Another day, another satisfying conclusion.
With the vigorous training taught by a wise Starswirl and stern Sombra completed, I could finally have this opportunity to relax. Strolling through town, my destination was towards Sugarcube Corner, intending for a visit to the Cakes. I was hungry and dehydrated, those two unicorns in my mind putting me through quite the workout.
But worth the effort, I feel.
Oh I'm not arguing there. Nodding in greetings to many citizens sharing the gesture, I felt more... Fulfilled today than usual. Supposedly due to how successful my practices were today. Using that training ground Twilight created for me, Fluttershy letting me practice with influencing the emotions of her animal friends, and Applejack allowing me to kick some trees with her, all in the name of perfecting my Balance magic.
Well, maybe not perfection. Perfection isn't really real, is it?
Speak for yourself child.
Hm. Well, I suppose the closest thing to defining perfection would be in the form of a certain purple alicorn. The image of the beaming mare prompted my smile, and Sombra's low groan.
Speaking of Twilight, she and Spike were requested by Celestia to provide a lecture today at that unicorn school in Canterlot, myself having declined accompanying them. The pair left earlier this morning, and I had refused to show them my genuine reaction to this development.
Because I knew what was coming next.
Thankfully, Starswirl had assured me Starlight wouldn't be making her appearance until later today, so there was time for me to train before awaiting her arrival. After my quick visit to the Cakes to refill myself, it was straight back to the castle and meet the unicorn before she could bring harm to all the timelines.
Persuade Starlight Glimmer not to potentially rip apart the space-time continuum. Should be easy enough.
Although, that would mean we wouldn't arrive in that Sombra war timeline, which was pretty sick. In the most awesome way.
I would've won such a petty battle had that specific timeline remained.
I'm sure-
...Hang on.
I sensed... Hold on...!
"I was sure I saw her Spike. But when I looked again, she was gone. I'm just worried what she could be up to."
"Nothing good I bet- Huh?" The two spotted my stunned disposition, their looks of concern immediately shifting to elation. "Oh hey Stardust!" Spike waved cheerfully, running up to meet me with a bag in tow. "We're back from Canterlot!"
Clearly, and THAT'S the problem.
Because if they're here... Back already...
Twilight eventually pursued the young dragon, smiling pleasantly. "And what a trip it was. The lesson regarding friendship to all those ambitious magical students went smoothly."
Spike added lowly, "The fact Starlight Glimmer possibly being there notwithstanding."
Her expression quickly changed to uncertainty. "Well, hopefully, that isn't the case and I was simply seeing things. The last thing we need is for her to return and enact revenge on our friends for stopping her forcing everyone to share the exact same cutie mark... Jack, what is it? You look a little pale..."
...They're here... Then that means...
That means...!
Just say it already boy. We don't have all day.
"You idiot!" Both alicorn and dragon blinked, startled by my righteous anger with clenched hoof aimed towards the sky. "You said it would be a while!"
God dammit Starswirl! Why did you LIE like that? If they're back, the most probable conclusion is that Starlight is here too, in Ponyville. In the CASTLE, ready to use that spell for her own nefarious purposes. One of YOUR spells, you old fool!
"Erm, who's he talking to? It would be a while until what...?"
"I'm guessing its Starswirl the Bearded." Twilight frowned. "In which case I highly disapprove of you disrespecting such a great unicorn like that. Princess Celestia was bad enough, but this is reaching beyond disappointment Jack."
"Or it could be King Sombra." Spike shuddered slightly at that.
Cyan eyes glared back at Twilight. "Whether you approve of me or not doesn't matter! We're in danger right now!" Eyes widened, but I didn't bother to clarify, already turning and, through my own magic, raced to hurry back towards the castle.
She's NOT gonna win this time!
"Wait!" Spike called out from behind. "Danger from what?!"
"Come on Spike!" Behind me, Twilight probably took flight with Spike hitching a ride, but I didn't check. I could sense if they were following regardless.
Damn it Starswirl...
"Jack, wait!"
No time to wait. Must hurry!
Why not indulge them? It appears this time certain events cannot be prevented. Perhaps time was always meant to be toyed around, as that foolish unicorn will soon demonstrate.
Not on my watch!
Without delay, I sped through the corridors, uncaring whether or not my friends pursue me. This was a matter needed to be dealt with before all goes to [BEEP]. Because, truthfully, it wasn't just of preventing the episode finale in the first place. But it's moreso how the different distortions of time will affect my friends.
And affect me.
Hm. Truly I doubt such a thing. You exist outside the laws of time which govern this world Jack. Any changes, regardless how significant, should have no effect on you.
But I'm not taking that chance...
"Jack! Slow down, please!"
Aha! The doors to the throne room. And stopping just before them, I reached out, and detected a hostile presence waiting for us inside. She's already here.
Alright then, strategy time. Knock the parchment from her hoofs quickly as possible. Easy.
Despite your common misfortune in things never typically going your way.
...[BEEP].
Beside me, from the corner of my eye, Twilight was panting heavily, Spike sliding off her back to join me. But I was moreso focused on the doors and the pony waiting for us than my concerned friends at the present time.
"Geez, and I thought Twilight was the stressful one." Spike stated upon examining my posture. "You look like you're ready for battle!"
"Yeah..." Finally regaining her breath, Twilight inquired worriedly, "What did you mean by danger earlier, Jack? What are we facing this time?"
"The pony behind these doors."
"Huh?" They exchanged confused looks. "Who's inside?"
Ignoring that question, I glanced over to them. "When you get the chance, grab the parchment she carries, alright? The fate of Equestria, once more, relies on it."
Spike continued to look baffled as all [BEEP], but Twilight, seeing how serious I was regarding this new threat, shifted her look from puzzlement to understanding resolve, nodding. "We're with you." Knew I could count on you love. I nodded back, relieved and faithful in my special somepony.
The young dragon chuckled nervously. "What, are we dealing with a vengeful Starlight or something?" As Twilight proceeding opening the doors, cautiously, through magic.
"Ask her yourself."
"Huh? ...Oh."
"Welcome home, Twilight!" The pink unicorn, in all her arrogant glory with light purple eyes, magenta mane with a blue streak, having made herself comfortable, greeted Twilight with a smug disposition. Automatically I stepped forward, waiting for the right oppotunity. Introductions can wait afterwards, once I grab that paper detailing the spell out of Starlight's hoofs.
Didn't have to wait too long. With an aura of blue magic, the jealous mare proceeded to lift the open parchment into the air, preparing to utilize the time spell for her own misdeeds.
Now's your chance.
Amen!
Starlight couldn't react fast enough as, through Balance's aided power, I sped forward and leapt from the floor harshly, pushing myself through the air that would make Rainbow proud. The pink unicorn dropped her jaw in disbelief and bafflement upon my swift grabbing the floating parchment above the table, rolling across the far side of the room a few feet from the enraged unicorn.
That, was simple!
Spike cheered loudly from the doorway. "You go bro!"
Starlight, however, wasn't as amazed by the spectacle, pink horn lighting up threateningly. "Give that back!" Followed by her rage creating a blue beam headed my way, responded with a raised free limb shielding myself from the assault, albeit the magic forcing me back considerably.
Ugh... Strong magic.
But nothing your own strength cannot endure. Sombra practically barked. Use this opportunity. Destroy the parchment.
Good idea.
"Oh no you don't!" Oof! The unicorn attempted to grab the paper back next through instantly teleporting and ramming into my underbelly, the parchment flying into the air from the assault. But my panicked look quickly shifted to relief, before Starlight could grab it, the paper was encased by a purple hue, teleporting right to Twilight's side.
See? Hasn't let me down yet!
"It's over Starlight," Twilight claimed calmly, unfazed by the other mare's seething look. Together, we stood between the enraged unicorn from a safe distance, keeping her trapped temporarily. "Whatever you were intending to do has been foiled."
Scoffing, the mare's expression changed once again to apparent smugness. "Oh dear, Twilight, once again you underestimate the depths of my ambition. I won't be leaving until my retribution is complete!" Followed with her horn lighting up again, and we tensed, ready for whatever Starlight had in store.
Although, now seemed a great time to talk some sense into her-
...Hm?
But my attempt of persuasion hadn't escaped my muzzle due to a sudden crackling in the air. The four of us looked upwards at which, having all heard it. And, mentally, Balance was yelling into my ears in full warning.
No, scratch that, Balance was screaming, the intensity of which prompted my pained wince at such volume. What was that...? I sensed something... Amassing. Something more powerful than anything I've detected yet.
An imbalance, but nothing I've sensed to this scale.
That was... Growing!
"Everyone, grab something!" Without questioning further, Twilight and Spike trusted me enough to hold onto two thrones in preparation, one having encountered this growing power before. Yet despite the wind picking up, all senses detecting a danger more sinister than Starlight's ambitions, whereas we felt under threat.
Starlight felt opportunity.
And my eyes could only widen. "Twilight!" As the alicorn was knocked backwards by a certain pink unicorn. "Starlight, you idiot!" But the foolish mare paid no heeds, swiftly attempting to grab the parchment in the alicorn's spot.
Unless, had a certain dragon not caught the flying paper first with his tail, bringing it over to him.
And that, for some reason, gave imbalance the perfect time to react.
And it suddenly hit me this might have happened just because of me.
Starlight's advances towards the clinging Spike halted by a powerful gust of wind, all collectively gasping at the sudden blackened hole emerging from the ceiling. "What is that?!" Starlight called out, in both fear and puzzlement, her smugness slowly falling off. "That wasn't suppose to happen!"
You don't know how right you are!
"It's the imbalance!" Twilight called out. "It's trying to pull us through!" Starlight wasn't fond of this idea, and attempted to straight-up fire a blue energy beam right into the heart of the pulling hole. And the mare was rewarded by a cackle of lightning almost frying her pink fur.
Hadn't Twilight pushed them both out of the way and onto the center of the table... And the center of the storm.
Oh [BEEP]. NO!
"TWILIGHT! STARLIGHT!"
My own grip on my throne loosened, one limb extending to grab the two mares, mostly Twilight - before the gigantic wormhole growing in the middle of the room sucked them both to hell knows where. While Starlight looked momentarily baffled by Twilight's selfless act of saving her, the alicorn reached out to meet my hoof halfway, thankfully grabbing one another as she tried to hold on and keep the other mare safe.
And any moment of respite was, unfortunately and horrifically, interrupted by Spike's scream.
"Guys help!"
NO! "SPIKE!" We yelled out over the crackling storms, with little effect, and my hoof quickly released Twilight's, reaching upwards towards the center of the storm. I won't let it take my girlfriend NOR my little bro! With Balance, I made an effort to strike back against the storm, while Twilight kept Spike at bay through her magic.
But my own stupidity failed to warn me before it was too late. As Twilight's released grip from me prompted she and Starlight to begin rising. Panicking, the unicorn began lighting her horn again... Which cancelled out in sparks. "My magic isn't working!"
I wasn't having much luck as well; whatever force was behind this storm wasn't letting up any freebies this time, adding to my already exhausted state from training today making me work to stopping this imbalance indefinitely.
Do something!
I'm trying-!
Wait... If Starlight's magic wasn't working... Then-!
"ARRRRRRRRRRR! HEEEEEELP!"
"NOOO!"
"SPIKEEEE!"
Something akin to bile began rising in my throat, time seeming to slow down. Horrified sharp breaths escaping my throat at witnessing this horrifying, dreading event. I was afraid of this ever happening, since the imbalances started long ago. And I, the idiot I was, couldn't stop it in time before it... It sucked the helpless Spike right in. And not a trace of him sticking out as the storm took him for itself.
...No...
NO!
But things only worsened from there. From what followed by this terrible, AWFUL tragedy was Twilight's expression of horror to sudden resolve, glancing back at me with a certain look, meeting my terrified gaze intently. Through our bond, the alicorn tried to relay what she was planning next, before I could stop her.
Stop her from going in after-
"NO! DON'T YOU [BEEP]ING DARE TWILIGHT!" Not you too! I won't let that happen!
It seem you won't have much choice...
And Sombra's prediction only came true. Twilight smiled, a small tender smile emerging on her muzzle, as the pull only became stronger. My own yells fell on deaf ears as her wings expanded majestically, whipping along with her mane, and eyes closing determinedly.
It was... Almost angelic to look at.
"TWILIGHT!"
And my hoarse scream of despair and horror died out once the mare flew upwards, disappearing from sight, Starlight soon to follow. But my attention focused briefly on the fact my girlfriend... The one who guided me from the dark. Who showed me friendship deserved another chance. Who kept constant faith in me, knowing she'd see me again one day. Who fought beside and against me in verbal spars. Who grew exasperated and amused by my own idiotic antics.
The Princess that I... I...
...And now, because of me...
Oh for the love of- She's not dead boy! Snap out of it! Don't you have one equine you can spare from the imbalance?
...Oh... Right.
Starlight's own sheer yells of terror as she was bring pulled upwards were rather comical by contrast, comparing to Twilight's own firm resolve once she flew through the wormhole just then. "Don't just stand there! Help me!"
I would blame Starlight for all this... But still, I could never, ever, let someone endure this fate.
Giving up on trying to halt the imbalance altogether, my own grip released, and with Balance, my slow ascendance quickened from a mighty leap upwards, reaching out to grasp the flailing pink hoof as the storm cackled around us. My vision, upon entering the wormhole along with Starlight, was greeted by a pure, inky darkness.
And a sound resembling that of a raspy old chuckle...?
Then next, bizarrely enough, my vision was welcomed afterwards by light. Although not the typical bright light of my bonds or the sun.
No no. Instead, my body landed in a collapsed heap upon stone ground.
Ow.
But my own pain was meaningless. Immediately I stood upwards and grabbed my fallen hat, ignoring Starlight's groan from behind me, sensing she was here so it wasn't too surprising. No, my senses focused intently on seeking out two important individuals to me, breathing becoming more shallow with not only being able to sense them, but the fact they weren't in the vicinity. Some small part of me hoped we'd have landed in the same area... Assuming we'd arrive anywhere at all.
"Twilight! Spike!" My own voice sounded hoarse, wary... Afraid. Yes, I was afraid for those two. My family. Sue me. "Twilight! SPIKE!"
Nothing... Mental bond, go!
"Twilight! Spike! If you can hear, answer me!"
...No answer... Nothing detecting their presence. Everything was shrouded in darkness as far as Balance was concerned. Dammit! Something couldn't have happened to them! If the imbalance has taken them somewhere else, somewhere more dangerous... I'll... I'll...
Mother[BEEP]er I'll-!
Cease this senseless panicking Jack. Though I relish in your fear, this isn't the time for such. Your Princess certainly wouldn't desire her own precious Warrior to suddenly lose control of himself.
...Right... Right.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Momentarily taking advantage of Sombra's sound advice, my eyes finally took in our surroundings more clearly. The imbalance, strangely enough, or perhaps it was intentional, transported the unicorn and I within a prison cell. The room was lit enough, from the torch. Ruined aged stone interior suggests a dungeon of some sort. Though that was quickly diminished by the window revealing a darkened sky, emphasized with ominous lightning.
And... Was it me... Or did everything seem... Different?
"Twilight? Spike?"
"Oh do quit trying. They're obviously not here!"
"Be quiet you." Uncaring how rude I sounded to Starlight at the moment, considering her role in all this happening in the first place, I looked around again, vaguely hoping still. There must be some clue.
Wait.
Starswirl. Starswirl, are you there?
...Starswirl!
That will not be effective, for now.
What? Why?!
Can't you sense it? Balance is being distorted by whatever occurred. It's blocking your connection to the old unicorn. The fallen King, as always, sounded more annoyed than anything. And although I'd prefer it stay that way, this is indeed inconvenient. We must uncover this dilemma, and deal with it swiftly. But first...
On cue, the pink unicorn spoke up again, accusation ringing in her voice. "This is all your fault, you know. My plan would've worked without any difficulty had you not recklessly thrown yourself into my way like that. And now, our predicament is caused by your arrogance!"
Oh [BEEP] off! "As opposed to allowing you to alter time for no reason other than your own self-conceited petty attempts of revenge?" I snapped, not bothering to face the irritating unicorn. Her own feelings on the matter are nothing next to mine!
"Wha- How did you know? I didn't even get the chance to show that!"
"I'm very good. Now, do me a solid, and shut the Hell up, while I figure out to get us out of here."
Starlight scoffed. "And how do you intend on accomplishing that, exactly? Break through the bars through brute strength?" Oh seriously? Then again, the steel bars do look rather rusty. I winced somewhat, however, at a flash of light from behind... Followed by another. "What the-?!" And again... And again... Rolling my eyes, I knew exactly what she was intending. "Why- My magic isn't working properly. I can't get out!"
Imbalance?
Among other things, I suspect.
Of course. Sombra, can't use your shadow to scout out the area, find us a way out. If there are inhabitants inside, I don't wanna break down the cell and attract a whole battalion.
In contrast to yelling out for your precious Princess and dragon? But in answer to your inquiry, yes, I am still capable of that skill. I shall route out our surroundings. The more focused I am away from two insolent equines, the better.
Sighing at some good news, at last, that was immediately dampened by the ranting mare behind me. Starlight continued throwing a temper tantrum as the shadow departed through the far off door. "Great, not only are my plans ruined, my spell stolen from me alongside my chance for revenge. But now, I'm stuck here with unreliable magic and a pony who couldn't resist interfering where he doesn't belong! What are you anyway, Captain of Twilight's Royal Guard?"
Finally whirling to face her, my own voice raised in irritated seething, "Your worst nightmare if you keep opening your-"
And that quickly died down, Starlight matching my flabbergasted expression perfectly.
Because, ladies and gentlemen, I wasn't looking at Starlight Glimmer. Well, yes, but at the same time, I was not. It wasn't the mare I recognized through appearance alone. The voice, the mannerisms and such remained the same before she was quickly, and childishly reformed by Twilight at the end of the finale. But, let me be clear, trying to understand this myself, it wasn't the gen four Starlight I was staring at.
No... It was much, much worse...
The mare in question frowned, utterly as perplexed. "Did... Did something happen to your facial features? You barely look recognizable."
...No.
Spotting something, I brushed past Starlight in my urgency to inspect the hung mirror, almost pressing my face against it to make out the face regarding me right back. A yellow pony, but looking more... More...
Old-school.
...No. No no no nononono... No.
This wasn't happening... It can't be...!
"What's your problem?" Starlight glared curiously at my downed expression, now opting to examine my own body by hoofs first. They seemed more... Bulkier, just like the rest of my body. Because I refused to downright call my new form 'fatter.' Just, more fitting now, like with Starlight here.
Adjusted to the styles of old gen MLP...
Starswirl, please tell you're there. I can't handle this travesty! First my friends being sucked by the wormhole, now this?! I'd rather the imbalance have torn me apart than this kind of unjust punishment!
The love of- I can hear your jumbled thoughts still, boy. Cease this needless panicking and get a grip of your own consciousness. Priorities first. Shut up, and allow me to concentrate if we have any intention on leaving.
Alright... Sorry, yes...
Still...
As Starlight turned towards the barred window, I continued inspecting myself with a heavy frown. Somehow, we've seem to have landed in a previous generation of the franchise. Which gen, I can't say. Downgraded animation, downgraded bodies, inferior... Pretty much everything.
Ugh, I feel dirty...
"We're in some kind of tower." Starlight informed from looking outside. "A dark castle surrounded by a storm. Tch, how original..." Despite our misfortune, I cracked a tiny smile at that. The unicorn glanced over to me seriously. "I suppose, if magic is out of the question, we should wait for someone to greet us."
"Agreed." Until, at least, Sombra has something we can use after his search. "In the meantime, we should draw up a plan to escape this place. And not just the castle, but the world imbalance has taken us to."
Starlight blinked, flatly. "I'm sorry? 'The world?' You're implying that this 'imbalance' of yours has taken us to another world entirely. Not just simply another part of Equestria." In answer, my hoof pointed towards the mirror, and the unicorn, slowly, turned to examine herself, suspicion shifting to shock. "What?!"
I nodded, admittedly a little satisfied at her uncomposed reaction. "Our bodies have changed to suit the rules of this world, sadly. And if you want to escape this predicament, we'll need to... What's that?" Sounds similar to that of giant birds flapping through the air, our attention turned to the window, the pair of moving to look outside by leaning forward against the bars.
...Oh.
"Dragons?" Starlight asked rather rhetorically, baffled with a tinge of nervousness. Couldn't blame her. And entire army of green large reptiles descending towards the castle, passing by our tower without sparing any glances, thankfully. "This place is a dominion to their kind?"
"Perhaps." Though that's yet to explain the pure, unadulterated darkness seeping through the walls, emanating the source from somewhere deep within the castle. I felt its presence, and it urged me to leave more quicker than later on.
And from the corner of my eye, a literal shadow rose from the floor. Expect company.
Dragons?
The tall shadow shook its head. Nothing that can't fit through that door. The ruler of this place has other guards aside from overcompensating reptilians. His main servant is escorting some prisoners your way.
And do we know who this supposed ruler is?
And from the tone, Sombra sounded disturbingly grim. Suffice to say, we should leave once the opportunity arises.
Vague and ominous... Someone's been hanging out with Starswirl too long.
Who, by the way, I was going to have a very long discussion with once this was over.
But in the meantime. "We're about to have company."
Starlight's glare shifted from the window my way. "And how do you know that?"
Ignoring which, I met the mare's stare dead-on. Much as it loathes me to admit it, since this was just as much fault to her as it was my own, Starlight was still far more trustworthy compared to many other MLP villains.
"Starlight, you can hold me responsible for ruining your plans, just as you can hold Twilight accountable for stopping your insanity back at that village." My hoof raised to interrupt the angered mare before she retorted. My own look was just as intense. "But now, we must place our difference aside, and cooperate, if we ever intend to leave."
Starlight sniffed. "And why should I indulge you? What's stopping me from leaving you here first chance I get?"
"The fact I'm your only way out of this, and back home."
"Tch." Light purple eyes rolled. "Trust one of Twilight's friends to be just as egotistical."
"Her special somepony in fact."
At such a revelation, the unicorn blanched. "That hardly improves anything! In fact, that just makes me even more reluctant to work with you! After everything you've done to squander my justice, after everything she's done to destroy my perfect utopia!"
"Your 'utopia,'" I bit out that particular word, "Which involved manipulation and forced idealism. Twilight and the rest reacted accordingly."
"By interfering where they aren't welcomed!"
"Coming from the one who imprisoned them in the first place! You expect they'll just bow to your whims like that?!"
Priorities.
Ugh...!
Inhaling, deeply, my own expression softened somewhat, in contrast to the furious stare all intended on yours truly. "But that's not the issue right now... We can cooperate, find Twilight and Spike, and return to Equestria, and THEN sort this all out afterwards. Like it or not, Starlight, we're in this together."
The look she was giving was distasteful scorn. It was almost adorable the way this unicorn was trying hard not to pout. But, eventually, Starlight huffed and rolled her eyes disbelieving. "Say I humour you, this one time alone, what do you have planned in mind, exactly?"
"Well now, our guests have arrived."
Ah, and we're finally greeted. Starlight and I snapped our heads in the direction of the rough male voice, originating from a grey-fur gargoyle-looking creature with human hands, ape feet, a belt, brown wings, mane and a snout. Accompanying him unwillingly were two ponies, chained together to his wrist. One was a pink Earth Pony with pink mane, the other a white unicorn with red hair, both with bowties affixed to their tails.
Any further proof this was a previous gen?
The gargoyle then proceeded to foolishly step forward and open the cell door, unfazed by two heated stares in contrast to two fearful looks by the other equines. The tall grey individual then pointed towards the doorway. "Let's go. Our Master is waiting for us."
Master? Starlight and I exchanged looks, before reluctantly following after the creature. And, as if absurd events weren't happening enough, running into the room was a small, bright pink dragon with green scales looking remarkably similar...
...Oh please don't tell me...
"Listen uh Scorpan. Can I come with ya next time, can I? Can I?" Ugh, the lizard's voice sounded as though it went through an overfilled blender.
"No Spike." The gargoyle creature answered sharply to the dragon's insistence-
"Spike? Scorpan?!" All eyes turned to my bewildered expression.
"Where are you taking us?" Starlight tried again for the fourth time, to no avail. Like Scorpan, the large burly guards, alligator-pig hybrid looking folk with spears, ignored us as much as he did, the winged man leading the escort of chained up ponies towards where their 'Master' waited.
And as we delved further inside, the darkness grew. It brought a shudder down my spine. I recognized those emotions. Sombra, Chrysalis, Tirek. Their own feelings of rage and hatred often spewed like angry volcanoes, fiery and threatening to consume all in its wake. The presence awaiting our arrival, however, couldn't be any more different.
This darkness was... Cold.
Sombra... Who exactly is their 'Master?'
Why spoil the surprise... In any case, be ready for a fight. Unlike Starlight, your unique magic shouldn't have been affected too badly by the imbalance, regardless how distorted the realities are.
Realities?
I can sense it. Walls between worlds are being torn apart. Dimensions stripping by the seams. Our presence here is beginning a negative impact over the worlds, we must be prepared for anything that imbalance throws in our direction. I will not have my world ripped apart.
Out of concern for your kingdom or your people?
...Pick one.
Wait... What?
But my internal conversation was unintentionally disrupted by Starlight leaning to my ear. "I don't get it." She whispered bafflingly, walking beside me as Scorpan and the guards proceeded guiding our chained selves down the corridors towards their ruler's domain. "Why doesn't Spike recognize us? Isn't he Twilight's pet?"
"Twilight's friend." I corrected, having made that error as such a long time ago, glancing over to the nervous dragon following behind the guards. "And I'm guessing that's this worlds version of Spike who's never met any Twilight as of yet."
"Oh Celestia, two Twilights?" The pink unicorn said in low incredulity. "I'd dread to imagine."
"Hm. Just don't go to the EQG world then after this."
"...'EQG?'"
"Be silent!" One of the burly guards croaked, five times our own size. And both Starlight and I glared in annoyance to our chains forcibly being pulled forward. The other two ponies with us, meanwhile, were whimpering worriedly.
"We'll be fine." I muttered lowly towards them, sending a small smile. "I'll get you out of here."
Starlight scoffed quietly. "I don't see how. You should worry about escaping your own chains first." She attempted another tug at her own imprisonment, before sighing in annoyed defeat. Rolling her eyes briefly, the mare gazed at me expectantly. "Alright, so, what do you intend to do? Wait until we meet their so-called 'master' before attempting to break out?"
"That's the plan."
"And...?"
"Beat down this master of theirs and free these ponies while I'm at it."
"...That's it?" Starlight stared disapprovingly, taking a moment to comprehend the explained strategy. "That's barely a plan at all. You intend to fight, and hope for the best? Give your special somepony credit, at least she seems more thorough with her planning by comparison."
I shrugged, wincing slightly at the harsh tug of the chain around my neck. "Not the best plan, I admit. Most of my ideas adapt depending on the situation."
"'Adapt.' So you simply intend to improvise, and take down a tyrannical ruler while you're at it."
A small sheepish smile. "Not the first time it's happened."
Sadly, that isn't false...
"I just need to know if you have my back on this Starlight."
The unicorn frowned in displeasure. "Don't expect any promises... What was your name again? What did Twilight call you?"
Something only she can address me as. "Stardust."
Starlight tilted her head skeptically, but shrugged. "Then, Stardust, if you want my help, I expect you to have my back in turn."
"Done."
This time, the mare blinked. "You trust me...?"
When you had the advantage that was future knowledge, indeed so. I smirked. "Well, typically it's not easy to earn my trust. But considering our circumstances, I have little choice, as do you. Think your magic still works in combat?"
"Don't insult me." Starlight curled her lips. "Just don't anticipate this partnership to last long. As soon as my full magic returns, your own safety is meaningless to me."
Whatever you say. "But in the meantime, let's continue working with one another as, shall we say, equals."
Subtle.
Finally, after seeming like we've walked for ages, our destination has been revealed to us, along with the cold deathly presence behind the large wooden doors. Without even knocking, Scorpan opened the aged creaking objects wide, the brutish guards shoving us forward along with another yank of the chains.
Ow. We're going we're going!
And the room itself... Yikes. Even Starlight shuddered somewhat from the corner of my eye. Darkness. Complete and utter darkness. Yet despite the little light pouring into the large freezing room, anyone could make out the black silhouette sitting by his or her throne, waiting for its 'guests' to make their appearance by its command.
And the emotions emerging from this ruler... Jesus.
Reminded me of Tirek moreso than anyone else...
...Was that a snort, Sombra?
"Master." Scorpan gestured, getting straight to the point, as the guards oh-so helpfully attached our chains in the ground before the throne. "I have brought the prisoners, as per your request."
The voice that responded, deep and foreboding, prompted my own heavy frown. "Aren't you forgetting something, Scorpan?" The man-beast genuflected obediently. "Much better." The voice purred in satisfaction. Oh, what an [BEEP]hole.
"Say what you will, at least you didn't expect ponies to bow for forgive- Oh wait." Starlight glared after my low mutter. The other equines continued whimpering still, cowering in blatant fear over whatever was to come.
The ruler, however, wasn't amused. "SILENCE!"
Christ. Indoor voice pal.
"So... He didn't lie to me after all. Two captured ponies... And two ponies from another land, gift wrapped for me." Say what now? Starlight and I exchanged befuddled expressions. Was this... Being expecting us. Before we could ask, however, the silhouette rose, the shadows hiding his form shifting away as though by magic - Probably the case - to reveal our host.
Who looked... Awfully familiar.
...Oh God.
This world's Scorpan's serving this goat-looking monstrosity.
Sombra... Tell me... It isn't...!
Indeed. The King probably nodded as he answered me with soberness. As malicious and merciless as the creature that once threatened Equestria, not too long ago. It appears fate expects us to face the past, over and over again. And now, we confront it in the form... Of Lord Tirek.
"Tirek..."
Starlight gasped, hearing that low growl. "T-Tirek...?" Right... I imagine not even her village was spared from Equestria Tirek's wrath.
Well... At least this confirmed this was, indeed, the first gen. Last I checked, gen one and four were the only ones with this monster making any appearances. Red torso and face, grey mane going downwards, facial hair, chest and lesser horns, with the grey centaur lower body. Yellow sinister eyes glaring evilly our way, expression all too serious.
He meant business.
As do we. Prepare to fight back.
Roger!
"On my signal..." Starlight said nothing to my whisper, staring intently back at the centaur villain, who wore a pouch around his neck, raising it upwards. Black energy was rampant, detected inside the pouch itself.
And he was about to use it on us!
Not a chance in Tartarus. Now Jack!
"Behold the power of-!" And, just like that, the pouch tore from his fiendish hands and snapped from his neck, landing onto the murky ground harmlessly. "What?!"
"Oh, I'm sorry." I stated, unapologetic, towards the enraged villain, raising my hoofs casually. "Balance Shockwaves aren't always so argument; I was aiming for the head." Joking aside, it was time to take advantage of this. Ripping the steel off my neck without much difficulty, my hind leg kicked one guard through the ribs and sent him flying, proceeding to free the others. "Run, now!" The two ponies turned to flee without protest, doing as they're told.
My friends could take notes.
Starlight, relieved to be free, muttered, "Finally." And used her own power with style, an advancing guard was hurled back by a blue magic into the stomach, smashing straight into a wall. Despite the weakened magic, Starlight was still an adept of it, and it shows. She knew this too, by the satisfied smugness on her face.
So smug, she almost got caught by another alligator-pig guard from behind her, if not for me. The unicorn whirled around in surprise, blinking as my hind leg swept the armoured creature by the feet and sent him spinning over her, landing in a heap on the floor roughly. No gratitude was expressed, though I doubt she'd have said anything as such, with Tirek loudly proclaiming in heated fury.
"Seize them!"
Starlight gasped as we turned to face the pointing tyrant. "Behind you!" And a magical blue beam fired over me, prompting my gaze to follow after it smacking into a certain feline creature that almost got the jump on me. Again, not perfected my power enough to sense all incoming danger.
But the real shocker from Starlight's apparent worry for me was the fact who almost attacked me and succeeded. From the darkness, the blue treasure hunter advanced, shaking off Starlight's assault with intense tiny eyes.
Ahiuzotl... Figures.
The fight only increased from thenon, two ponies against a group of giant guards, a massive feline and a gen one Tirek. Of course, the villain himself made no moves to fight, merely to observe, waiting for his slaves to do all the work before he swooped in. Unfortunately, for them, we were making the guards work for it. Balance and magic stood strong and unopposed, blasting and hitting anyone foolish enough to charge at us. Guards were sent flying, Ahiuzotl was made a mockery out of constantly. Without his pets, he was more bark than bite.
One guard, to my brief horror, was knocked back by one of Starlight attacks and nearly landed upon the standing gen one Spike. The little dragon barely had time to react. To my relief, however, Scorpan had enough heart to push said guard out of the way and guide a scared baby dragon out of the castle.
Knew it... There was light in that guy even I sensed.
Although, we were eventually forced back to back as more guards entered, Ahuizotl leading the group with a gleeful expression, matching that of the dumb[BEEP] guards. And from his throne, Tirek announced darkly, "This little amusement has proceeded long enough. Surrender little ponies, and I will make this painless as possible."
Starlight muttered behind me, "Somehow, I don't believe him..."
"Ditto..."
But help, as the guards approached even more forward, arrived in the most unexpected method: A wormhole appearing right beneath our hooves, and dragging our arses within.
And, this time, landing smack dab on the middle of a road. My hoof raised to block out the sudden evening shade of the setting sun, despite how dazed I was regarding what just happened. Of course, imbalance just appeared like an ex machima and took Starlight and I away, before Tirek and his goons could apprehend us.
The question being, where are we now?
"Ugh... Another one of those imbalances, I'm guessing?"
Sighing, I turned to face the unicorn-
...Oh.
Well, there dashes any hopes of being back in Equestria this time. Starlight still looked as though she was from an earlier gen, and I'm guessing as did I. Guess the signs were already clear; this place we've landed looked like no town I've seen before. And last I recall, only Manehatten had this type of road we stood upon; reserved usually for transportation only. This town was... Quiet. Reserved, but cheerful, the atmosphere was palpable; light decorated this place and its inhabitants with a soft blanket.
...Well, certainly beats a moody castle run by a sinister ruler bent on world domination. Was starting to get sick of those.
Starswirl, you there this time?
To my dismay, another voice answered, The imbalance continues causing interference. The old prune is good, but not skillful enough to break through the barriers of all dimensions, especially when being blocked by a malicious force. We're on our own, for now.
[BEEP]. And here I was hoping to get some answers...
Indeed. Now, I strongly recommend we begin seeking shelter.
Why- Ah.
That was quickly answered by a drop of water plopping smack-dab on my nose, prompting me to look upwards. As if by magic, dark clouds hovered over the skies, blocking out the sunset with little difficulty. Sombra was right, shelter was needed. I'm sensing a huge storm on the wake.
"Look at me when I'm talking to you." Hm? The pink unicorn roughly spun me around, light purple eyes glaring in pure irritation. Heh, she was practically pouting. "We're not in Equestria still. That's a given. So, do you have any way of summoning any more of those wormholes popping up wherever we go?"
"...Why?"
Starlight rolled her eyes. "To get our way back, of course. Obviously any other method of transportation is futile. Now answer my question." Sorry my dear. I have no clue. As I shook my head, the mare scoffed disbelievingly. "Figures. Right then, if you'll excuse me."
Hm? "And where are you going?"
"Finding a magic hole to take me back home, of course. I don't intend on looking like this-" Gesturing to the features of her body. "- For very long, nor tolerate your insufferable presence any longer than I need to."
Oh how charming. Unfortunately, I know I couldn't let the mare out of my sight. Without moving from the spot, I called out to the departing Starlight. "Implying the imbalance won't rip you apart, or take you to the center of the sun next. You honestly want to take that chance?"
Starlight glanced over her shoulder. "Oh spare me the melodramatics. I have no reason to stick around with you any longer. Our partnership at that castle is no longer needed." That's a shame. Loathe as I am to admit it, we did make a decent team just before. "I don't need your help any longer, especially when you were the cause for-"
I noticed it before she did. "Look out!" And with enough speed, pushed the gasping unicorn to the side along with me, barely missing the large vehicle before it impacted into the mare's unsuspecting front. The pair of us rolled onto the pavement with inelegance, quickly rising to stand and place my fedora back on.
Starlight, however, smacked the offered hoof away and stood up herself. "I'm not your precious Princess; I don't need the chivalry." The unicorn dusted herself off, glaring at the fading away machine. "What was that...?"
"Looked like a bus."
"A... 'Bus?'"
"Transportation usually for people without cars, and taking kid- young ponies to school." This was odd. A generation which used legit methods of transport like buses?
Huh... Looking around now, I finally spotted the among of parked cars next to the small houses in this suburban-looking town. Interesting.
"And that thing almost hit us!"
"You're welcome."
Starlight stared heatedly at my dry look, lips curling in displeasure. "I didn't need your help. I don't need your help. I'm not so helpless as to rely on others like your friends are!" Uh-huh. Whatever you say. "For that matter, why even help me? I tried to ruin your marefriend's life! No, you know what, don't answer that. It just only proves how gullible everyone close to those mares truly are." And with that, the unicorn promptly turned and proceeded to walk down the pavement without so much a farewell.
God dammit. I refrained from smacking her upright the head for such insolent words. "I recommend we find shelter, and wait until morning before continuing the search." Hopefully, if we're lucky, either Spike or Twilight, or both, were also trapped in this world so we can meet up.
Hopeful moreso, if they somehow returned home before we did.
But then, you would be contemplating on delusional hope.
I know...
Starlight, meanwhile, was beginning to yell, unable to hide her frustration's limit any longer. "I told you, I don't need your assistance!"
The storm had other plans. As soon as the mare claimed that, a flash of lightning spawned a thousand rain, and we were completely drenched in no time flat. And from that, I heard Starlight sigh in pure, utter hopelessness.
Yep, karma's a [BEEP].
Not the best shelter to sleep the night, but we had to make due.
You know those bus stops with small roofs and walls? Yeah, one of those. Keeping a respectable distance from one another, Starlight and I leaned back against the walls in attempt to rest, Starlight taking the small bench of course. Although getting to sleep was probably the biggest issue we had to face today.
Combined with rain, gusts of wind and how freezing it was, even with this cape on, it was going to take awhile to rest. Not even the first trip to the Crystal Empire was this daunting in terms of enduring the cold. From the side, though she tried to hide it, Starlight was chattering her teeth and shivering all over, attempting to sleep quicker than I was.
Gentleman instincts took over.
But Starlight dismissed the offered fabric, snarling. "I don't need your soaking wet cape, I can sleep just fine!"
Smirking, I responded in good humour, "Fair enough. I'll wait until you're asleep then."
She snorted, relaxing herself on the bench. "Why bother? After everything I've tried to do against your friends, surely Twilight told you what happened at my village?"
Ignoring the disdain in the tone, I nodded. "Oh yes. How you brainwashed all those ponies to follow a flawed path to an ideology."
"Don't act so high and mighty." Starlight retorted evenly. "Brainwash? My society was perfection itself. So what if I deceived those ungrateful ponies a little? Without me, they would've been outshone by others showing off their cutie marks. And now, thanks to your meddling Princess and her friends, that's a reality."
"...You really hate cutie marks, don't you?"
"The only mind-controlled ones are deluded by the idea that cutie marks are essentially to becoming equals."
"Then we may have something in common there."
"I- Excuse me?"
Grinning at Starlight's blinking reply, I clarified, "You're not the only one who despises cutie marks. Except, our reasoning's are far different. Your disdain was born out of frustration and bitterness over a past event, mine spawning from disgust and disagreement over what they represent."
Purple eyes narrowed, albeit dangerously. But, seriously, I wasn't under any threat at the present moment. "Don't try to understand me Stardust. You know absolutely nothing about me."
"I know more than you think."
"I sincerely doubt that."
"You know, it's funny. Twilight calls me a pessimist from time to time, but yet, I seem to the one displaying more maturity between us over your attempts of sounding intimidating."
"Oh please." Starlight rolled her eyes, expression turning flat. "I'm not the one who screamed for Twilight and her pet dragon numerous times just before like a child."
"It's called 'concern for others.' Maybe you should try it."
A heavy frown. "Insinuating I never cared for the ponies in that town? If I didn't care, I never would have bothered showing them the true meaning of equality in the first place."
"Shame you never showed it to yourself."
"My idea was just!"
"It was dictatorship!" I was growing just as frustrated as the mare before me, both our eyes narrowing in this heated exchange. "You lied to them. You enforced an ideal that you refused to even follow, you damn hypocrite!"
"The village was peaceful because of me! They were happy!"
"They're STILL happy! You don't need to have the same mark on your arse to be friends with one another! Twilight and the rest have proven that!"
"Ugh! It always come down to them, doesn't it? Twilight and those girls certainly are the pinnacle of perfect friendships, aren't they? We can't all be like them, some of us have to take different paths to making friends!"
The glare competition lasted for a good moment. By God, why was this mare chosen to be Twilight's student again? Even Sunset, as a villain, wasn't so childish and intolerable. I still stand by that Sunset should've been Twilight's pupil instead of this narrow-minded unicorn. I mean really, what makes Starlight different than all the others Twilight helped realize the importance of friendship?
She's good with magic... That's it.
Slowly, the unicorn turned away, beginning to rest her head upon the bench in vain attempt of comfyness. "I see all of Twilight's friends are needlessly stubborn..."
"And those who aren't display remarkable recklessness."
Now there's the pot addressing kettle, as I believe this saying goes.
"Says the stallion who foolishly fought a throne room full of guards and an alternate Lord Tirek."
That, at least, I smirked to. "And you joined in. You could've ran when you had the chance, but you didn't. I think that speaks for itself."
A scoff answered me. "Don't dwell too much on it. You're potentially needed because of your familiarity of this force taking us to other worlds, with Twilight elsewhere." Damn, she and Sombra would be the best of friends.
I resent that train of thought. I do not needlessly whine about things refusing to go my way.
Because everything goes your way, right?
Insolent sarcasm aside, indeed.
...
...
...Anyway, tomorrow, while we seek out a way back, we should check if Twilight or Spike are here. The imbalance left a lingering trail in this world too, and it's affecting my own magic. I was lucky to have even fought that battle just earlier.
Twilight... Spike... I'll find you both. To the ends of the Earth if need be.
A voice spoke up from behind, as though hearing my thoughts. "You really think we'll find them before returning home?"
Without looking at her, my gaze was fixed to the grey sky and pattering rain before replying. "Yep."
"...And if we don't?"
"Then I'll keep looking. You can go back if you get the chance, but I'm not going home without my family."
How sentimentally vomiting that is. Odds are they won't be too difficult to locate, with the sheer number of conveniences that makes up for 'story' among all these universes. We'll find them soon, I'm certain.
...Closest you've gotten to comforting me yet, Sombra. Thank you.
Starlight, however, made no such response, but her own emotions were easier to detect than her hidden facial expressions. Fear, worry, uncertainty... Curiosity. Sunburst's unwilling departure from his childhood friend left more scars than the show implied, I gather. Was the idea of someone being so selfless as to devote the rest of his life seeking out the ones he loves really that alien to the mare?
Right now, guess so.
I would recommend contemplating further in the morning. We'll require full strength with this constant battle against the distortion to Balance. Right. And Sombra released one last hollow statement as I shifted to rest properly, likely staring at the outside world himself while saying this. A storm is coming. I sense it. One stronger than the physical realm. Our greatest challenge may be upon us... You have your work cut out for you, Jack...
To be continued...