//------------------------------// // 50 Consequences // Story: The Line Between Fire and Light // by Stolenalicorn //------------------------------// The next few weeks were an interesting adaptation. This Rainbow Dash was just as competitive as the one living in Ponyville, but she was less focused on sports as she was on games. Though she would never turn down the opportunity to play a sport, particularly when competing with herself. And had even admitted to James that she had a crush on Applejack. She was a more agile flier but not as fast, her fight against James was her second Sonic Rainboom ever and even she didn't know how she pulled it off once she finally believed that she did it. Twilight was growing more concerned as she saw what was happening, she had watched it before as Fluttershy housed the breezies. Though James wasn't as overly hospitable as Fluttershy had been he was still giving Rainbow Dash's counterpart exactly what she wanted: her Pops back. As long as he filled that role she wasn't going to leave. And worse, she wasn't going to get over his death. First she needed to figure out how to tell James what he was doing was probably hurting her more than it was helping her. It was obviously his guilt that drove him to let her stay and she needed someone who could break it to him gently. Fluttershy seemed the natural choice to tell him, though everyone else would be there as support for her. Rainbow Dash's counterpart was the first one they encountered as they went to meet with James. “Heyya. How's it going?” She casually asked as she walked along beside them. It was rather awkward as they intended to tell James that she needed to leave, but someone had to say something. “I've got this girls.” Rainbow Dash said as she looked to her counterpart. “I could use some practice with my AC, you up to a few rounds while the girls talk with James?” Rainbow Dash's counterpart smiled and nodded. “Only if you're ready to lose.” She said as they flew off together. Applejack sighed as they left. “That was mercifully easy.” She said as they continued to James's study. “Let's just hope it's this easy to get James to send her home.” “We can only hope.” Starlight said. After her experience in James's subconscious she had doubts about anything that involved James's guilt. James heard the group approaching long before he heard the knock at his door. “Come on in.” He still had work to do, but it wouldn't be a problem to take a break. Fluttershy led the group in as James finished putting the paperwork away and covertly reached into his bottom drawer. Who keeps taking my butterscotch? “Hello.” Fluttershy quietly said, she was nervous about what she had to tell him, not just because of how much it may hurt Rainbow Dash, but because she didn't know how James felt about the idea. But Rainbow Dash needed to come to terms with Pops being gone, and she couldn't do that here. She saw the copy of the friendship journal Twilight had given him on his desk, that would definitely help. “I thought that maybe I could talk to you for a minute.” She timidly said. “Of course.” James said with a smile. “Any time.” He carefully tucked away the list of grief counselors he was researching into the main drawer of his desk before she could see it sitting on the desk. Fluttershy carefully took the friendship journal from his desk and found the entry she needed. “I'm worried about you and Rainbow Dash.” She carefully said as she put the book down, open to the appropriate page. “I know you want her to feel safe and cared for, but that might not be what she needs right now.” She didn't want to hurt his feelings, especially since he cared so much. The context clues were more than enough to spell it out to him. “I know, Fluttershy.” He sighed. “It's just … I'm the one who hurt her. Shouldn't I at least help her feel better?” Fluttershy smiled gently at him. “She did need you for a bit. She was sad angry when she came here and you made her happy again. But your part in helping her is over, and she needs to go home. To face the truth that her friend is gone.” James weakly smiled as he looked to her. “I guess it was so hard telling Sara and Amber that their father was gone that I couldn't bring myself to do it with her friend.” Fluttershy put her hoof on James's hand. “But he is gone, and she needs to deal with that. And she can't do that here.” James chuckled a bit as he looked to her. “I really am just a foolish old man.” He said, his mind going back to the list. Even if she did go talk to the grief counselors he would recommend, coming back to him would undo any progress they may have made. As long as she was here she could just replace Pops with him and live in this delusion. “No.” Fluttershy gently said, looking James in the eye. “You're our friend, and hers too. And that means helping in the best way you can, even if it seems cruel.” “It's not as easy as just getting her home though.” James said as he turned to his cabinets behind him. Opening them up he brought out a blue and black capsule and placed it on the desk he had just been sitting at. “You just need to be strong.” Fluttershy reassured, she knew he could do this. No matter how guilty he felt about it he needed to do this to help her. “It's not that. This capsule belongs to Luna. She had to get it from her somehow, either she had help … or she stole it. Neither situation is exactly good.” James explained as he looked to the capsule. “It was obviously one or the other when she came here since I don't show up there for a few years yet. And given Luna's opinion of me when I left, I'm pretty sure she stole it.” “She stole it from Princess Luna?” Twilight gasped. Rainbow Dash had only ever tried to steal once before and it was a book she only wanted to finish then return. James nodded, he felt that it must be more of his influence possibly his history as a pirate given Rainbow Dash's fascination with them. “When she goes back, she'll possibly be facing criminal charges because of me. That's assuming they don't try to add more because of why she came back. I can't send her on her way facing that possibility.” The room was silent as they realized that she faced such a reception. “But she has to.” Applejack eventually said. “Can't you go with her and explain that you forgive her for what she wanted to do to you?” “I can ask Luna to be lenient on her, but ultimately it's her decision.” James said as he looked to the girls in his study. “I did have a few reasons for putting this off.” “You need to do this.” Twilight said as she walked up to him. “For her if not yourself.” “We'll be here for you, James.” Rarity said with a smile. “Actually if you want to come along, you can.” James calmly said. Pinkie Pie inhaled deep and smiled wide eyed at James. There were only so many things this could mean, and all of them were exciting. “Aren't there laws saying we can't come, or wouldn't be allowed to remember?” Twilight asked, clearly remembering what Tenyo had told her years ago. “There were.” James explained. “But because of how much I've influenced your world it's been decided that it would be better for me to guide your culture as it develops. Besides yours could be a much needed voice in the future, and it's my job to make sure you know what's coming.” “Really?” Twilight was astonished, not only was it okay for them to now go to other worlds, but they were going to be part of a greater community, at least they would be eventually. This was almost too much to take in. That's when it struck her. The map had already sent them to New Guardia, could it actually mean friendship quests might even extend to worlds beyond? Even with her school how would they be able to handle it? What would it mean for Equestria to have a voice in this galactic community? This was officially too much and Twilight began to hyperventilate. *** Rainbow Dash's counterpart didn't have her gamer profile here so Pops had let her use his. Unfortunately that also meant she had to rebuild her Armored Core from everything Pops had. Rainbow Dash was ready long before her counterpart. “Come on.” Rainbow Dash complained after just over a minute. “You're taking forever. Are you building it from scratch?” “Yes.” Her counterpart answered. “Unless you want me to use Pops' ACs.” “You know he's not Pops, right?” Rainbow Dash asked, cutting to the heart of the issue. Her counterpart paused as she was selecting parts. “… Yeah. I know he's not, but he is at the same time.” “How's that?” Rainbow Dash asked. “He's still my friend, he's got the same laugh, the same jokes, the same problems. He just remembers things different than Pops.” Her counterpart said, setting to work coloring the AC. “But he's also a little different. He helped make my sisters and I who we are, but you and your friends changed him. … James's not as sad as Pops. James helps you, Pops saved us. I'm actually kind of jealous of what you and Pops have.” She had finished a while ago, now was as good a time as any to get the fight going. “What?” Rainbow Dash asked as she saw her counterpart's AC come rolling out on four spider-like legs. “Why wouldn't you go with a flying build? It's so much cooler.” “Because it doesn't drift like yours will.” Her counterpart said as she launched a volley of missiles her way. “And I can carry heavier weapons.” Rainbow Dash boosted out of the way of the missiles and began firing as she strafed around the arena. If she kept moving she didn't have to worry about the drawbacks of the flying rig. However the sudden directional change her counterpart made brought her in close enough to land a devastating hit with her sword. Her counterpart was having a harder time maneuvering than she expected as she too preferred flying builds. Looking cool was important, but winning felt so much better. And the weight restrictions that flying builds had made them carry less weapons and lighter armor. She held the advantage in nearly every aspect here. *** James sat beside Twilight on the couch rubbing her back as the girls comforted her. They'd just managed to get her breathing under control. “Don't worry Twilight.” James calmly said. “If that happens it won't be for centuries. Remember, New Guardia disappeared from your map once their mission was done. It was probably my personal connection to Equestria and all of you triggering a temporary expansion.” “Besides Twilight, centuries means that you don't have to worry about it. And the school will have grown so there will be plenty of creatures to take on the friendship missions.” Rarity said, while it wasn't the best way to put it, if it helped that was enough. “Well …” James added a little uncomfortably. “Judging by the limited number of Alicorn I've seen. It's possible that Twilight will eventually stop aging and live indefinitely.” That did not help. “What?!” Twilight blurted out, not really understanding how James came to that conclusion. “It seems that way. Celestia has ruled for over one thousand one hundred and eleven years. She wasn't born ruling so let's add a couple years onto that. Only a few years ago Luna was banished to the moon, assuming it was some kind of suspended animation where she didn't experience the thousand years that would put her age at a conservative century plus. Do either of them look to be even close to fifty?” James calmly said. Things were changing so fast! Twilight was suddenly faced with the thought of losing her friends to old age as she watched, helpless to do anything about it. Was this something Celestia had to live with? How many close friends had she lost to the inevitability of time? She tried to comfort herself with the knowledge that she would still have Celestia and Luna. There was Cadence and Flurry Heart too … but not Shining Armor. She looked up at James, he had told her he was over five hundred years old. How did he cope? She knew that Liara would live for over a thousand years, but would Lucca and Tali eventually die and leave him alone? Or were they like him and would live on? What about his daughters? James smiled down at her and placed his hand on her back. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to give you an existential crisis. I've got a lot on my mind and I'm babbling to keep myself distracted. Let's focus on what's coming. This is a baby step, but it's still the first time anyone from your world will be traveling to a world beyond this one. You'll be seeing some of the weirdness and complexity of parallel universe travel. Particularly what Rainbow Dash is going through right now. Realizing that there's more of you out there and understanding that none of them are exactly the same.” James was barely thinking as he spoke. “Gee.” Applejack said, her mind still fully on the possibility that Twilight would just stop aging at some point. “I'd never actually thought about that before. I just assumed that we'd all kind of grow old together.” “Not if I have anything to say about it.” James calmly said. Everyone turned to face him, each with a shocked expression on their face. Fluttershy shook her head as she remembered James's sense of humor. “Would you please rephrase that. It sounded horrible.” She scolded gently. James paused as he thought, honestly she was correct and he had chosen the worst way to say it. “What I meant is that none of you will be growing old if I can help it.” “That's better.” Fluttershy said with a smile before realizing what he said. “How would you do that?” Having to focus on something else James had stopped babbling. “It's part of why medical is building an Equestrian database. Once we have sufficient information we can modify the process that made my family ageless for use in Equestria. But it will have to be limited at first, I still can't just give you technology.” “I think you've put this off long enough James.” Twilight said, bouncing back to why they were even here in the first place. And she really wanted to stop thinking about outliving her friends. “If you want one of us to come with you while you take her back and talk to Princess Luna, we will.” “I'm okay with whoever wants to come. It can be all of you if you want to.” James said as he looked around the group. “But isn't your time machine only big enough for three?” Rarity asked, recalling the only time she'd ever even seen it. “You each may know a lot about me. But none of you know everything yet.” James said with a half smile. “Now let's go find Rainbow Dash.” *** The girls marveled at the Einherriar as they waited for the Epoch engine to build it's power. It was easy for them to forget that James's Castle, Truce, and everywhere they had been when visiting James so far had been on a gigantic space station with an artificial environment. But here there was no mistaking The ship they now sat inside of was equally impressive to them. They sat around a table in the forward lounge drinking beverages from other worlds with flavors none of them could place. The lights were dimmed leading visitors to more often look out the large windows as the stars slowly moved past. Rainbow Dash's counterpart was just as transfixed by the sights as they were. No matter how often she saw this it was still amazing. Unfortunately she couldn't silence her worries about going home. She knew at least she was in trouble with Celestia, that would definitely put her at odds with Princesses Twilight and Luna. Not a good start to giving over the Epoch that had been stolen for her. “So what do you think Saddlebrook is going to be like?” Pinkie excitedly asked as they waited. “From what James said it's a lot like Canterlot, but much bigger.” Twilight answered. “Yeah, and with a big section in the clouds where the weather factory equipment makes specialized weather and clouds for pegesi. Since we're better than the Station's environmental systems for that sort of thing.” Rainbow Dash's counterpart said, happy for something to distract her from her predicament. She'd been there a few times since her parents lived in the clouds above Saddlebrook. “Really though, one city for all of Equestria?” Rarity asked, not believing one city could accommodate that many. “While it is only the one city there are towns and villages too. But ponies also live in the other cities too, like Truce and Newer Home. … The idea we'd ever take back Equestria ended quickly once Celestia moved into New Guardia castle. It kinda signaled that this was home now.” Rainbow Dash's counterpart explained, taking another drink. “Attention everyone:” Came an announcement over the PA system. “Brace yourselves for universal shift in thirty seconds.” “Universal shift?” Twilight asked as she turned to Rainbow Dash's counterpart. She'd heard an announcement about it earlier but she was invested in another conversation at the time. “Like going between worlds?” “Yeah, since world can mean any number of things Pops usually just says universes.” She said offhanded. Pinkie Pie giggled. “This is going to be fun. I love the feeling like were falling when we're not.” Pinkie Pie happily screamed as they shifted to the new universe. Twilight noticed the stars appeared to have moved once they finished the shift. This was interesting, but she could wait to ask James about it. There was so much to learn now, things that were once preposterous were now possible. Though this really was a baby step, while it was a world beyond New Guardia it was still New Guardia. Not long after they seemed to have come to a stop James walked into the lounge and approached them. “Alright, I've contacted Luna and informed her of the situation. We're just waiting on her decision about whether or not to allow us to enter.” He said taking a seat at the table that had been pushed together. “Wait.” Rainbow Dash's counterpart said as she looked his way. “Can't you just teleport over there like you did … last time …” The memory was still very uncomfortable and she felt a measure of disgust in herself for not avenging Pops. “I could, but that would be both rude and threatening. Also, if she's followed my advice she's changed the access protocols and we need those to bring the ship in to dock.” James explained as a crew member approached him with a steaming cup of tea. They continued to talk until James's comm badge alerted him. “Sir, Reagent Luna wishes to speak in person aboard the Einherriar before making her decision.” James touched the badge and spoke. “No problem, I'll go meet her in Transport three.” He quickly finished his drink before smiling at the girls. “Would you care to accompany me to meet with Luna?” *** “I appreciate your visit James, but don't you believe it is a bit soon still?” Luna said as she stepped off the transporter pad. “I had to bring Rainbow Dash back. She left on this day, though I believe she said that she left in the morning.” James explained as he nodded to her. Luna stopped briefly as she took stock of the group meeting her. “Forgive me, I am so used to James being around you girls that I often forget that it's not the case in most universes.” She said looking to each pony attending. “And which Rainbow Dash is returning?” Rainbow Dash's counterpart hung her head as she stepped forward. “That would be me, Princess.” Her tone was downcast as no matter how much her new friends had reassured her that she would be fine she knew that was not going to be the case. “Thank you. Now, would you be so kind as to tell me what it is that you've done?” Luna said, addressing her directly. Rainbow Dash's counterpart really felt the pressure now. She had expected James to have already told her and all she would have to do is agree, this was too much to deal with at once. Her stomach did flips as she tried to think of the right words to even begin talking. Her breathing quickened as her mind tried to think of ways to cover up what it had been. Applejack put her hoof on her back and nodded. This was why they were here, to give their friend support so she could do the right thing. The gesture did bring her some comfort, and as she hunted for the right words she came to understand the truth of her actions for herself. “Princess Luna.” She hesitantly said. “I … I blackmailed Princess Celestia into using her contacts to steal the Epoch from you so I could go back and confront James. In my mind I wanted to kill him … but the truth is that I wanted him to kill me.” There was an audible gasp from the gathered ponies save Luna who stoically looked on as Rainbow Dash's counterpart confessed. And she wasn't done yet. “I knew from the beginning that my desire for revenge would be the end of me, and that's why I was willing to do what I did. Because I felt that it was already over, I just had to go meet it. I've done horrible things to you and your sister, I intended to force a good man to kill me, and worst of all … I betrayed all of my friends. Even the friends that I just made.” Luna's face softened as Rainbow Dash's counterpart finished speaking. “Rainbow Dash, I understand what anger and sorrow can lead one to do. I spent a thousand years banished to the moon for my crimes as Nightmare Moon all to learn a lesson that you so clearly have. That our friends and family are more valuable than our own wants and desires. And that we must forgive those who hurt us.” Luna smiled as she turned to James. “I am glad that you are the man that you are James. It would have hurt some very special girls had she died, especially at your hands.” Rainbow Dash's counterpart looked up, not knowing what to expect now. Truthfully, she had expected to face a lot more anger and possibly even being taken away in chains immediately. “I can forgive you for what you've done to me and clearly James has forgiven you what you intended to make him do, but you must face the others you've wronged and ask for their forgiveness. You will accompany me to Saddlebrook castle where you will meet with each and explain your actions to them. And I would like to invite the rest of you to accompany me assuming your restriction to traveling to other worlds is not still in effect.” James smiled at her. “They're free to accompany us. A lot has happened since the last time we talked.” *** Scootaloo ran as fast as she could into Truce, she needed to find Twilight, either one. They were good with magic, maybe they could find out where Rainbow Dash was. She didn't want to try the Sorcerer's Guild just yet, Rainbow Dash may have not gone far yet. How could she just leave like this? “Twilight!” Scootaloo shouted as she came running into her reading room. “Rainbow Dash is gone! All she left was this note!” She was holding herself together, but just barely as she was terrified that she wouldn't get to see her big sister again. Twilight's eyes went wide as she heard the announcement. “Let me see that.” She said as she took the note and read it through. “Rainbow Dash …” She quietly said as the impact of the note hit her. “We just want to help you. Why can't you let us?” “We have to find her!” Scootaloo insisted, getting nose to nose with Twilight. “We'll try, but New Guardia is much larger than Equestria. We'll do everything we can, but it's possible that we may not be able to find her.” Twilight explained. She wanted to tell Scootaloo it would be alright, that they'd find Rainbow Dash before the end of the day, but she couldn't get her hopes up because of how much more it would hurt if they didn't find her. “Can't you and the Princess find her with your magic?” Scootaloo was getting more desperate as she thought about it. First Pops had died, now Rainbow Dash was gone too, possibly forever. Her family was falling apart before her eyes. “We can try, but if she's gone to another world magic won't help us.” Twilight said calmly. “But we do need to find her. I'll go talk to the Princess, you get everyone else and start searching Truce.” Scootaloo nodded and ran off as Twilight went to search for her princess counterpart. *** Pinkie Pie gasped as she heard the news, she knew that things were hard for Rainbow Dash, but running away was just too much. “I'll start asking around. If anyone in Truce has seen Rainbow Dash we'll know.” She said as she ran off, leaving Scootaloo alone in Truce's town square. Scootaloo had also enlisted Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to help her get everyone together but as she talked to more and more people she couldn't help but feel that they may never find her. Her pace slowed even as Truce started to get into action. What did Rainbow Dash hope to find out there that she couldn't find with her friends? Why had she left in the middle of the night? Scootaloo sat on a nearby bench and looked off into space, hoping but not believing that her sister would come back soon. Tears welled up in her eyes as she slowly lost her composure. Apple Bloom was the first to find her sitting and looking more depressed than she had been the day Pops died. Not that she couldn't understand, Pops had been the only father Apple Bloom had ever known and if Applejack were to run off without warning she would feel abandoned too, even with Big Mac still around. She walked over and sat next to her crying friend. “How're you holding up?” She gently asked. Tears streaked Scootaloo's face as she looked to Apple Bloom. “I'm not.” She choked out. “We've lost Pops, and now Rainbow Dash has run off and she might not even come back. How long until you and Sweetie Belle go too? I'm losing everybody I love!” Apple Bloom shook her head. There was no reason to think that she or Sweetie Belle would go anywhere. She wrapped Scootaloo into a tight hug before she spoke. “That's just not true Scootaloo. You've still got your aunts, and Sweetie Belle and I aren't going anywhere. Or if we do, you're coming with us.” Scootaloo sniffed and nodded. “Promise?” Apple Bloom smiled wide and nodded. “Of course. Crusaders forever?” Scootaloo wiped a tear from her eye and smiled back. “Forever and ever.” She answered. Apple Bloom nodded and stood up. “Well then it's time we do what Crusaders do and help out. You need help so we'll find Rainbow Dash no matter what.” As they started to leave Sweetie Belle ran up to them. Her hair had finally grown back to it's natural color, though it was still cut short. “Guys, haven't you checked your messages?” She asked as she got close. “No.” Apple Bloom said, curious to why she sounded so urgent. Scootaloo had her own idea. “Did someone find Rainbow Dash already?!” She happily asked. Sweetie Belle slowed to a walk as she heard the question. “Oh … No, not yet. But Princess Luna is asking us to come to Saddlebrook castle.” Scootaloo's heart dropped at the news that it wasn't about Rainbow Dash, though getting called to see the Regent was important. “You go on ahead Crusaders. I'll keep looking.” She offered. “Uhm. Scootaloo, she's asking for all three of us. I know you want to find Rainbow Dash, but security is already looking for her. There's just not that much more we can do.” Sweetie Belle explained. “Besides,” Apple Bloom said as she nudged Scootaloo. “I just promised that if Sweetie Belle and I go somewhere, you're coming with us. That includes Saddlebrook Castle.” They were right, of course, the guards had more and better resources than they did and if things started looking dire there was a contact to the Shadow Broker who probably already knew. Getting the ball rolling had to be enough for now. The three of them walked to a nearby transport station and in a flash of light they stood in Saddlebrook. The castle was as reminiscent of Equestrian architecture as the other buildings of Saddlebrook. Much more showy and colorful than the buildings of Truce. The castle was designed to be pleasing to look at and inviting, which was in stark contrast to New Guardia Castle which was intended to be defensible with high walls and only recently more than one entrance. While the prison attached to the back had been renovated into guest accommodations primarily used for multiple dignitaries there was still a feeling of strength coming from it. Much like in the old Canterlot castle there were stained glass windows representing important events in Equestria's history. At the end of the hallway was what was now accepted to be the last of just such windows, depicting the fall of Equestria and their migration to New Guardia. Luna's throne room was just beyond the large double doors. Sweetie Belle focused for a moment and her horn lit up, encircling the doors themselves with a pale green light and pushing them open. As expected Luna was standing not far from her dais, but there was a much greater surprise waiting for them. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom stood frozen in place as they looked in and saw Pops standing next to Luna. While he was thinner than they had ever seen him there was no mistaking his face and even less mistakable was his smile. All pretense of formality and restraint dropped as the two burst into a run towards the only father figure Apple Bloom had even known. It was easy enough to see coming and James knelt down to catch them as they threw their forelegs around him and began to cry. “Pops! I thought you were gone forever!” Scootaloo said, squeezing him as tightly as she could and even beginning to sob. “They told us you'd died!” Apple Bloom cried, similarly attached to James. James knew he couldn't keep doing this. He couldn't be their Pops just like he couldn't be a father to Pops' Sara, Amber, and Starlight. James took a deep breath, preparing himself to shatter these girls emotionally. “I'm sorry sugar cube.” Applejack said as she approached them. Saving James the necessity of hurting them too. “But yer friend is gone. This here's James. He's from another world.” “I saw it myself sweetheart.” Applejack's counterpart said, joining them. “But he's as much the Pops that we knew, just different.” Rainbow Dash's counterpart said. Hearing Rainbow Dash tore Scootaloo's attention away from James as she let go and turned to face her proclaimed sister. “I'm sorry for all of this Scoot.” She quietly said. “I never wanted to hurt you. I …” She started to say. Scootaloo cut her off with a tight hug. “I'm so happy you're back. But why did you leave?” Rainbow Dash swallowed hard. Scootaloo wasn't going to be able to look at her again once she admitted why she had gone to fight James. James quietly spoke as he placed a hand on her back and smiled at her. “There was something she wanted from me. While I couldn't give her what she wanted I hope she's happy with what she got.” Rainbow Dash's counterpart chuckled. “I'm so much happier with this.” She said with a smile and a tear. Rainbow Dash looked at the group and bit her lip. She couldn't help but be moved by how much Scootaloo cared about her, and seeing it like this was reaffirming. James looked up and smiled at her before nodding. “Sweetie Belle?!” Rarity gasped as she finally looked to her sister's counterpart. “Why in Equestria do you have all of those piercings?” Rarity's counterpart chuckled as Sweetie Belle stared incredulously at her sister's duplicate. “Please darling. This was the compromise. She originally wanted more and a Bajoran earring, she even threatened a nose piercing!” “Oh, and your mane.” Rarity lamented, ignoring her counterpart's explanation. “Why would you ever cut short such a lovely mane?” “Because I like it this way.” Sweetie Belle groaned. She did not want to relive the fight that she had with Rarity the first time this happened. But here they were anyway. Rarity's counterpart laughed as she watched her counterpart going through what she herself had years earlier. “At least it's her natural color again.” She said. “She dyed it?” Rarity gasped, finally looking to her counterpart. “Oh my yes. Short and always changing the colors.” Her counterpart said as she smiled. “I mean, it's not a bad look, especially if you coordinate with the right outfit.” Rarity said, remembering her look after the incident with the remover potion. She smiled and turned back to Sweetie Belle for a moment, imagining every look that she could do. Even the earrings could be an asset, though she'd have to get her some appropriately colored gem studs. “Well if you decide you want to try again, let me know. Maybe something like how my mane was styled for Vanity Mare.” She offered. “Wait!” Rarity's counterpart said. “You were in Vanity Mare?! With a chopped and died mane?” She couldn't conceive just how she could do that. She was so proud of her mane. Yes if it were for a good cause she would part with it, but for a place in Vanity Mare? It didn't make sense. Rarity looked to her counterpart. “Of course, it wasn't that long ago for me. Remember Pinkie Pie's sneeze celebration for the Cake twins? the sticky party string? Zacora's shampoo and remover potion that got swapped? Oh it was just dreadful!” Rarity's counterpart looked on in shock just trying to imagine it. “No darling, nothing like that's ever happened to me. But even with all that you managed to get into the pages of Vanity Mare?” Rarity smiled as she remembered. “Oh yes, with the help of my friends of course.” Sweetie Belle had slipped away and now stood with the rest of the group, watching in disbelief how Rarity was now talking to herself about fashion as if this were perfectly natural. Did she regularly talk to herself in the mirror to be so casual about this? *** The CMCs eventually left, while Rainbow Dash's counterpart would have liked as much support as she could get for this last apology she didn't want Scootaloo knowing just what she had done. It was bad enough that everyone else here was going to know. The guards placed outside opened the doors and Celestia walked into the throne room with a quiet, regal anger that everyone could almost feel. Gasps rang out as the group of ponies who had come with James saw her for the first time: Golden cap topping her broken horn, blank flank, and an unfamiliar angry expression carved in stone as she approached. She hated it here now that it was under Luna's rule. Just another thing her sister had managed to usurp. Her face changed suddenly, though, when she saw James. She knew that this couldn't be him, but all the same she was nearly overcome with a wave of relief at his presence. She couldn’t explain the relief, but she didn’t care to try either. Maybe there was a good reason for her to be here. Rainbow Dash's counterpart slowly walked forward until she was just over a meter away, her head bowed and her wings hanging at her side. “Princess Celestia.” She apologetically said, not wanting to actually get any closer. “I'm very sorry for what I did. I can't offer any explanation that would even begin to excuse my behavior, and I understand if you can't forgive me. What I did was inexcusable.” Celestia slowly turned to face Rainbow Dash's counterpart and she glowered. “You're right. You betrayed my trust and used my friendship to manipulate me. I'm not sure I can forgive you, even if you have learned your lesson. I just hope that you never make that mistake again with what friends you still have.” Twilight's jaw dropped, Celestia had never sounded so disappointed before and her initial anger was another frightening change. What all had she gone through to turn her into this in just a few short years of her incredibly long life? Rainbow Dash's counterpart's heart sank further knowing that Celestia had been right. That she had destroyed their relationship beyond repair. “Princess Celestia.” James calmly said. As wrong as he may be to do so, from the moment he saw her Celestia's expression change he had formulated a theory he now wanted to test. Celestia immediately turned to him, her face turning from a cold glower to a faint smile. So far the theory held. “I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive her eventually, if not right away. We both know that what's in my past is far more horrific than her transgression, yet you clearly found it possible to look past it for me.” Just listening to him made her feel happier and she felt a warmth growing in her chest, a sensation she greatly missed. His words made it so that couldn't bring herself to stay upset with Rainbow Dash's counterpart, no matter how justified she was to be so. With a look back to the groveling Pegasus she sighed. “Very well. Rainbow Dash, I will forgive you. But I am still upset with you. What you've done will take a long time to heal and it won't be easy for either of us. But so long as you try to be a better friend to us all I see no reason to not let go of the past … eventually.” So this was the level of control Pops had over Celestia. Celestia turned back to James and nodded. “Thank you for bringing her back. And if you have the time I would like to speak with you for a while. You may not be the man I knew, but I do miss him and would like to at least say my farewells while you are available.” *** While James remained in this iteration of New Guardia he would stay in Saddlebrook to not stir up much trouble. Not that he didn't have plenty of guests to keep him occupied. The girls had left to see the sights in the new city, Rainbow Dash and her counterpart visiting with her parents. Rarity visiting her counterpart's boutique, hoping for some new inspiration. Applejack following her counterpart to visit with family. Fluttershy visiting with Discord and herself, talking about the animal sanctuary. And for the first time in over a year Celestia sat down and had a conversation with her sister. Twilight happily told her unicorn counterpart about the school while her alicorn counterpart visited while having tea with James and Starlight at a nearby cafe. “Wow Starlight, it's been so long since I've seen you as anything but a filly. Though you were …” She began to say as she suddenly remembered what had been going on all those years ago. “Tearing Equestria apart.” Starlight nervously offered. “Yeah …” Twilight awkwardly said. “Well it's all thanks to you that I became the pony I am today. You gave me a chance even with everything I had done to you.” Starlight said, taking a sip of her tea. “I'm glad to know I had such an impact on your life.” Twilight happily said. “Do you mind me asking, what was it that made you decide to leave that time line as it was? I would have thought you'd still try to save Equestria as you knew it.” Starlight had her suspicions, but if there were an alternate explanation she would like to know it. The answer came to Twilight so easily. “What right did I have to destroy their Equestria and replace it with my own?” She calmly answered. “Though I guess it was destroyed eventually.” She added uncomfortably. James shook his head. “I destroyed it.” James quietly said. “No.” Twilight was quick to say. “Tirek destroyed it, you were holding it together. You showed up to save Equestria when my friends and I couldn't.” “Wait, you mean you never met James before your trip to this time line?” Starlight asked astonished. “Well, no. I always guessed it was just one of those things that James does from time to time. Finding worlds that were ending and saving them.” Twilight said with a shrug. “After how many times I'd seen Equestria destroyed I can only think that James was saving us.” Starlight's mind reeled. Clearly James had interrupted this worlds natural progression in the middle of a big event and it led to this. Things like this was the reason James's council even existed. Meanwhile James had his own idea. “Didn't I try to talk you into saving your time line?” He calmly asked, cocking his eyebrow at the alicorn. Twilight shook her head. “No, I mean I thought about saving Equestria but when I realized what that meant I couldn't do it.” James quietly nodded, this in conjunction with Daring Doo's report was all the confirmation he needed. He must have used Cadence's magic on her when they met in order to keep his Equestria. This wasn't proof but he didn't want to push her, not that it really mattered. Damage done. *** “So how long are we staying?” Starlight asked as she walked with James throughout Saddlebrook proper . “Not that I'm in any hurry to leave.” “I … don't actually know.” James said as he continued to consider the conversation they just had. “Oh. … Well I know you have a time machine, but we probably shouldn't stay away from the school for too long.” Starlight couldn't help but notice that James was distracted, probably telling himself that he was just a step away from being a tyrant. Better to cut it off soon. “You know, you're better than you give yourself credit for.” “Hrm.” James mumbled as he looked down at her. “Thanks. Whether I am or not, thanks.” “Okay …” He was still distracted, but not getting depressed, so it was probably something different. “Bit for your thoughts?” “Oh. Sorry. I was just thinking. I, or rather he, really messed things up here.” James commented. “Yes, it was him, not you.” Starlight pointedly reminded him. “Kind of interchangeable, but anyway we may still be able to do something about their Equestria.” He said as the idea began to take shape. There were complications but they had time to work them out. “What do you mean?” As far as Starlight knew there was nothing to do about this Equestria. Most of the ponies had lost their magic and had completely lost their will to return when Celestia solidified their presence in New Guardia. However the key notes weren't far back in their conversation and she quickly pieced together his meaning.“… Wait, are you talking about changing their time?” James nodded as he looked down to her, time to explain his thinking. “There are more differences than I thought going on. What I gathered from our conversation with Twilight was that Pops had long past considering restoring the time line. Probably a joint effort from the girls, I am a pushover for you girls after all. So when Twilight showed up and threatened that, he went right for the one weapon guaranteed to bloodlessly end the threat and changed her mind to think she shouldn't try to save her Equestria. So if we get her back to that pivotal moment …” James was building momentum now and analyzing the possibilities as they came. “Problem is if she can't break free from the spell that changed her mind she won't even try to stop the other Starlight.” A block right as he was building up a head of steam. “Well, in the end she didn't try to stop me. She convinced me to stop myself.” Starlight pointed out. Just the push he needed. “Exactly!” He said with a smile. “You stopped yourself. While Twilight might not be willing to stop her I'm certain that you can. Nobody knows you better than yourself after all. Especially what you were thinking and feeling at that pivotal moment in your life.” It was starting to fall into place now. “Do you think she Twilight has the scroll?” He asked. Starlight was about to answer when James preemptively cut her off. “No of course not. I wouldn't let something that dangerous to my plans remain. So better question, can you rewrite the spell?” “I think. But what about all of the ponies here?” Starlight said as she found the basic flaw in James's reasoning. “Anything we do will effect them. And us too because of everything you've done here.” James shook his head. “Not if this station has absolutely no contact with that universe. Then there will be separate instances of the same ponies who've lived completely different lives in Equestria. And since this is actually going back to an earlier time and not restoring the world to an earlier point we won't have the Flowey situation where the inhabitants who weren't there to be restored are missing.” “Okay, you've lost me.” Starlight said as she lost the direction of James's rambling. He was now bringing up something she had never even looked into. Time travel was a pain in the butt. “It's alright. Lucca and I have a lot of experience modifying time lines. If done right the only remnant will be duplicates of those removed from the time line.” James quickly said as they changed directions and walked to the local library.