What If: #1, #2 and #3 · 1:49pm May 22nd, 2019
Thank you all for your suggestions in the previous post. While all of them were sound ideas, there were admittedly a few I couldn't work with. That being said, I chose the three I not only liked the most, but I believed could have actually happened had little things gone differently. Without further ado:
What if Twilight took the hit from Chrysalis instead of Stardust during the Wedding in Canterlot?
This was rather easy to summarize. A significant portion would change and deviate from the original storyline of AJBS. Let's dive right in:
Now, if Stardust didn't make it in time to defend Twilight from Chrysalis' enraged attack, certain factors would occur for better or worse. As Twilight lays there, barely conscious and in deep pain, Stardust would stare, unable to reach her from both pain and exhaustion. Everything slowly sinking in as time freezes around him.
It only took one comment from Chrysalis to tear his mental state apart: "Tch, such an unworthy pest."
Remember when Stardust went berserk on Tirek after he attacked Twilight? Well, the same would apply here, only a billion times worse. At this point, Stardust was still deep in a pool of self-loathing, guilt and responsibility for making all this happen. He wasn't as light-hearted, relaxed and relieved as up to the finale of season four. This was still before Twilight was beginning to make him the better pony, moreso than the others.
That being said, it wasn't the combined efforts of Cadence and Shining's love that banished the bug Queen and her army from Canterlot. No, it was an instinctive, uncontrollable reaction by the blazing gold aura of Stardust's being producing the largest Balance Shockwave ever witnessed, targeting only the creature associated with the darkness and sending them flying for miles and miles until they were sparkles in the sky. The aftermath of exuding such energy would render Stardust unconscious.
Cut to much later, Stardust would recover, though it'd take him more time to than Twilight. Twilight would heal quicker because, unlike Stardust, she hadn't been too damaged and exhausted from battle prior to the massive attack. It would still hurt like Tartarus, but Twilight's a lot tougher than people give her credit for. Nonetheless, though thrilled to see her safe and recovered again, Stardust would still hold himself purely responsible for what happened.
The guilt, anger and regret would surpass any of those moments from season three. Leading him to realize how much of a liability and reckless danger he was by bringing his friends into this. As he watches Twilight sing and dance away in the wedding night, only realizing his own feelings for the mare whom risked so much for his own sake.
It only made him feel worse. Stardust would sneak away that night, never to come back, unaware of a certain purple dragon following after him. His friends none the wary until a long purple unicorn sought him out throughout the kingdom, having realized her own feelings for the golden stallion who did so much for them and her, only a few days after he was officially missing. Both he and Spike.
Any clue Twilight and friends would have heard related to them were reports of the former tyrant of the Crystal Empire being beaten, peace restoring to the lost kingdom, by the hoofs and claw of a young Earth Pony and his lizard companion.
What if Twilight and Stardust weren’t interrupted in Chapter Sixty: “Be Prepared!” and had their first kiss?
Again, another rather simple one. The answer comes with both a happy, and perhaps sadder, ending varying how you view it.
This official first, tender kiss had it never been prevented would change some crucial events. For example, the parasite of Sombra festering inside Stardust during that time was feeding off the Earth Pony's self hatred, rage and distrust. To have that sudden burst of light form a pre-established bond would not only throw a spanner in Sombra's plan, but also repel his presence further, deeper back into the recesses of Stardust's mind. Driving away all that madness and fury and finally bringing some sort of peace and happiness the stallion hadn't felt in such a long time.
The next couple of days and nights following that moment would be awkward, the two ponies avoiding each other for a lengthy time. Until their friends finally notice and get them to confront one another by comedic antics and timing. Feelings would confess, with both reassuring one another regarding their own self-worth and appeal. The usual.
So yes, it's likely they would be a couple prior to Twilight's ascension. However, this does beg the question: What about Stardust confessing his autism and every past mistake he had made to Twilight's ears alone? The aftermath of his mental battle with Sombra was what incited the distraught, guiltridden Stardust to share all of that to the mare whom never judged or condemned him for it. Well, I still believe he would confess all this, but at another point in time. Let's say... Just after Equestria Girls? Somewhere around season four.
Speaking of which, the season four finale. That's when the potential negative side of this path would come into play. Remember Tirek's attack on Twilight? How Stardust succumbed to so much justifiable rage, incredulity and drive to avenge his beloved? Well, those would just be the triggers needed for the pushed back Sombra to return, and take advantage of the moment for his own suited purposes.
But which would be stronger: Stardust's love for Twilight and his friends, or Sombra's power over the negative side of him? I'll let you guys decide.
What if Stardust ended up in the Crystal Empire instead of Ponyville?
Perhaps the most depressing and darkest resolution of these hypothetical scenarios thus far. Either he arrived a thousand years back or just as the Empire returned, it would be far from a good ending. A young Stardust at his beginning stage of season one would make an easy pawn for Sombra to manipulate and exploit, taking advantage of his arrogance and attempt of undermining the one true King.
It's more than likely Stardust would become Sombra's best asset outside of the Crystal Heart. Either a General, a spy or an adviser. His foreknowledge would be valuable for Sombra to easily best the Princesses, Shining and the Mane Six; his conquest of Equestria swift and without mercy.
Twilight Sparkle herself, with her magical potential, given spare leniency by request of Stardust as his own personal prisoner. Sombra's servant he may be, but a piece of the Jack Wright within would still be there. Perhaps a romance will blossom between prisoner and master, perhaps not. Perhaps they'll overthrow Sombra for good or bad reasons, perhaps not.
Suffice to say, there may be one last hero for Equestria to rely on, as she sneak into her home world once more to acquire a crown...
So there we have it. The most basic summaries. Enjoyed them? I could do a part two of any of these by people's request. Did you agree with them? Disagree? Anything you feel could have gone different than what was imagined above? Please state then what you think would have happened. It's all down to opinion.
Any what-ifs related to AJBS you'd like me to do next, share them in comments below.
Until then, my friends!
What if #1 Sequel: What other situations would Stardust and Spike get into by themselves? Would Twilight and the Mane Six find them again?
What if #3 sequel: What if Sunset Shimmer stole the Element of Magic crown in a Crystal Empire ruled by Sombra with Stardust as his underling.
Original What-if: What if Stardust landed in Equestria thousands of years prior to the series where he is the same age as Celestia and Luna?
Original What if: What if Twilight remembered Stardust kissing her back to reality in Lesson Zero? Alternatively, what if the CMC blabbed about it to Twilight sooner, say before her ascension?
I did not expect mine to be chosen to be honest
5062667
Same. It would require a looot of work to describe those situations. Basically, a whole new story)
I hate number 3.