname if ever you heard one.
1023>"I'm, trying! The power, is too much, t-"
1024>Before she could finish, an explosion caused by the Element goes off.
1025"TWILIGHT!!!"
1026>"What have I done?!"
1027>'More like "What will you do?", but that doesn't work out of context.'
1028>As the explosion subsides, Twilight's and Celestia's bodies lie on the ground.
1029>An Element appears to be missing
1030"She did it; she destroyed an Element."
1031>"But at what cost?"
1032>Future Celestia stirs from her unconsciousness.
1033>"Twilight!"
1034>She gallops to her pupil, then searches for a heartbeat.
1035"Oh please, Twilight..."
1036>Oh no, it's starting to rain again.
1037>It's just one possibility, right?
1038>There must be a timeline where she survives, right?
1039>You see a screen below the one you're currently watching.
1040>Curious, you descend to gaze into the future.
1041>The explosion just went off, like the previous window.
1042>But something was off about this one.
1043>As the explosion died out, you soon understand why.
1044>You hold back the urge to dry-heave from the splattered gore before you.
1045"Oh, shit.."
1046>Celestia tries to peek below.
1047>"What is happening down there?"
1048>You do your best to block her view of the projection.
1049"If Twilight may not have survived on your end, then she definitely didn't survive on my end."
1050>She attempts to avoid peering below her, lest she later regrets it.
1051>You jump up to meet at her plane.
1052"Any new developments?"
1053>The screen shows a sobbing Celestia lying her head over Twilight's body.
1054>"It is bizarre watching myself cry."
1055>Present Celestia is not exactly in the happiest state, herself.
1056>Her eyes are darkening to a shade of red as they excessively moisturize.
1057>"Otherwise, she..."
1058>Her Highness dares not speak further.
1059"We just need to make sure this timeline never happens."
1060>"I wish I could, but I do not have nearly as much time in the day as I would like."
1061>You don't know, she seems to have plenty of time to spend them with you.
1062>'Does that mean she li-'
1063>Finish that question, and I will disable further commentary from you.
1064>'Aww.'
1065"I could do it."
1066>She looks at you in shock.
1067"I have plenty of time to do it. Plus, I was kind of gonna do it anyway."
1068>She looks back to the future.
1069>"Promise me that you will keep her safe."
1070>You don't even hesitate.
1071"Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye."
1072>You didn't hurt your eye; that must mean you are serious.
1073>You actually are serious.
1074"Don't worry, Tia. I know what to do."
1075**************
1076>You have no idea what you're doing.
1077>You aren't sure how long it has been since you escorted Celestia out of the fabric of space and time.
1078>'It feels more like a pocket.'
1079>You have been viewing as many timelines as you could regarding Twilight handling the Elements of Harmony.
1080>When she's alone, it always ends the same way; something terrible happens to her.
1081>You've seen her face blown off, legs missing, deaf, blind, destroyed, go mad, become the second coming of Nightmare Moon, and so on.
1082>You could only find one screen where she survives with seemingly no negative consequence, only for her to try to destroy the next Element, thus repeating the process.
1083>You figured it was pointless trying to figure a way for her to destroy each Element with a very minor chance of survival.
1084>Against Celestia's wishes for secrecy, you will save Twilight your way.
1085>You will assign her to a group where they will destroy the Elements of Harmony all at once.
1086>Even if it ends up destroying all forms of chaotic magic, it was worth it to you if it meant that they lived.
1087>Looking back to your arm, you find that the colours have since reached your shoulder.
1088>You're not yet sure what's gonna happen to you, but you chose to focus on Twilight instead.
1089>It could be too late to help her otherwise.
1090>You look to the screen of Luna reuniting with Celestia and the group of six.
1091>'Why six? Wouldn't five be enough?'
1092>Maybe not.
1093>Perhaps she needs the other five to handle the power of each Element while she amplifies their powers to be able to destroy it.
1094>'That still doesn't explain how Luna came back.'
1095>Maybe breaking the Elements break the spell.
1096>'You don't think that's how it works.'
1097"Will you two shut up!? I'm trying to think here!"
1098>'You shut up!'
1099>You shut up!
1100"Jesus Christ!"
1101>...
1102>'...'
1103"..."
1104>'I'm sorry.'
1105>You're sorry.
1106"No, I should be sorry. I interrupted your conversation."
1107>It's cool.
1108>'You're fine, dude.'
1109>...
1110"... What just happened!?"
1111>'I think this pocket is starting to get to us.'
1112>Focusing back on the screens, you can't help being puzzled by Luna's appearance.
1113>'If Luna came back, then where's Discord?'
1114>Maybe he can't exist without chaos.
1115"No, he must have existed before he mastered chaotic magic. Besides, so long as conflict exists, so too must chaos ex-"
1116>You bestow a look as if you solved the mystery of the ages.
1117"What if the Elements of Harmony doesn't actually destroy chaotic magic but is instead powered by it?"
1118>'Makes sense; Celestia said she used her alicorn powers to amplify it. Chaotic magic is unstable alone; just imagine how unstable it is condensed.'
1119>You could not even begin to comprehend such power.
1120"Only alicorns are capable of not only mastering chaotic magic, but can use all of the Elements at once."
1121>"If Celestia can fully control it, then why can't she destroyed it herself?"
1122"Remember, half of her is made out of chaos. It would probably kill her."
1123>Equestria needs her to rule forever.
1124>'At least, until Luna returns to power.'
1125>A thought crosses your mind.
1126"Originally, I thought by destroying the Elements, it would show that Celestia tried to destroy it because of the dangers of such powers."
1127>'So?'
1128"What if we continue it's legend about how it's used for evil's bane?"
1129>'Don't follow.'
1130"What if Twilight and the other five were 'destined' to harness the power of the Elements of Harmony?"
1131>You think you're starting to get the picture.
1132>'Like the Triforce?'
1133"Exactly!"
1134>The problem you have with this idea is the sixth member of the group.
1135>There are only five elements while, what you hope is, the best future shows six members.
1136"Easy! I'll just make up a sixth forgotten one."
1137>'The legends seem to mistranslate the Elements anyway. It could work.'
1138>You are still unsure about what the sixth Element should be.
1139"Just speak in the first-person, gosh dang it!"
1140>I don't wanna.
1141>'You just did.'
1142>Dang it!
1143"Well, what do you think the Elements actually translate to?"
1144>'I was thinking that generosity was sacrifice, while kindness might be respect or something.'
1145>Great. What about the others?
1146>'I don't know, our hand was burning when that happened.'
1147"Maybe kindness is just kindness."
1148>What about loyalty?
1149"..."
1150>'...'
1151>...
1152"Loyalty."
1153>'Loyalty.'
1154>Loyalty.
1155>Why did I even ask?
1156"How about honesty?"
1157>I don't know, I feel like honesty might just be as is.
1158>'There must be similar words to honesty.'
1159"Like what?"
1160>Trust, for instance.
1161>'That works.'
1162"Sure."
1163>Great!
1164"And now the elephant in the room: laughter."
1165>'You got this, brain.'
1166>Uhh... Joy?
1167>'Maybe. What about humour?'
1168"Or maybe camaraderie?'
1169>That's just another word for friendship.
1170"Okay, genius, how about hearth!?"
1171>'Maybe.'
1172>Possibly.
1173"I guess."
1174>'... What is hearth?'
1175"It's a type of person who gives off a positive aura."
1176>I thought it was a warm person.
1177>'It sounds like something involving fire.'
1178>Clearly, we are all idiots.
1179"Screw it! Let's just go with joy."
1180>'Yay!'
1181"So that makes Loyalty, Kindness, Sacrifice, Trust, and Joy. What should the last one be?"
1182>You feel li- I feel like it should be love.
1183>'But that's so cliché! What about respect?'
1184>You already said that for kindness.
1185>'But we didn't use it.'
1186>You can't have friendship without love.
1187>'You also can't have friendship without respect.
1188>Love.
1189>'Respect.'
1190>Love!
1191>'Respect!'
1192>LOVE!!!
1193>'RESPECT!!!'
1194"... What about magic?"
1195>The both of us groan at your suggestion.
1196"That's what powers the Elements and this world firmly believes in it."
1197>We both think on your sug-
1198"Just answer, already!"
1199>NO!!!
1200>'NO!!!'
1201"Then it's settled; Magic, it is."
1202>This fucker...
1203>'Let's just ignore him.'
1204"Hasn't stopped you two before."
1205>'...'
1206>...
1207"At least I can get some silence again."
1208>You look back to the screen.
1209>"Now who should I assign what?"
1210>You focus your attention on the main six ponies of your interests.
1211>Main six.
1212>Mane s-
1213"Shh! I'm trying to focus."
1214>... Asshole.
1215**************
1216>You've done it!
1217>You've finally done it!
1218>You don't know how long it's been, but you don't care.
1219>You finished writing your entire plan in the form of a narrative.
1220>Your notebook is nearly half-way full, you've written so much.
1221>Although, you did write a few songs in between the story to keep you inspired.
1222>After viewing every possibly relevant event that could cause this timeline, you've realized that almost all of it was from your own doing.
1223>Everything about it felt too scripted, too paced for reality.
1224>There was no one or pony that could be responsible for these points in time except for you.
1225>In more ways than one, you practically cheated for this timeline to exist.
1226>The events don't seem to begin until at least two days before the summer solstice.
1227>Given how long you've been here, you have a guess as to the reason why.
1228>The colours have reached most of your body at this point.
1229>No matter, it's time to leave this place.
1230>You close your eyes and visualize yourself back at the castle.
1231>You open your eyes to find yourself in the study room.
1232>Celestia seems to have waited for you.
1233>"I thought you were going to stay longer."
1234>She's joking, right?
1235"I did. I must have been there for hours or even days."
1236>"It must have for you: you practically became a rainbow while you were there. But for me, it has only been less than ten seconds."
1237>'Ten seconds?!'
1238>Time, it seems, is not affected within its own pocket.
1239"That explains why I was never tired, or hungry."
1240>She giggles from your statement, then suddenly becomes serious.
1241>"So tell me, have you figured out how to save her?"
1242>You nod your head.
1243"And you, as well."
1244>She doesn't seem to quite understand.
1245>"I do not quite understand."
1246>I just said that!
1247"Well, I don't wanna spoil the story for you."
1248>You wiggle your notebook.
1249"You'll just have to wait until it happens."
1250>At that, she takes the notebook away from you.
1251"Hey!"
1252>She opens to the first page that your story begins.
1253>"I see you wrote your own legend connecting my sister to Nightmare moon."
1254"You just opened the book!"
1255>"I am a fast reader."
1256>There's an argument to be made to with her.
1257>You have half a mind to take the notebook away from her, but you don't want to start a battle between the two of you over your hard work.
1258>But on the other hand, you don't want her surprise to be ruined.
1259>With your mind, you swap your notebook with the first book you see in a form of teleportation.
1260>As Celestia realizes what you did, she finds the notebook back in your hands.
1261"Sorry, Tia, but you'll just have to wait and see."
1262>You place the book behind your back.
1263>Without even looking at it, she tries to pry it out of your hands.
1264"No! I won't let you!"
1265>A twist of her neck, and you're sent flying to the side of the study room.
1266>*Crash*
1267>There are gonna be some angry maids later.
1268>What matters now, however, is for her not to read it.
1269>You snap your fingers, causing silence to fall in the room.
1270>Celestia is completely still; you have frozen time once again.
1271>You grab the book, think of Ponyville again, and once more snap your fingers upon arrival.
1272>'This should buy me enough time.'
1273>At least, that's what you hope.
1274>Without missing a beat, you head straight for the Everfree Forest with the hope that she wouldn't be crazy enough to enter it.
1275>As you approach the entrance, you are stopped by a bear.
1276>'I do not have time for this.'
1277>You charge towards the bear, and close your eyes.
1278>The bear becomes curious by your actions.
1279>It takes a stance, ready to stop you in your tracks.
1280>To the bear's confusion, you went straight through it.
1281"Sorry, but I really need to hide!"
1282>I thought you were afraid of the bear.
1283>'But Celestia is scarier.'
1284>Fair enough.
1285>You know exactly where you're running, but will you make it before she get figures it out your location?
1286>'Wait, why not just freeze time again?'
1287>Because you are feeling really cocky at the moment.
1288"She would never go there."
1289>'I'm calling it now: she will be waiting for you inside.'
1290"Oh, shut up, me!"
1291>You make it to Luna's castle in record time, opening the front entrance.
1292>As you close the door behind you, you only hear silence echoing the halls.
1293"I think we're in the clear."
1294>'Why would you say that out loud?'
1295>You turn around to find no one waiting for you.
1296"What did I tell you? There's nothing to worry about."
1297>You said nothing of the sort.
1298>Ignoring what I just said, you head towards the Elements of Harmony like the asshole you are.
1299>You stand in the center of the Elements and hope she doesn't find you.
1300"She's not gonna find me."
1301>"Of course I will."
1302>You feel a chill run down your spine as you hear the clopping of heels approaching you.
1303>"Now, give me the book.'
1304>You try to stand your ground.
1305"No."
1306>She takes another step closer to you.
1307>"Don't make me ask you again."
1308>'Oh fuck, a contraction!? She's serious, guys.'
1309"Don't make me say 'no' again."
1310>'Nigga, what are you doing!?'
1311>"Very well, then."
1312>Her horn glows as you figuratively piss yourself in fear.
1313>A few seconds pass with no changes made whatsoever.
1314>'What is she doing?'
1315>Trying to get the book.
1316"Celestia, I promised you that I will keep Twilight safe and I intend to keep it. But I need you trust me when I say that it's better you don't know what will happen."
1317>She's straining from trying to take the book away from you.
1318>'All according to keikaku.'
1319>"At least tell me how my Lulu fits into all of this!"
1320>'Lulu? Like Luna?'
1321>Wait, she knows!?
1322"I don't understand."
1323>"The first page; you retold the legend of Nightmare Moon. Why? Is my sister still alive?"
1324"Spoilers."
1325>"What?"
1326>Oh right, that's not a thing here.
1327"Nevermind. The point is, I can't tell you."
1328>"My sister may be alive and you have the nerve to say that you can't tell me!?"
1329>She kneels to prevent herself from falling over due to excessive magic use.
1330>"Why can't I grab the book?"
1331>You smile.
1332"The Elements are absorbing your magic. So long as I'm between them all, you can't use your magic on me and vica versa."
1333>Her horn stops glowing. Celestia is profusely sweating from wasting so much energy.
1334>You can hear her pant betwix each word she speaks.
1335>"The Elements are dangerous, but they can't simply take my magic."
1336"It was something I theorized. Turns out, it was just proven right."
1337>She tries to stand back up, but collapses on her first step.
1338>"What is your plan with this story? You save Twilight from the Elements, but what else?"
1339"To make your citizens stop fearing you..."
1340>'Despite how genuinely scary she actually is.'
1341"... and to help you find peace with yourself."
1342>She once again attempts and succeeds to get back up.
1343>"Why can't you just tell me? Do you hate me that much."
1344>What?
1345"I don't hate you, Tia. I don't even dislike you."
1346>She takes a step towards you.
1347>"Then why?"
1348>Another step.
1349"Because I don't think you'll like me with what I'm gonna do."
1350>Once step closer.
1351>"What will you do to make me hate you?"
1352>She's a meter away.
1353"I can't."
1354>One yard.
1355>"Can't or won't?"
1356>Two feet.
1357"Both."
1358>She stops.
1359>"Are you going to kill her again?"
1360"What? No."
1361>Mark Wahlberg would be proud of your performance.
1362>"Then what are you going to do?"
1363"Why can't you just wait a week?"
1364>"This is my sister we're talking about here!"
1365>You can already feel the heartbreak coming.
1366"You really love her that much?"
1367>One foot.
1368>"If I could rewind time, I would let her kill me instead."
1369>Her eyes expand as it finally hits her.
1370>"You're going to bring her back to life, aren't you? With your magic?"
1371>You keep silent as you avoid eye-contact.
1372>She seems touched by it.
1373>"You would do that for me?"
1374>You say the lyrics as a declarative:
1375"That's what bein friends is about."
1376The Elements around you start to glow.
1377>Celestia takes a step back.
1378"Are you doing that?"
1379>"... No."
1380>The gems gently float up to your chest, orbiting your surrounding.
1381>"Anonymous?"
1382>'Oh shit! We're gonna die!'
1383>You look Celestia in her eyes and say:
1384"I'm sorry I wasn't a better friend to you, Tia."
1385>You slide the book to her front hooves, never losing eye-contact.
1386>"Anonymous..."
1387>The Elements envelop you in a blanket of rainbow.
1388>'I don't wanna go.'
1389>A burst of light blinds the princess.
1390>"Nonny!"
1391>The light spreads throughout the halls.
1392>Silence falls in the castle.
1393
1394>Be Celestia.
1395>It happened so fast.
1396>Anonymous was consumed by the Elements of Harmony.
1397>You were then blinded by a flash of light.
1398>So bright was it that it could deafen it's surroundings.
1399>You are almost certain it did, but you cannot be sure until the illumination passes.
1400>'It's my fault, it's all my fault. I should have trusted him.'
1401>It seems to linger for an eternity.
1402>'He was going to bring her back to life, and now he's... he's...'
1403>Even in your innermost thought, you cannot bring yourself to finish it.
1404>'All because of me. How could I have been so selfish?'
1405>You would cry at the loss of your friend if the piercing light didn't already cause you to.
1406>Slowly, but surely, the light fades into its Elements.
1407>Your eyes are able to readjust from the dwindling glow.
1408>When you feel it is safe to open your eyes again, you see the stones descending to the floor where his body lies.
1409"Nonny!"
1410>Without a moment's hesitation, you grab him with your mouth and toss him to your back.
1411"We have to get you to a doctor, stat!"
1412>Walking at a safe enough distance away from the Elements of Harmony, you teleport the two of you back to your castle.
1413>'I am not gonna let my best...'
1414>You stop your train of thought for a second.
1415"My best friend?"
1416>The more you thought about it, the more it made sense.
1417>You haven't made a friend since Lulu's death.
1418>Even your faithful students were treated as such.
1419>And now, thanks to him, you have two wonderful friends.
1420>He is your best friend, and he needs you now more than ever.