This story is a sequel to Pan Flash

First Take isn't Rarity -- but she does play her on TV.

Prophesy says that Twilight Sparkle will not outlive her friends.

To preserve the Princess, her friends must survive.

They may not be immortal - but one year can become a thousand at the speed of light.

An entry for Science Fiction Contest II, where it took a Committee Prize!

Additional tags for spoiler purposes: My Little Pony: A New Generation ; Mane 5

Featured 3/23/2023 - 3/28/2023!

And featured on Equestria Daily on 4/4/2023!

Thanks to my pre-readers: The Sleepless Beholder, Dewdrops on the Grass, daOtterGuy, and Avery Day.

"A spell that makes destiny less demanding on the caster, and makes your own choices become more prominent." It sounded perfect. Just what Princess Twilight Sparkle needed.

Ponyville didn’t need her, not really. She just needed a respite, however small. If she had to use magic, then so be it.

She took a deep breath and let her magic focus. She lifted her head, closed her eyes, and pushed more magic into the spell. It felt like teleporting.

No Sad or Tragedy tag, but may contain Existentialism.

Thanks to Yami Vizzini, RK Striker JK 5, Unknownlight and Connelly for prereading. A big thanks to Nonagon for editing and plot/pacing assistance.

I've spent the majority of my life tilling the desolate land in which I live. Every day, I wake up to move useless rocks from one location to another. This is an archaic line of work that my family has clung to for generations. It is a dull, grey existence.

Today, I have woken up in a strange room, lying in a bed that isn't mine. I'm surrounded by five mares whom I've never seen in my life. They claim to be my friends, and expect me to bring joy to the hearts of everypony.

Joy? I don't think I've ever experienced this for myself, so how am I supposed to thrust it upon others?

My name is Pinkamena Diane Pie, and I'm not sure what to make of this situation.

Starlight Glimmer and Applejack both know they should probably break up.

Silver medalist in the 1000 words contest (group / info). Category: angst

Inspired by the Bleachers song "Stop Making This Hurt" (spotify link) and its music video (youtube link). That's also where I got he cover image!

Thanks to The Sleepless Beholder, Emotion Nexus, and RDT for their feedback and editing!