Twilight looked around as ponies went about their day from her windows. A book sitting beside the windowsill. Occasionally: she would see a face she’d recognise. A violent flash of memories, and a shudder. Then: she would turn away and pick up her book. Trying to read. Trying to move past her memories. But all too quickly the book was placed down: and her gaze went to the window again.
The week had been like that for her. And the week after. It was hard to focus when the one thing you lacked was focus. And yet: her mind continued to wander. Not even hearing or feeling the throb of magic downstairs: or the cry of alarm. Sighing softly: her mind went over the absence of her friend Rarity.
“Spike,” she spoke softly as the door creaked open. Gaze turning as she began to lecture. “I told you I need some time alone to-day...” Eyes meeting violet eyes. Twilight saw a third version of herself. And for a moment: she couldn’t stop from pressing back against the window and taking in a shuddering breath. Quicker and quicker her breathing came as she began to feel lightheaded.
Aging aging over and over the Twilight in front of her continued. The mouth moved but no words reached. Tears slowly forming as she began to hyperventilate and press even more against the wall.
“D-Don’t come any closer,” she spoke with fear. But no: the double did just that. More and more the warm and cozy room shifted to a street as the ponies took on shapes and shadows. All walking toward her and rapidly aging. Fading to ash only to reform and age again. Body shaking as her mind sought the only escape left: and relieving darkness greeted her.
Spike ran to her in alarm: but the magic of the lavender unicorn was faster. Catching and gently placing Twilight down as a sigh escaped her. Two Alicorns looked on with concern. One moving over with a glowing horn to scan her dreams. Luna then reared back in fright: crying out.
“Lunar bodies!” Coughing at her language: Luna leaned forward once more, and began to soothe the nightmares plaguing Twilight. The other lavender mare just watched on quietly: awaiting the answer.
“This Twilight appears to have witnessed the previous loops ending. And saw many ponies turned to ash in an instant.” Luna looked to the others with a frown.
"Spike: where is Sweetie Belle?" The lavender unicorn asked him.
“Well…Sweetie was having constant nightmares. So they took her to Manehattan once the weekend was over. They’re hoping some proper help can walk her through the healing process. It was weird too…She came by earlier today asking similar questions…” Sharing a glance: the others swiftly moved to head toward the first place she’d look. The loop version of Spike, SpikeL, remained behind to watch over his Twilight. TwilightL.
“Starswirl!” Darting downstairs: Sweetie found the front door open. Continuing outside: she ran for her home. Opening the door a moment later as she searched the place. No cats. Holding up the Starswirl in her magic, she glared at him.
“Where is he?” The cat merely purred in response.
’I don’t know.’ Useless. Sweetie threw her magic back and dashed to the garden. And then further out. Looking: searching. But finally: she found Opal: sitting on the roof of their home right where she’d started. A swift tug of magic: and Sweetie was soon heading to the Train station. Ticket paid for: she began the journey there.
The cats quietly meowed at each other for the entire trip: but a few hours later and Sweetie was in Canterlot. Wandering up to the castle: she was stopped by guards.
“Tell Celestia I’ve found Starswirl.” Boldly: she spoke. They paused: but one moved to deliver the message. It was a short moment after that the two princesses arrived: and took the cats. Puzzled at first: Sweetie pulled out her notes for them.
“I was once in a time loop. I am no longer: and I see to ensure these Starswirls are given proper justice.” Eyes firm and serious: Sweetie did not relax for a second until they two cats were safely confined. Once done so: her eyes drooped, and she let out a relieved breath.
“Th-there. I did it. I saved…” Collapsing to one side in exhaustion: Sweetie was plucked into the air by Celestia. The two shared a glance: and then to the letter they’d received a few hours earlier.
“Let her borrow my bed Sister. I will watch over her.”
The morning came: and Sweetie saw double. Double Princesses. A soft groan escaped her as her head throbbed. Was she back in a loop? A sudden surge of panic hit her. No…no no no. Sweetie rapidly tried to rise: only to find her body refused her demands.
“Gently Sweetie: you’re suffering some backlash from overusing your magic. You’re lucky you didn’t crack it further.” Spoke Twilight softly as she stepped closer. Rarity looked to her sister firmly as she did the same.
“Sweetie. What did you think would happen pushing yourself like this? You could have gotten yourself killed.” Hugging her: Rarity began to cry. Looking up and sighing was the response Sweetie gave.
“Rarity. I have to do this. I have to save myself. You can’t stop me.” Resolute with conviction: her gaze stared into Rarity. The sister moved back and gave a sad smile.
“I know…that’s why I’m coming with you. We all are.” Rarity motions to the others. One of the Celestia’s coughed.
“We will pass ourselves,” remarked CelestiaL. “We have duties.” Understanding nods followed.
“Then it’s settled,” remarked Twilight with a salute. “We will be Team StarNO. Rarity, Twilight, Celestia, Luna, and Sweetie Belle.” Her gaze went to the filly, and she smiled.
“But –you- need rest first. Deal? No more running off.” A soft laugh was the response Twilight got.
“Alright alright. I’m sorry. I just….” Sweetie looked down in embarrassment. “I wanted to make a dramatic exit…”
They all shared a quiet laugh at that. At Sweetie’s expense.
Sweetie was now sulking.