In the wake of the recent events in Equestria, Twilight pushes herself to become a more powerful spellcaster. She can feel something has changed, something has awoken. Something that may be beyond her control. With shadows from her past coming back to haunt her, and an unseen foe creating an army, will she be able to find the strength to defend not only her, but those she cares for?

(alternate timeline, stemming from "Magic Duel")

Major props to NecroBalam from Deviantart for letting me use his picture for the cover image.

"Good news everypony! I've devised a way for ponies to experience a 100% accurate answer to any what-if question! All you need to do is ask the spell a question, and it will generate a hallucinogenic simulation of the series of events that would follow.

Big thanks to Ptrikle for proofreading. Also; big thanks to Taco Bell for making Cheesy Gordita Crunches.

As the years drew on, Spike's childish heart grew into that of a true adult, longing for the finer things in life; the finest things. He pursues his relationship with Rarity, but all does not go as planned.

Filled with anger and sorrow, Spike and Rarity fall away from one another. In his grief, Spike pursues new interests, and their friendship is in danger of never recovering.

But perhaps the truest words in life are these: you do not know what you had until you have lost it. Jealous and alone, finding no comfort in stallions she once loved, can Rarity reclaim her one chance at true love, before it is too late?