//------------------------------// // Ch. 6: Rushed // Story: Surrender // by Saekwaka //------------------------------// Ever since Twilight casted the Ticking Time-Trick spell, Rarity has been stuck on a deep depression, replaying the words Twilight said just before casting it. "The Time-Trick spell is something of a time control method. It allows the caster to manipulate time for as long a period they charge for. It says here that it should take months to master, but I doubt I will need that much time."  "That's great, Twilight!" Rarity said. "Er, now, why does it need to charge again? And, when you say 'manipulate,' what all features does that include?" Rarity asked. She never really meant to walk into Twilight's explanation, but at the time, she was very curious and forgot about her original errand. "It must charge, otherwise, the spell will be incomplete, causing some sort of 'count-off.' That doesn't sound so bad, whatever that is; and anyway, the count-off will only happen if 'directed at a breathing vessel.' I've already tried looking up the definition for those phrases, but none of the terms seem in any way connected. As for the different usages, I'm allowed to control how fast or slow time will pass, and only I'll be fully aware of the time lapse. I could even pause time if I wanted to!" Twilight said, turning a page in her notebook before continuing. "Depending on how much power I put into the spell, the timing could go very fast or very slow. A great amount of power will fast forward time, and a small amount of power will slow it. Oh, this is so exciting! I think I've almost read enough about this to finally try it." "You mentioned earlier that this should take months to master. Are you quite certain that you're prepared to er, what was it? Fully charge the spell?" Rarity began retreating towards the door. "Oh, Rarity! Usually I'm the one who worries about these details. This time, though, I'm sure I'll be able to do it right. After all, how else will I master the spell besides practicing it? I've already read all the sections on it. I just need to study my notes a bit." "Well, I suppose you're right." Rarity paused, then suddenly remembered the reason for her arrival. "Do you mind if I borrow one of your baking books? Sweetie Belle will not stop begging me to do something with her, so I figure she ought to learn how to cook." "Sure thing, Rarity." Twilight said, not looking up from her notes. "Thank you, Twilight. I'll return it tomorrow." Rarity sighs at her bad-timed mistake. I could have chosen any other day. She thinks, then shudders at the remainder of her memory. Rarity's Return The next day, Twilight's anxiety and excitement made her forget about Rarity's trip back. She read the last few words on the book's page before shutting it, and announcing: "Done!" With Spike out getting more quills, right then should have been the perfect time to practice her spell in order to prevent an accidental "count-off." Whatever that was, at any rate, shouldn't have been a problem for Twilight since everypony and dragon was away. Rarity returned to Twilight's library to give back the cook book. She knocked. Twilight concentrated, not able to hear the knock over the sound of the spell. I think I'll just create a slow-down, since that seems easiest. Okay, I think that's enough charging. The room radiated a brilliant, yellow light just as Rarity walked in to place the book back where she'd found it. Her only few words were muffled by a high pitched screech that only Twilight, and strangely, Rarity could hear. "Oh!" Rarity cringed as a blast of the golden time spell hit her. The impact of the hit sent her tumbling back against the now closed door. Twilight slowly regained her stance, then grimaced at the mess around her. Great. She thought, sarcastically. That was a complete waste of my time and my energy! She stomped down the stairs to view the even bigger mess, and, to find Rarity unconscious against the door of the library, head rested back. Rarity sat with her hind legs completely on the ground and her front two holding up the front of her; or rather, they would be, if she weren't slouching against the door.  Twilight gasped at the sight. Speeding down the stairs for her friend, she felt a long, painful sting of dread. I wasn't alone when the spell took effect, and I never even found out what a "count-off" was! Oh, no... Rarity moaned and crinkled her brow, then, cringed once again with pain. Twilight gaped at the golden, circular symbol glowing on her chest.  Count-Off Begin: Please Select Desired Date. The words scrambled after the circle, then, breaking the silence of the room, loud clicks echoed throughout the library. This would be temporary, Twilight knew, but she wasn't sure about the count-off. Ten Seconds Before Ending Life Sequence. Please Select Desired Date. Panic shot through Twilight before she shouted, "Twenty years!" The golden letters dissapeared, and Rarity moaned once again upon awakening. "Twilight," she groaned. "What happened?" Twilight pinned her ears against her head, then mumbled quietly her next answer, as if she were afraid of speaking. "I messed up." Rarity's Reflections: Diary Entry I am not mad at Twilight for her mistake; well, at least, not anymore. Ever since that day, she studied as much as she could about the condition. When I found out exactly what a "count-off" was, and my parents found out, fear struck all of us. Sweetie Belle is forced to stay at Fluttershy's for now since my parents are afraid of Twilight; and since Sweetie refuses to return home. Someday, they'll pull her out of Ponyville; I'm sure. I hate this curse. Each day marks a closer end to my life. The count-off will continue to tick until it kills me. From what Twilight has told me, the count-off is going slowly because of the manipulation type she used. As far as I can see, I am very lucky that she did not use the speed spell, which would have killed me with no warning. I would be gone in an instant. But, since the slow spell was used, I have the remaining nine-teen years of my life to live. All that I must do is wait for Twilight to find a cure that can stop the count-off without stopping my breath; but waiting is beginning to hurt. She told me not to worry, that there must be some element or medicine that exists in Equestria strong enough to fix this. There must be, she insisted on it. I hope she is correct. I hope she can fix this. I hope... She told me that we should inform Spike after informing the others. I disagreed. After Hearts Warming, I just couldn't. He mustn't find out until the time comes. Even though the other five know, he cannot. I realized then that while my friends will be stricken with grief, he will be stricken with despair. I can't sour his years with my problem; he's just so young. Though he is growing fast, - as a young dragon should - I shouldn't ruin his childhood. He needs to grow without all this sadness.  As revolting as it may seem for me to say this, I think I rather like Spike. If he were older, I daresay I'd enjoy spending more quality time with him. Alas, he is a child, and I am not. It would be disturbing to mix with him while he's so young. Oh, what am I saying? Even if he does grow faster than me, he's still technically younger. I shouldn't be such a school-pony; gushing like that! And now, before dying, I still allow myself to break his heart while I write down my feelings like a filly. Right now, I'm unsure of what might hurt him more: the truth, or the moment of death. What's worse, I know there isn't a lot else to say to any of this, besides: "Spike, I'm so sorry..." Rarity whispers, then shuts the book to avoid the pages being flooded with tears.