Celestia's heart stopped. All that was left of her precious ponies was the Elements themselves, falling to the ground.
“WHAT DID YOU DO?” Celestia screamed in rage before blasting the human with a wave of focused heat and light. Paradox was caught by surprise and sent flying across the gardens. Without hesitation Celestia sent another powerful beam of light at the beast. Paradox managed to raise his hands in defence and appeared to be catching the holding the light back. Her sister Luna then joined in with her own scream of rage, sending bolts of lightning and ice tearing across the sky to smite the human. Paradox was prepared however and deflected Luna's attacks with a strange pink umbrella. Distantly Celestia was aware that Paradox was trying to say something, but between her own renewed efforts to break through his defences and Luna beginning to summon a storm around him, his words were lost. As he summoned more and more power around himself as a defence odd things began appearing. Celestia's light beam started warping in both colour and shape. A strange thumping beat pounded through the air and ground while Luna's attacks turned into both fireworks and candy as they flew through the air. A cotton candy fog began to rise from the ground as the trees uprooted themselves and ran away.
“ENOUGH!” Paradox finally shouted blowing both Celestia and Luna back. Before they could attempt to renew the attack, Paradox snapped his fingers causing massive hands to erupt from the palace walls and hold the two alicorns in place. Paradox stalked forward, half his face blackened and burned from Celestia's initial attack. As he walked the charred wound fell away into the ground leaving only perfect pink skin behind. “Now as you didn't give me a chance to say; Twilight and her friends are fine. I merely sent them elsewhere so they couldn't turn me into stone!” He hissed.
“Where did you send them? Tell me!” Celestia demanded angrily, struggling against her bonds. Her horn lit up again as she prepared to teleport out.
“Don't even try it Celestia. Make one move and I swear I will hit you with this pie so hard, you'll be smelling apples for a week!” Paradox threatened pulling a large pie out of nowhere. “Now why should I tell you where I sent them? So you can bring them back and get on with the petrification? How stupid do you really think I am? I don't know how Discord did things but chaos is under new management and I'm going to do things my way!” Paradox added on.
Luna suddenly burst our her rock prison, her strong body proving more then enough to free herself. Slamming a hoof on a flying piece of debris she sent it flying towards Paradox. The rock lit aflame as it flew but Paradox merely caught it in one of his hands. In retaliation he sent his pie rocketing directly into Luna's face. Luna collapsed on the ground as Paradox dropped the rock and winced in pain. Celestia took the opportunity to teleport behind Paradox and smite him with an incredibly powerful blast of heat directly from the sun itself. The ground turned to glass at his feet, yet Paradox himself stood unharmed.
“You are far too predictable Princess!” Paradox snarled as he snapped his fingers yet again. This time the grass underneath of Celestia transformed into a snake made of emeralds and jade. Biting Celestia on the neck, it quickly sprouted wings of golden light and flew away. Celestia stumbled as the powerful poison already started to knock her unconscious.
“What did you do to me?” Celestia said with a groan as her vision blurred and darkened.
“I'm not actually sure, but you should survive at least. Now hurry up and go to sleep so I can get to work spreading chaos.” Paradox said shrugging.
Celestia desperately tried to summon some more magic to teleport herself to safety, but the effort only sped up her descent into an unconscious oblivion.
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Twilight appeared in darkness the smell of musty old books filling her nose. She quickly activated her horn, creating a steady glow of light to illuminate her surroundings. As she thought she was surrounded by books. Each book was neatly stacked on one of many gigantic bookshelves and was bound in brown leather. None of the books had titles or any distinguishing appearances from any of the other books. As tempted as she was to start reading, Twilight knew that this wasn't the time. She needed to track down her friends and get back to Celestia who hopefully had her missing Element. Looking around there wasn't really any distinguishing marks so she chose a random direction and began walking. Before too long she saw a light in the distance. Hoping it was a way out Twilight galloped over to it. When she reached the light however she discovered it to be nothing more then a spotlight hanging over a pony sized crystal ball. Twilight took another look around hoping that here there would be something interesting to see. But no. There were only more unadorned books neatly stacked inside their bookshelves. Twilight gritted her teeth frustration and prepared to move on.
“Hey there Twilight. How do you like it?” Paradox appeared right in front of Twilight.
“Paradox! Where is this place? And where are my friends?” Twilight growled in reply.
“This place is what I like to call the Chamber of Past, Present, and Future! It's my own creation.” Paradox said proudly.
“Yes it's very nice. Now where's the exit?” Twilight snarked back.
“Now now Twilight don't be rude. I put a lot of effort into making this place for you. So sit down and listen to me for a bit.”
Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes. I might as well take a break. Hopefully this won't be a total waste of time. The Princess is counting on me after all! She thought to herself as she sat on the ground.
“I'm sure you've noticed the sheer number of books by now. The reason for their numbers is that each book contains one of the many possible futures that exist for Equestria. Open them up and read through to witness endless possibilities! They do contain every possible future, so there is no guarantee that what you read will actually come to pass.” Paradox boasted. Twilight looked around with fresh insight. The sheer possibilities ran through her mind and she wanted to take down a book then and there and start reading. She restrained herself though, reminding herself that her and her friends still needed to defeat Paradox.
“Where are my friends Paradox? Trapped somewhere within this library as well?” Twilight asked bravely
“Not at all! You didn't think I would be so boring as to send you all to the same place now did you? As for where they are you can discover that yourself. For that crystal orb back there will show you anything that is happening or has happened. Or to put it another way, it shows the Past and Present. See the Chamber of Past, Present and Future! Well Futures really. But that doesn't roll off the tongue.” Paradox babbled. Twilight ignored him and rushed back to the orb. Laying down on the plush pillow Twilight stared deep into the orb's depths.
“Show me my friends!” Twilight commanded the orb. It obliged, it's once dark surface filling with colour and light. A dark line ran down the crystal splitting the picture into four different ones. In one picture she saw Applejack wandering around Ponyville. In another Rarity was dressed in crown and royal gown. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash stood atop the clouds in one more. Finally Pinkie Pie was bouncing happily through a jungle before suddenly stopping and waving at Twilight. “Huh? How did she do that?” Twilight asked.
“I have no idea...” Paradox answered equally as confused. Though he seemed happy about it for some reason. “Anyways Twilight. I thought I should warn you that using that orb is highly addictive. Nothing to say? Alright then. MWUHUAHHAHAHAHAHAHA! Hmm, need to work on that laugh.” Paradox continued before disappearing once more with a snap of his fingers.
Twilight ignored him in order to continue staring into the orb, she would occasionally demand to see something new. Other then that though she didn't move at all.
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Applejack slowly walked through Ponyville peering at everything suspiciously. Everything seemed perfectly normal but why? Last time Discord literally turned this place upside down. Now this new fella Paradox hadn't done anything but send her home. That and take her Element away. I have no idea how I'm going to get my Element back but that no good rapscallion is going to regret every laying his hands on it! Applejack thought to herself fiercely as she made her way towards Surgercube Corner. When she arrived she found things to be exactly as she thought they would. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were behind the corner selling food as always. Pinkie Pie however was no where to be found.
“Oh Applejack, how lovely to see you. How was the wedding? We heard there was an attack by an army of Changlings!” Mrs. Cake greeted Applejack.
“The wedding was fine. That's not the problem though. Have either of y'all seen Pinkie Pie around? I need her help.” Applejack replied.
“No we haven't seen her. Shouldn't she be with you? Or did she take a late night train back to Ponyville?” Mrs. Cake said.
“That's not it. Day after the wedding this weird fella callin himself Paradox shows up. Says he's Discord's heir or some such nonsense. Problem is that he's got the power to back up his claim. When we tried to zap him with the Elements he teleported us away. Ah just appeared on Sweet Apple Achres a few moments ago and now I'm lookin to see if any of mah friends showed up as well.” Applejack explained looking closely to see how Mrs. Cake would react.
“Oh my! Well what should we do? You don't think he's going to attack Ponyville like Discord did do you?” Mrs. Cake asked, surprise and fear evident in her voice.
“Ah don't rightly know Mrs. Cake. Ah hope not but we'd best be prepared anyways.” Applejack replied, relaxing somewhat. It seemed like Mrs. Cake was acting normally. Nopony else seemed to be acting oddly either. I guess he hasn't bothered messing with Ponyville yet. Applejack thought as she ate a freshly bought muffin. Applejack headed towards Twilight's library next, hoping that the powerful unicorn had managed to return home at least. Doubt it though. If that mare did manage to escape wherever Paradox sent her, she'd have run straight to the Princess. Applejack thought as she knocked on the library's door.
“Come in!” Shouted a definably male, not-Spike voice.
Applejack narrowed her eyes. That voice almost sounded like...well she'd see soon enough. Pushing the door open, Applejack entered the dark library. Inside only a single lantern shed light.
“Anypony home?” Applejack shouted.
“No pony is home.” The voice chuckled back.
“You ain't very subtle are you Paradox?” Applejack said.
“I don't know what you're talking about.” The voice said in mock surprise. “If you want me to answer your questions then come and find me.”
“Ah'm not fallin for such a cheap trick. You can just stay in here and rot if that's what you want but Ah'm not playin your stupid game!” Applejack shouted back.
“Do what you want Applejack, if you want answers you'll know where to find me.” The voice replied as Applejack slammed the door shut.
Applejack doubted she would find any of her friends in Ponyville but just in case she visited each of their houses in turn. Well except for Rainbow Dash's house for obvious reasons. At Rarity's house, Applejack found Sweetie Bell crying alone in her bedroom. It seems that her parents had gone away on another vacation. Since they expected Rarity to be back by now they had already left. Sweetie Bell was worried that the changelings had stolen Rarity away and that was why she was late. Applejack reassured the little filly that everything would be alright and insisted that until Rarity got home that Sweetie Bell stay over at Sweet Apple Acres. Over at Fluttershy's cottage, Angel rushed out to greet Applejack. Fluttershy had placed him in charge of the animals while she was gone. While they still had plenty of food, the animals were starting to get worried about Fluttershy. Angel mimed this all out to Applejack who confessed that she was worried about Fluttershy and the rest of her friends as well. Having confirmed that all of her friends were still gone Applejack headed home. Once there she told her family (and Sweetie Bell) about what had happened today.
“Ah'm not sure what Paradox is up to. But I reckon we should stay away from the library for now. In the mornin Ah'll catch the train to Canterlot and tell the Princess that Ah'm okay and where Paradox is. She'll know what to do for sure.” Applejack said to her family's nods.
“Ah'm kinda worried sis. What if Paradox ambushes you before you can reach the Princess?” Applebloom piped up.
“Don't you worry none sugercube. Ah can handle myself better then anypony in Equestria! Paradox won't have a chance of stopping me.” Applejack bragged.
The conversation turned to small talk. Paradox wasn't disrupting life yet but they'd need to make plans to arrange for Applejack's absence. Even though it wasn't harvest season there was a lot of work to be done that Applejack would not be there to perform. After dinner finished they cleaned up and Applejack went to bed choosing to get an early nights sleep after all the the excitement in the last few days. The next morning Applejack woke up at the crack of dawn as usual. The train wouldn't leave for a few hours yet, so Applejack took her time eating breakfast and even performed a few quick chores. Grabbing some rope and some apples in case of emergencies Applejack set off. Applejack reached the train station without incident, pausing only to share the news with the Carrot family. A short wait later and the train pulled up, right on time.
“Good luck Applejack!” Shouted Applebloom from behind.
“Applebloom! Why did ya follow me? Ah let you sleep in for a reason.” Applejack replied with mock anger.
“And let mah big sister go off without even sayin goodbye? Not a chance.” Applebloom said rushing forward and hugging Applejack.
“Aww, thanks sis.” Applejack ruffled Applebloom's hair.
“You give Paradox a kick for me.” Applebloom said. “And good luck.”
“Ah'll be back before ya know it.” Applejack promised as she moved to board the train. As her hoof went to land on the train though she inexplicably found her self landing on the station's floor. “What the?” Applejack exclaimed. Turning around she tried to board the train again but every time without fail she would just end up as if she had just left the train.
“What's goin on?” Applebloom said in worry.
“Ah don't know! But I bet Paradox is behind it somehow. If he thinks that stoppin me from takin the train is enough to stop me then he's a bigger fool then he look!” Applejack said.
“What are ya goin do now?” Applebloom asked.
“Ah'm goin run to Canterlot! There's no other choice and the Princess needs mah help!”
Applebloom cheered as Applejack ran off. She slowed down a little when she turned the corner though. It was a long run to Canterlot and there was no sense in tiring herself out now. She kept up a steady pace til she hid the edge of Ponyville. There she experienced much the same thing as what happened at the train station. Every time she left Ponyville, she somehow found herself headed back in. Even running at full speed got the same result. No matter what direction or speed she left at, she was always pointed back towards home without fail.
“Dang it all! How is he even doin this?” Applejack swore and threw her hat to the ground.
“I told you, if you want answers you'll know where to find me.” A laughing voice answered her.
“Paradox! Do ya think this is funny?” Applejack shouted. The voice just laughed once more and faded away. Applejack growled once before picked her hat off the ground. Looking up she noticed a familiar grey pegasus flying overhead.
“Hey Derpy! Come down here a second.” Applejack called.
“Good morning Applejack, what can I help you with?” Derpy said with a smile as carefully landed in front of Applejack.
“Ah want to see somethin. Can ya just walk a few meters that way?” Applejack asked. Derpy shrugged and smiled. She quickly trotted over in the direction Applejack had pointed. She left Ponyville without incident. “Ah see. It's just me then.” Applejack muttered to herself. “Ah need ah favour Derpy! Can ya take a message to the Princess for me?”
“Sure thing Applejack!” Derpy said saluting.
“Alright. Ya just need to tell her that Ah'm in Ponyville, Ah've lost mah Element, and that Ah'm trapped in Ponyville somehow. Ya got that?” Applejack asked. Derpy just nodded and took off. Applejack watched her fly away. “Ah hope that the Princess knows what to do about this.” Applejack said under her breath. “In the meantime Ah've got a library to explore.”
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Rainbow Dash appeared high in the sky. Far below her she could see a snow covered ground while in the distance huge mountains dominated the horizon. A small squeak broke her concentration. Looking to her side she noticed Fluttershy freezing up in panic and beginning to fall.
“Hang on Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she began to dive. She effortlessly built up speed, quickly catching up to the yellow pony and caught her in her hooves. “Got you.” Rainbow Dash whispered with a smile before leaning in and giving Fluttershy a quick kiss. The shy pegasus smiled and relaxed in Rainbow Dash's grip. Spotting a nearby cloud Rainbow Dash flew over to it and gently placed Fluttershy on it before landing herself. “Where do you think we are?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking down at the ground.
“I don't know. Paradox sent us somewhere far away though.” Fluttershy replied steeling herself to take a look herself. When she did she earned a smile from her rainbow maned companion.
“Isn't it supposed to be spring? Why is there a bunch of snow on the ground?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I think the lands to the far north have longer winters.” Fluttershy offered.
“But why? Do they just like that cold?” Rainbow Dash asked. Fluttershy just shrugged in reply. “North of Equestria huh? Yeah! Look those must be the whatchamacallit mountains. We just keep flying that way and we'll be back in Equestria in no time!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. Fluttershy nodded and started to shiver. The wind up this high was very cold and the even the slightest breeze was cutting away their heat. Rainbow Dash didn't notice however. She was too pumped up with adrenaline to care. “Alright lets start with a nice easy glide off this cloud. Can you handle that pal?” Rainbow Dash asked laying a comforting hoof over Fluttershy's. Fluttershy smiled and bravely nodded, trying to keep her shivering under control.
They launched themselves from the cloud and began to glide. Fluttershy focused on Rainbow Dash in order to ignore the height and the cold. Her beautiful untamed mane, her peerless confidence, and how she always seemed to be there when Fluttershy needed help. Sure sometimes Rainbow Dash would push her too far, too fast, but she always backed off when Fluttershy insisted and she never never took advantage of Fluttershy's kindness. As they glided Rainbow Dash would occasionally fall back a bit to check on Fluttershy but most of the time Rainbow Dash kept the lead in order to reduce drag for the weaker pegasus. Fluttershy's day-dreaming allowed her to keep going for a couple of hours but finally her body managed to overpower her mental barriers and bombarded her with a series of aches and pain. Her shivers now out of control she began to jerk and dip down towards the ground. She tried to call for Rainbow Dash's help but could only manage a small squeak through her parched throat.
Luckily enough Rainbow Dash noticed Fluttershy's descent anyways. She swooped down and steadied Fluttershy. No clouds were nearby so Rainbow Dash merely guided Fluttershy to the ground and helped with the landing. As soon as Fluttershy touched the snow she fell over utterly exhausted. Rainbow Dash landed easily and quickly realized just how cold she actually was. She was more used to it then Fluttershy but the high cold air had taken it's toll on her as well.
“Are you okay Flutters?” Rainbow Dash asked, nudging Fluttershy with her head. “Holy Celestia! You're frozen solid! C'mere.” Rainbow Dash exclaimed before pulling Fluttershy into a tight embrace. For extra warmth Rainbow Dash wrapped Fluttershy in her wings. In a few minutes, Fluttershy's shuddering had gotten better. Now Rainbow Dash was feeling the effects of the cold and had started to shiver as well. The temperature began to drop even more as the sun sank lower into the sky. “W-we need to get someplace warm.” Rainbow Dash said with chattering teeth.
“Y-yes, I'll ask and see if any of the animals around can help us.” Fluttershy said, reluctantly pulling out of Rainbow Dash's embrace. The two ponies trotted off into the woods. Fluttershy tried singing, but no birds answered in kind. Rainbow Dash tried to spot any animals from the air but if they were present, the thick forest prevented them from being seen. As they searched they continued to move south but it was clear from how heavy they were shivering that they needed to find some shelter tonight, or else. Finally Fluttershy called Rainbow Dash down from the sky. She had a large rabbit sitting in front of her.
“H-he s-says that t-there's a c-cave nearby.” Fluttershy tried to speak through her shivers. Rainbow Dash just nodded and the pair trotted after the quick moving rabbit. A short time later they reached the cave in question. Naturally it was dark and damp but at least it was sheltered from the cold air. The two pegasi cuddled together and rested for a bit. “W-we should start a fire.” Fluttershy said.
“Allow me.” A familiar voice said smoothly. With a snap of finger a bright green blaze lit up the cave, it's blazing heat warming the cave within minutes.
“Paradox! What are you doing here?” Rainbow Dash shouted, springing up and flaring her wings.
“I thought I would introduce myself properly. Hello Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, my name is Paradox, nice to meet you.” Paradox replied with a smile.
“Don't make fun of me!” Rainbow Dash warned as she prepared to charge.
“I'm not! Really I just want to talk.” Paradox held up his hands in a calming gesture.
“W-well what did you want to talk about?” Fluttershy said moving to Rainbow Dash's side.
“For starters; is it true that the two of you are in a relationship?” Paradox asked. Fluttershy just squeaked while both ponies blushed bright red. “HA! I knew it!” He cheered hugging himself in glee.
“H-how did you know that?” Rainbow Dash stuttered in surprise or perhaps embarrassment.
“Its a very long story that I don't even fully understand. So here's the extreme short version. I saw the two of you interacting and just guessed.” Paradox answered, still smiling.
“What does that even have to do with anything?!” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Oh right. Well that's why I sent the two of you to the same location. It just seems wrong to separate a couple of ponies in love.”
“Where did you send us? And where are our friends?” Fluttershy asked
“You ponies are very far north. I think they call this place the frozen wasteland but that doesn't seem right. As for your friends, they've been similarly scattered across the world. Except for Applejack. She's stuck in Ponyville.” Paradox said, confirming their earlier suspicions.
“Why?” Fluttershy asked quietly.
“Oh I put her there for a couple reasons. One, so that Ponyville will have somepony to take care of it. That place seems to have disasters every week. Two so that Princess Celestia will have proof that I didn't harm any of you. Three, because Applejack-”
“That's not what she meant!” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “We want to know why you've scattered us in the first place!”
“Oh. Isn't it obvious? Since you're all separate you can't use the Elements of Harmony to turn me into stone. I will not allow that. Ever. Nothing possible could be worse then being stuck in such a dark frozen prison. Nothing!” Paradox took a deep breath. “Anyways I've sent you all apart in order to protect myself and hopefully give myself time to prove that I don't need to be turned to stone. I mean, chaos isn't a bad thing you know. It's necessary for growth and life itself! Okay Discord didn't seem to understand that but he abused his powers. I won't and I'll show everypony that chaos isn't bad or evil!”
The two ponies just stared at him as he ranted on. Eventually he seemed to remember his audience and rubbed his head as he blushed.
“Anyways that's not the point. The point is that the two of you can just head south and eventually you'll reach Equestria. This place is pretty dangerous but I'm sure the two of you can handle it. Just stick together and you'll be fine.” Paradox quickly explained before disappearing once more. There was a moment of silence after he left as the two ponies thought about what he had said. This silence was soon broken by a low growl as the hibernating bear woke up early. Fluttershy immediately rushed over as the bear grumbled and growled.
“Oh we didn't realize this cave was your home Mr. Bear. We're so sorry for waking you.” Fluttershy apologized sweetly. The bear grumbled some more. “I'm sorry.” Fluttershy repeated. “We promise to be quiet and will leave in the morning..” The bear mumbled something before heading back towards his rest. “How about I give you a massage to make up for it?” Fluttershy said with a smile. Flying up as the bear lied down she began to relax the long cramped muscles. Soon the bear was sleeping once again, his quiet snores barely audible over the crackle of the strange fire.
“I suppose that's what Paradox meant.” Rainbow Dash said staring at Fluttershy. She cocked her head in response, not understanding. “I mean, taking care of that bear. If I was by myself I would have been kicked out into the cold.”
“Oh no! I'm sure you would have been fine.” Fluttershy assured her marefriend.
“Thanks Flutters. But I couldn't have handled that bear like you did. And we've got a lot of wilderness to cover still. I'm sure your ability with animals will come in useful again before we get back to Equestria.” Rainbow Dash said with a yawn, curling up beside the fire. Fluttershy walked over and cuddled up to her.
“Hey Rainbow?” Fluttershy asked quietly.
“Yeah?” Rainbow Dash said with a yawn.
“What do you think about Paradox?”
“...I don't know. Can we talk about it in the morning? I'm too tired to think right now.” Rainbow Dash replied slowly.
“Alright.” Fluttershy yawned and snuggled a bit closer as Rainbow Dash spread her wings over Fluttershy. “Good night Rainbow Dash. I love you.” Fluttershy whispered.
“I love you too Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash slurred back, already more then half-asleep. The two pegasi quickly drifted off into a sweet and restful slumber.
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Pinkie Pie bounced through the thick jungle bush. It's clinging vines and tall ferns did nothing to slow or impede her movement in any way. The pink mare frequently stopped to sniff at some flowers or to chatter at the nearby wildlife, invariably scaring it away. Despite nopony else being around she kept up a monologue of constant noise.
“Well this is strange, look at all these strange plants. Ooh I wonder what this one smells like! Ouch! It bit me! Well in Equestria ponies bite you! Nomnomom. Hey tasty! Kinda like that cactus I ate in Appoloosia. That was a strange place. I mean they clearly didn't have any appreciation for music. Still everything worked out in the end. Wow! I nearly fell right in that hole. Twitchy tail! Huh? What is that anyways? Looks like some sort of bug. Aaaah! Giant bugs are falling from the sky! I'm too young to die! Hey a bird! Do you know Fluttershy Mister Bird? So big and pretty and green. Aw, where you going Mr. Bird? Hi Paradox how's it hanging, being upside down in that tree? I'm going to go chase Mr. Bird!”
“Hey Pinkie wait a moment!” Paradox called as the pony bounced away.
“Yes, what is it Paradox?” Pinkie said sweetly suddenly appearing from behind. Paradox let out a little yell of surprise and fell up into the air, bouncing off the branches above him. He glared at the tree irritably and the entire thing transformed briefly into sugar before falling apart in a giant white and sweet cloud.
“I wanted to talk to you Pinkie.” Paradox said grinning with satisfaction. “You are truly an amazing pony did you know that?”
“Well I know I make amazing cupcakes and that I remember everything about everypony but I'm not that special. Everypony else is!” She replied.
“Honestly everything in this world is amazing. So bright and playful! But that's not what I want to talk about. I want to talk about you.” Paradox said pointing a finger at Pinkie Pie. Pinkie pretended to try and bite his finger causing him to flinch back.
“What about me? This isn't about my Pinkie Sense is it? Because when ponies try and figure that out things start to fall so I don't know what will happen when a chaos human tries. I bet the moon would fall out of the sky and Princess Luna would cry and turn into Nightmare Moon and then everything would be ruined and I'd never get to eat a cupcake again!”
“Nothing like that. I thought I would explain what happened to you so that you're in this jungle. Basically I meant to trap you in a world of mirrors. It would have been pretty cool, but it wasn't to be. When I tried to grab onto with my magic you sorta slipped through it. And now you're here. A mysterious jungle so far away from Equestria that it isn't on the map at all.” Paradox explained with a chuckle at Pinkie's antics.
“Oooh so I get to be an explorer? Just like Daring Do!” Pinkie ducked underneath a bush reappearing with an explorer's cap on her head. “So where to fearless leader who will inevitably betray us for gold and/or an evil artifact that will consume you?” Pinkie asked with a smile.
“What?! I'm not the leader!” Paradox protested. “I'm just here to tell you that I have no idea where this place is or anything about it! Look you ruined my mirror plan, but that's alright, I forgive you. So have fun, have an adventure, and try and find some way home. It'll be really difficult because I don't know what you are going to do. But I'm sure you'll be fine. Don't worry about your friends, they'll be fine as well.”
“Okie-dokie-loki!” Pinkie Pie laughed and started to hop through the jungle once more, her mysterious hat disappearing as if it never existed.
“Why didn't Discord make her his heir? Seriously she's more chaotic then I could ever hope to be.” Paradox muttered to himself with a smile before teleporting away in a cloud of soap bubbles.
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Rarity awoke in absolute luxury. Her thick silken blankets glimmered with a thousand gems meant to imitate the night skies glory. A fire roared nearby filling the large bedroom with heat, even though the windows were covered in snow and darkness. Her bed was shrouded by sheer silk curtains that caused the room to be tinted a pretty pinkish shade. Upon a nearby table sat delicate bouquet of flowers filling the room with their beautiful and tasty scent. Rarity smiled sleepily before the sudden realization shocked her fully awake. This isn't my home! Where am I? Rarity thought as she tried to fight down the panic that was consuming her mind. She struggled to free herself from the thick blankets and finally broke free, falling with a thump upon the plush carpet.
“Princess?” A voice from outside the door called. “Is everything alright?” Before Rarity could answer a small bluish-pink mare entered the room. She carried a crown and thick cape with her magic. “When you awoke you should have just called me.” The mare said casually as she gently helped Rarity stand. “It's my job to care for you after all.” She finished with a smile.
“My apologies darling.” Rarity said by instinct.
“Darling? What an odd thing to call your hoof maiden Princess.” The mare replied. “Why would you say that?”
“Oh! I, ummm.” Rarity stuttered having no idea on what to say.
“What's going on here? Princess Platinum would never behave like this? Who are you and where is the Princess? Why do you look just like her? TELL ME!” The mare screamed at Rarity.
“I-I don't know! I just woke up like this!” Rarity backed up from the mare whose horn lit up in response.
“Well we'll find out the truth soon enough.” The mare said before unleashing her spell upon Rarity. She flinched and closed her eyes as the spell went off with a bright flash. “W-what? Who are you?” The mare gasped in fear.
“Mh? I'm-” Rarity began, with her eyes still closed.
“Paradox at your service. And you must be Clover the Clever.” An all to familiar voice interrupted her. Rarity's eyes snapped open and she glared at the scene before her. Paradox held a glowing ball of magic in one hand while the stunned mare cowered before him. “You know I didn't expect you to blow your cover so quickly.” Paradox said to Rarity as he casually transformed the magic into a harmless amethyst.
“Paradox! How dare you foalnap me to this strange place! I demand that you bring me back home immediately!” Rarity growled at Paradox, her horn beginning to glow as she lowered her head for a charge.
“And where did you take the Princess?” Demanded the mare her horn lighting up as well.
“Ugh. Will everypony just calm down so I can explain?” Paradox glared at the two mares. Seeing as they weren't going to immediately attack he resumed talking. “Rarity I've sent you back in time and trapped you inside the body of the legendary Princess Platinum. Fulfil her role and you'll be returned to Equestria safe and sound to your boutique. Clover, right now Rarity's mind is overriding your Princesses mind. Until she's been safely returned your Princess will not be able to take any actions. It's in your own best interests to protect Rarity and aid her however you can. So best of luck to you ladies, I'm outta here.” With that Paradox disappeared in a puff of sweetly smelling smoke. The two mares were left staring at each other awkwardly.
“Well, I suppose proper introductions are in order. My name is Rarity, it's a pleasure to meet you Miss?” Rarity said with a smile, dismissing her magic.
“Clover, My name is Clover and I am the personal hoof-maiden of Princess Platinum. Would you explain what that thing was and what's going on?” Clover replied with a forced smile.
“I'm not sure of the details honestly. That thing calls itself Paradox and claims to have taken over for Discord. It did some fancy magic and next thing I knew I was waking up in this fabulous room.” Rarity explained.
“Discord? Who is that?”
“How can you not have heard of Discord? He was responsible for all that chaos that plagued all of Equestria! Now it looks like its going to happen again!” Rarity said dramatically rearing up and waving her hooves about. Clover just stared at her like she was a crazy pony.
“Equestria? I've never heard of such a land, and I've studied our histories extensively.”
Rarity just stared at Clover for a few moments, the important part of what Paradox said finally clicking in. “I need to see a mirror! Where is a mirror?” Rarity suddenly screamed.
“Princess? What's wrong?” Clover asked as Rarity continued to panic.
“My mane! My-” Rarity gasped as she finally found what she was looking for. As she had realized her body had completely changed. Well not completely. Her coat was still a pure ivory white. However everything else was different. She stood taller, but not much, then before. Her eyes while still blue were now much darker, much more royal blue. Rarity's new mane looked like glittering strands of platnium and flowed down her head in a silvery grey waterfall. Worst of all was her cutie mark. No longer did three diamonds adorn her flank. Instead a crown of silver, gold, and lined with rubies marked her special talent. At the sight Rarity's eyes filled with tears.
“Princess? I mean Rarity? Are you alright?” Clover asked, hesitantly moving up beside Rarity. Without any warning Rarity collapsed onto Clover sobbing.
“M-my c-cutie mark!” She wailed throwing her hooves around Clover's neck. Clover just stood there awkwardly, letting her mane get soaked by Rarity's tears. “It's different!”
“Oh.” Clover gasped finally understanding why Rarity was so upset. Losing your cutie mark was without a doubt the worst thing that could possibly happen to a pony. “Shhh, it's okay.” she whispered rubbing Rarity's back slowly. “How about I make us some nice tea and we'll talk about it alright?” Clover continued. Rarity nodded and let go of Clover. She flopped over onto the bed sobbing into a pillow. Clover gave her a sympathetic look before leaving the room. She returned minutes later with the tea. It's soothing aroma filled the room. The time Clover was gone had also given Rarity at least a little time to recover from the shock and horror.
“There isn't anywhere to sit and drink so we'll have to use the bed. Is that alright?” Clover asked. Rarity nodded in reply. Clover expertly poured two cups of tea and levitated one over to Rarity. She smiled her thanks and took it in her own magical field. The two ponies took a moment to enjoy the tea in peace and quiet before Clover spoke up again.
“I've been thinking and here's how I see the situation. Your mind has been plucked from your body and placed in charge of my Princess's body. This was done against your will and now both of your lives are in danger.”
“In danger, but how?” Rarity interrupted weakly.
“No interruptions please.” Clover said holding up a hoof. Rarity meekly nodded in response. “Good. Now where was I? Ah yes. Your lives are in danger because if it became public knowledge that the Princess was being possessed it's likely that you would be forcibly removed and destroyed by our magics. This would also do irreparable damage to the mind of Princess Platinum herself. As the Princess's hoof-maiden it is my responsibility to ensure that this never comes to pass. For now our best bet is to hope that Paradox was telling the truth when he said that he would return you to your body if you 'fulfil Princess Platinum's role' whatever that means. So to that end I will be teaching you how unicorn royalty is expected to act and the habits that Princess Platinum is known for. Agreed?”
Rarity slowly sipped at her tea, taking her time to think over what Clover had told her. She nodded in satisfaction after a few minutes.
“I think that covers just about everything. However there is one more thing I should mention. I think that Paradox actually sent me into the past. I've finally remembered where I've heard your name from. In our history books they speak of a unicorn duo named Princess Platinum and Clover the Clever. The two are renowned for being two of the founding ponies who created Equestria in the first place. So in order to get home I think I need to help create Equestria first.”