Chapter 20: Eris
"...sister, what is the matter?" Luna asked. With a yawn she stretched and flexed her wings. Normally when she returned to the castle Celestia was ready to lift the sun, but rarely did she look so...disheveled for lack of a better word. "If it is about two chapters in a row starting with us as the main characters thou knowest that it tis odd..." The white alicorn did not reply. She just simply scanned the horizon that their castle allowed them to view. In a sense she wished she could be there. Away from all the pandering and high society that had evolved from the unicorn's own self righteousness over the millenia. In a sense Celestia felt like a slave. But that came with being in any position for too long. Anyone that had lived as long as her would likely realize such trivial revelations.
"Normally thy are so full of happiness and pride in the show!" Luna continued her well-intentioned heckling, "Why is thy so drab in thy wicked fanfic?" Celestia couldn't help it. Her sister's out-of-touch way of speaking always lifted her mood.
"Luna...for the sake of the readers if nothing else please try to talk as we do nowadays," Celestia chuckled. The nighttime princess blushed and turned her face to the ceiling.
"If thy...you insist..." she shuddered as she spoke inciting even more humored results from the white sibling. She knew Celestia probably could sense the rolling of her eyes beneath her half-shut eyelids. But she still cared about her. "Celestia...I know you're worked up over the whole conflict of this plot...it's far beyond anything anypony, especially now, has had to witness. Had they, Equestria would shake in sheer fear at the threat. But we have to be strong. Not just for the ponies, but also for the dragons and the plants and the buffalo and any other form of life that litters our fair planet!" Luna was surprised when Celestia gave a half hearted laugh this time. She was sure in retrospect that the declaration would move her back to the overwhelming sour feelings she'd been experiencing prior.
"It's not that Luna..." Celestia sighed as her eyes drifted to the floor, "I mean yes...that's bad but it's inevitable. I know that we'll have to face it whether we want to or not. You'd make a great motivational speaker by the way." Luna's brows furrowed.
"Then what troubles you?..." Now Celestia's line vision drifted back to the horizon.
"That..." she pointed. Luna looked at the horizontal border in the distance for a second or two and then back at her sister.
"Oh no..." Luna gasped and started yanking Celestia around by the throat ignoring the gagging noises, "Come sister! The wretched infection of evil has seeped into you as well! Don't worry, I've had experience with such tendencies as Nightmare Moon! We are not going to have you destroying Equestria!" Celestia had to admit, she was surprised at her sister's nigh unbreakable grip, but eventually she managed to struggle out of it.
"It's not that," Celestia hacked trying to get her breathing back in order, "I'm just sick of this you know? Being the one in charge. Having to lift the sun. Having to take care of everypony and being expected to know everything that has happened immediately when I'm talked to about anything. And those goddamn papers! Why the fucking hell don't we have ponies that are qualified to manage all those approvals and crap! Why is it always me? Yeah, sure, I can fake being unsurprised and show that it doesn't concern me. That's easy by this point. But dear lord if it isn't irritating as all hell!" Luna was once again clamping her appendages onto the taller pony in some way.
"We are not having YOU go crazy. Do you know what that would do for Equestria? Especially with such an evil on its eve?" Luna reasoned. Celestia sighed.
"I know...don't worry, I got it under control..." she said quietly, "You just know how I get every few century or so..." Calmly the older of the alicorns trotted back over to the balcony of the castle. "I just...sometimes wish...that I could be normal...like any other pony out there...not being forced with this kind of task..."
"But sister...you would die of natural cause if you were normal..." Luna told her. The smile that graced the white one's lip sent a slight shiver through her. "Granny Smith is theorized to only be three hundred or so after all..."
"You honestly think death would be a concern to me?..." she muttered, "You know how it is outliving all of your friend time and again. I'd be lying if I didn't say I'd want to see them again...but we make new ones as the generations go by. And its our responsibility...I just wish that even for a day that I could get away from it all..."
"Well...perhaps...I...can...help..." the two princesses were startled by a panting voice. Turning around their eyes widened at the sight of a unicorn in a purple cape that was gasping for air. In her hoof she held up a shiny red apple and was obviously trying to work up a grin.
"I've been traveling here for two chapters...just take a bite of this...and all your worries will be gone..." Trixie told them and collapsed.
---
"Alright, so what are we gonna do?" Twilight asked. She felt the dragon wrap his arms around her neck and squeeze tightly.
"Be sure to stick with you and not let myself stare at Rarity's fine ass..." Spike grumbled earning a smile from the unicorn.
"Correct!" she practically cheered. Spike just slumped into the curve of his partner's neck. If nothing else her mane would provide some comfort to take his mind off of the beauty that owned the Carousel Boutique. The softness was almost like nuzzling into the linens of his pillowcase and the fragrance was like that of freshly viewed books. It was definitely a benefit of sleeping with her again. The odor must have developed with age though. Spike hadn't noticed the aluring aroma when they were younger. Desiring the impact of the senses even more, the dragon nuzzled his face deeper into her mane forcing a rather accepting but quiet noise to escape the owner's lips.
"Might wanna cut that out considering we're gonna be around company," Twilight remarked reluctantly. Knowing it'd be for the best for both his crush on Rarity and to keep the commotion down amongst others Spike settled for simply resting against her mane. Assured that everything was in order for them to present themselves, Twilight rapped her hoof on the door of the Carousel Boutique. The duo waited pleasantly for their call to be answered...and waited...and waited... After about a minute or so Spike and Twilight looked at each other. This time the male knocked, rather viciously. Instantly they heard clambering and voice behind the door. They didn't know whether or not they should leave or stay to see whatever chaos might spew out and engulf them. Twilight took a hesitant step back but it was too late. All at once three fillies burst out and were wrestling across the ground.
"I said I got it!" Scootaloo yelled.
"And I be the one with the sales experience!" Apple Bloom hollered.
"But it's my sister's shop!" Sweetie Belle argued. The bickering continued until Spike decided to jump down and force the friends apart.
"Alright, what the hay's going on?" he asked.
"I wanted to open the door!" Scootaloo glared at the others who stuck their tongues out in return. Spike looked at Twilight and she shook her head.
"We're here to pick something up," she told them.
"Oh, well that's too bad," Apple Bloom replied. A blank expression hung on her face. "Rarity's done gone down to Canterlot to display her revolutionary dress thingies. We was just tiddyin' up the shop."
"Yeah, and since we're done we're off to the clubhouse now," Scootaloo added, "Got plans with the time machine today!" The claim made the purple creatures jump a bit.
"...time machine?..." Spike repeated to make sure he'd heard it right.
"Yeah, don't you remember? We rescued you from all that burnt woods and stuff with the evil looking pony that had horns and all sorts of evil glowing red eyes?" Apple Bloom shuddered at the recollection of their little adventure. Since then they'd refrained from using the device. But curiosity, as usual, had gotten the best of the young fillies and they were ready to plunge through the time stream once more. In the spell of silence that followed Spike again looked at Twilight who now stared back just as confused. Being sure to swirl his figure along the side of his head, he turned back to the Cutie Mark Crusaders who realized that he didn't know about anything they were talking about.
"You dumbass!" Scootaloo whacked the back of Apple Bloom's head, "It hasn't happened yet! You may have just ruined the timeline as we know it!"
"We're still here aren't we?" Sweetie Belle stated. Scootaloo looked around wildly. Everything did still seem to be in place.
"You got lucky this time," she hissed to her friend. Sweetie Belle decided to do something actually useful while her friends were throttling each other. Putting on a smile she approached the two customers.
"What exactly is it you wanted?" she asked politely.
"Well we were here for our scarf," Twilight told her. Not that she expected the filly to know what she was talking about. But still, if it was complete and she knew where it was... Instead of answering however Sweetie Belle just lifted a brow.
"...didn't you already get a scarf from Rarity that was better like way earlier on in the story?" she asked. Twilight's brows lifted. That was right...she'd said thank you and hugged her and everything. Even taken offense to Rarity calling the dragon her "Spikey Wikey".
"Yeah..." Spike remembered, "...and last chapter she said our old scarf still wasn't done..." The fighting between Scootaloo and Apple Bloom was what made up the quietness that followed while the others tried to mentally pinpoint what all was going on. "Well...I think it's just the author forgetting about that and thinking the plot point is still going on," Spike shrugged.
"God why do we have this incompetent idiot as our author?" Twilight scoffed, "forgets plot points, doesn't even acknowledge a fourth wall, and just flat-out does things for fanservice!"
"It's like a story written by Capcom and Hasbro," Spike summed up the thought before turning to the screen, "Yeah, we went there."
"Well either way, we're off to the time machine. Have a good day you two! Cutie Mark Crusader Time Travelers!...yay?" Sweetie Belle attempted to jump start a good mood. Her friends however were still caught up in their dustcloud of limbs and bites and scratches. "...I'll see ya there..." she grumbled and trudged off.
---
The delightful air circulated through the pony's lungs before being expelled from her nostrils. It was as joyful to have such an atmosphere washing over her tender body as it was flowing within her system. She had been working for the entire story practically to get where she was now. And it was as glorious as the last time she'd visited the dreamlike civilization. The community that she'd deserved to born into. The architecture and art of the community unmatched by all of Equestria which only the most elite and exquisite could truly admire. That which unicorns alone had founded so long ago. And it was here that she would truly be recognized for her talents. The beacon that she would shine from across all of Equestria.
"I do hope we are not going all the way back to the room you stayed in last time..." the cracking voice of the pony carrying her luggage coughed through the smoke left by the train that had dropped her off. The white unicorn looked around. She actually hadn't been told where she would be staying. Worry taking over her, the pony dashed around looking for somepony holding up a sign with her name on it. After the trip to the royal city her quest could all be put to a stop in one slight miscalculation of not asking just how she would be residing.
"I take it you don't have a message from the princess for me?..." she asked the bellhop nervously. His only response was a look of disbelief which the owner of the pounds and pounds of dresses that he now carried returned. Thankfully she didn't have the chance to be reduced to tears.
"Ah Rarity my dear," a familiar pride-filled male voice saved the dilemma, "I would like to rewelcome you to Canterlot!" The white unicorn could hardly contain herself as she turned around. No, scratch that. She couldn't.
"FANCY PANTS!" she exclaimed and rushed over to him, "Oh I just know you'll love these new outfits that I've come up with an-ahem-I mean, hello, how are you doing? Hehe..." The highly valued pony gave his own controlled chuckle and nodded to the baggage carrier. He let out a sigh of relief and trudged over to them.
---
For most of her trip the stark white pony had traveled in silence. It wasn't just for the fact that she was getting used to the smaller form after not having it for so long. No, she just couldn't believe it was actually happening. Though she no longer had wings or her magic to use, she was happy. And in disbelief. An ecstasy of freedom clung to her. A sense she hadn't felt in what seemed to be an eternity. Had she not the experience she did, the pony might have collapsed in the chariot she was riding in as a maniacally giggling wreck from the overwhelming emotions that coursed through her. It was unbelievable. A dream come true. After centuries she was...normal... She didn't have to worry about papers or nursing a world or any of that crap! She could just be like any other pony! The two soldiers that lead the chariot gave a rare change of expression at the squeal of excitement that came from their passenger. The silence had been broken.
With a nearly unnoticeable thud the chariot touched the ground below and wheeled to a halt. Barely able to contain herself, the pony on board exited the vehicle, ginger in the spring of her step. The wind blew the pink mane about magically the moment she set hoof on the grass below. Long had it been that she could feel such a sensation from the natural setting. The feelings she was receiving were intoxicating. Ever since she'd taken the bite of the apple it'd just been one long roller-coaster ride of delight and wonder. Taking a deep breath the white pony closed her eyes to concentrate on the air flowing through her mortal form.
With a renewed sense of liveliness the pony opened her eyes back up and breathed out. It was simply magic. Something she'd dreamed of for centuries. Whenever she'd get depressed her mind would always drift to thoughts of what it'd be like if she were like any other in the land. But destiny had had other plans for her. Whether or not she should have taken the offer she did mattered not now. What mattered was that she was a normal pony now. And she had a whole day to enjoy it before being forced back into the life she'd so desperately come to spite in her subconscious. A smile grew upon seeing the sign above the town she had been taken to.
"Ponyville," she said happily, "I thank you for bringing me here."
"Of course Princess Celestia," one of the guards gave the usual reply.
"We look forward to your return," the other added and they flew off. The now mortal Celestia watched until they were lost in the clouds leading to Canterlot.
"...that makes one of us..." she sighed.
---
"Well...this is a bummer..." Scootaloo muttered. She kicked a charred rock across the ground. From what all could be seen the Cutie Mark Crusaders had returned to the point in time that they had found the injured Spike which they had helped. But that wasn't the bad news. No, the bad news was that they now had control over where they went. And Sweetie Belle had suggested going just a little tiny bit into the future. Whatever had happened to this ruined world would be gracing their's very soon. That was the fear that overwhelmed the less more easily worried members of the group.
Scootaloo as usual though just took it as another thing to overcome. Her thickheadedness knew no bounds, nor did her scheming. Even as Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom analyzed the wrecked landscape she was formulating a plan. No matter how scary it was it was bound to come. And when the horrible incident occurred they needed to be ready. That much Scootaloo found to be obvious. But how would they be able to even hope to counteract the travesty that had befallen this present? It couldn't have just been a fire that'd gotten loose. There'd be ponies scurrying around everywhere trying to help each other out. No, this was something that had been sudden. Something no pony had had time to react to.
The trip into the town nearby the dead woods had only made things worse. Nearly every single building had been annihilated. Skeletons littered the streets, those that had remained intact that is. The buildings that were standing even had some sitting in chairs or lying in bed. The most damaged part of the town seemed to be pointing towards the hill they'd come from. All that lay in its remains was a large crater. Though it was getting to her too, Scootaloo began to grow annoyed with how frequently they were stopping for the other Cutie Mark Crusaders to either throw up or regain their composure.
She was still trying to piece together just what had happened. There was hardly sign of a struggle. The ponies in this town had no idea what was happening when it did. It'd been instantaneous. Their lives ended before they even had time to comprehend that they had. Their remains frozen in the activities they participated in when the disaster had struck. Not a care in the world. The sheer value of such destruction was horror in and of itself. Not a bird sang. Not a wind blew. It was just cold dead silence. Not a sound was made other than the fillies that traversed the ravaged community.
"I want to go back home!" Sweetie Belle finally stopped and stomped her foot.
"Yeah, I'm with Sweetie on this," Apple Bloom agreed. Scootaloo rolled her eyes. She was surprised they'd lasted this long without complaining.
"You guys do realize this is the future right?" she reminded, "It's gonna happen whether we like it or not. We should stay and scope out more to find out a way to-"
"NO!" Sweetie Belle yelled, "I wanna go home NOW! I'd rather spend my last days with my sister and parents then keep seeing what's going to happen!" Scootaloo found herself unable to reply. The words had struck a bit too close to home. Sure she wanted to survive, but if there was no way to there honestly was no better way to live out the end of their lives than what Sweetie Belle had suggested. Scootaloo gave one last desperate look around the doomed setting and gave in.
"Fine..." she sighed. Though relieved, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were just as disappointed as the pegasus. The futuristic hover cars and holograms had been replaced by little more than a citywide graveyard. Their trip back to the time machine was just as quite as the one that they'd taken into the late civilization. Just as they were about to pass into the black trees that littered the woods however a voice spoke. One that they recognized. A female one. That sent trembles down their spines.
"And what do we have here..." the deeper voice cooed, "Three fillies that I seem to recall being at the building were I made my magnificent debut after my thousand year imprisonment." The Cutie Mark Crusaders gulped and turned around. Standing before them was the much taller princess of the orbiting figure of Equestria. Nightmare Moon.
---
Those that weren't startled by the newcomer's smile definitely were by her appearance. The pony that now pranced around Ponyville was more gorgeous than any they'd ever laid eyes on. She could have almost been a twin to Fleur de Lis of all ponies had she possessed a horn! But as it sat she was simply the most gorgeous figure in all of Ponyville bar none. Many colts turned their attention from their activities when they passed and most of the mares' jaws dropped. But the intruder just passed by as happy as could be taking in all the joys of the natural world she had never been allowed prior.
And then another sensation hit her. Actually, more of an object. Celestia yanked her face back, a suction sound occurring from the the force she used to remove her muzzle from the wooden structure it'd planted itself against.
"Hey! Watch where you're goin' ya dumb broad!" an older male yelled from the top of the ladder. Celestia put on the best sympathetic smile she could.
"I do sincerely apologize," she said cooly.
"Better be!" he spat inciting a bit of a droop in her face, "Could've broken my neck if this thing fell!"
"Sir, I told you that-"
"I heard, and here's what I have to say back!" he yelled. At first Celestia didn't realize what had happened. Even after her eyes popped open through the dirt that had flooded over her otherwise shining and beautiful face she still had to piece together that the colt on the ladder had just dropped a gardening shovel-full of dirt from a nearby plotted plant on her in return. "You're forgiven," he drew out the reply. Quite a few ponies observed the scene in shock. Celestia had put up with far worse before. She'd lived far more than long enough to know that it was just a natural reaction for some. But she no longer held the responsibility she had. She had a right to try out an emotion she rarely was ever allowed the opportunity to display before.
"How dare you!" she yelled and kicked the ladder. The pony above clung for dear life from the vibrations that rocked his seat. "My mane is going to have be washed at least twice to get it back to how it was!" Of course she didn't care, but still, she had to retort somehow.
"And I give a damn because..." the colt drolled. The response only incited even more frustration building up in her. "Shoulda thought about that before ya nearly killed me."
"Nearly killed you?" she growled, "Nearly killed you! Oh I'm sorry, I guess you don't know just who you're talking to!"
"Should I?" he asked. His question was as stale as a cracker. Celestia puffed up her cheeks as her brows knitted.
"Of course you should!" Celestia hissed, "How could you not?!"
"Who are you?" the male pony mused fluttering his eyelids tauntingly. Celestia would have sent the offender soaring into Cloudsdale had she still had her powers. But she didn't. And she couldn't let him know that. She couldn't let anypony know who she was. It would undo all that she was attempting! Should her cover be blown the inhabitants would just start worshiping her all over again, the joys of normality again stolen away from her! Celestia bit her lower lip while her mind did cartwheels trying to think up a way to reply.
"I'm uh..." Celestia gulped. The antagonizing colt's grin just spread. Hesitantly she kicked the ground, "um...my name's Celest..." The dirt-covered pony turned her head to the ponies that had been watching. None of them seemed to be making any connections between her and her former self as far as she could hear.
"Well isn't that just adorwable," the colt on the ladder cooed, "Bit of advise, you ain't gonna get as lovely as your idol if you look like you've been rolling around in mud fangirl." Celestia hadn't felt such anger rising since Discord's jests.
"Yeah?" she muttered back, "Well you're...uh...ladder's stupid!" Taking the pathetic comeback as a victory, Celestia strolled off to the side of a building only to be greeted by another slap of dirt from the colt she'd left behind. She felt her eye twitch. After making sure that no pony was paying attention to her anymore she slipped into the alleyway that the corner of the building provided and rubbed her hoofs together. A series of giggles and squeals echoed through the alley. She hadn't felt such excitement in ages! High above her the sun danced around uncontrollably.
---
"I must say, these dresses are perhaps the most exquisite I've seen in quite some time," Fancy Pants admitted. If Rarity weren't so well mannered she'd be hopping all over the high-class unicorn with all forms of affection. And with his approval came that of all the other notable ponies of Canterlot. It was overwhelming to say the least. Everything that she'd been preparing for, all that she'd put her heart and effort into would finally be paying off! She'd become more popular than Photo Finish had made Fluttershy! She'd be able to get an even bigger boutique! Why she might even be able to make a little addition where Spike could stay in when he visited!...Spike...
All at once the unicorn's mind dampened. Spike. The one without which she wouldn't have been anywhere near as successful as she had been in creating her more recent masterpieces. Truth be told she was never an amateur when it came to finding jewels. No, the trouble was digging them up. And the dragon had always been more than eager to help in that regard. Ever since he'd laid eyes on her she had noticed his infatuation. Even when she occasionally ended up insulting him against her better instincts his lust would remain him oblivious to the accidental rudeness. In his eyes she could do no wrong.
And that was part of the reason why it pained her to see him chasing after some pony other than her. Sure she had told him that it would be best not to be together due to the difference in their species. Up until that point rarely anything had been told about his life cycle in canon, or that of any dragon. That was why she had made the decision she had. Because, like so many ones before him, the author of this story had decided that she should feel that it'd simply be a burden to his supposed elongated life span. But that shouldn't have mattered. If the relationship was good the creators of the show wouldn't have killed her off or let things get depressing. Not like that. No, but the author was working with what he had at the time to justify Twilight being a better match for him.
That was what got to her the most. That the countless hordes of fans out there just paired each pony up with another that made no sense to begin with! Of course Twilight was a much more suitable one for Spike than others like Rainbow Dash or Derpy Hooves. But Spike had shown the most feelings towards her! And in her role of the story she'd just blown him away. The being that adored her the most in all of Equestria. The guilt hung on her like glue dangling from a freshly slapped together project of Sweetie Belle's. Rarity did love Spike! Maybe not in the way he desired. She didn't know. But she did love him, and he her...but he was with Twilight now...and if it was for the best, Rarity needed to support him.
Her sigh didn't go unnoticed.
"Is something wrong my dear?" Fancypants inquired. Rarity blinked and immediately covered her face in a smile.
"Nothing Fancy Pants!" she assured, "The outfits are selling...that's...good..." The more sophisticated pony gave a doubtful smile back and magicked a wine glass over to her.
"It's Fancypants just so you know," he reminded, "One word. The author's been getting it wrong all throughout the story."
"There really should be someway to kick them off of directing the piece if they're this bad..." she muttered under her breath before taking a sip.
"But I know the nervousness you must be feeling. I wasn't always the confident stallion you see before you now," he tried to comfort her. At this Rarity's eyes bulged a bit. Fancypants gave his usual chuckle to her reaction. "All gotta start somewhere. I'm sure everything'll work out fine. Now if you don't mind I must go talk to Hoity Toity. He really seems rather interested in how these revolutionary pieces of cloth you've made work." Rarity waved to him as he departed and finished her drink.
"Ooo...can I have this one?..." a somewhat dopey voice asked. Rarity lifted a brow. The voice sounded like one she'd heard before, but not often. "It is pretty perty..." Trotting closer to one of her displays Rarity could now see just who it was that was admiring her work. Not that it mattered much. It was just the window cleaner that had embarrassed her when she'd come to Canterlot during Twilight's birthday. When she'd first met Smartypants.
"Oh of course," she told him politely, "It'll be about one hundred and seventy five bits." The price made the pony's eyes go to his head.
"...well I done reckon I don't have that much...would a hundred and twenty be alright?..." he asked. Instinct took over to pump a bit of anger through her. Her sales were not for bartering.
"No," she told him, "These are a new and unique type of fabric. At the price I give they're already a steal. One hundred and seventy five."
"...but I don't have that much..."
"Then I guess you can't have this," Rarity reasoned. The customer's head low, he slunked away with his tail between his legs. "Have a nice day!" she called after trying to make up for the harsher words.
---
"Well if it isn't my favorite chaos-causing fillies!" the chimera greeted with outstretched arms. A bit too eagerly he scooped the Cutie Mark Crusaders into a strangling embrace and twirled around. The young females on the other hand were frozen. They'd already been traumatized enough from the evil princess of the night dragging them away. But now the even more monstrous force of nature had been shown to be in the same place at the same time as her! Discord and Nightmare Moon were working together! And they had them in their clutches! Surely death would be a welcome alternative.
"Oh you don't know how thankful I am for you three idiots!" Discord happily danced about the ruined landscape, "Because of you I was able to be freed back before Twilight and her dorky power rangers group managed to seal me away again! You kids actually thought I was gonna let you destroy me! Oh that just put such a smile on my face once it worked out! I owe so much to you! Not that I'm gonna really repay ya, but still. Either way, welcome to the apocalypse!" The Cutie Mark Crusader's heads clonked together upon being sat down on a nearby rock which the spirit of chaos displayed the blackened world beyond from. Smoke still drifted off of some structures.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Discord wiped a tear from his eye and sniffed, "and it's all because of you...take your time..." The Cutie Mark Crusaders might have been looking but their minds weren't there. They were still trying to process just what all was going on. The destroyed town, Nightmare Moon, Discord...it was like their worst dreams come true. All of Pandora's horrors unleashed unto the land. It truly was the apocalypse it seemed. The blood red sky above only further complimented the insanity that raced through the world. They shouldn't have returned to the time period. And somehow...it was about to get worse...
At first the rumbles didn't even register to the Cutie Mark Crusaders' butts. But within moments they were bouncing on the rock they sat. It was only when the voice spoke though that they finally took note of the newcomer. The sound that uttered from it was unlike any voice they'd ever heard before. A deep dark yet firm voice. Like that of a controlled monster that commanded all others. That which orchestrated all for its end benefit. Evil. Pure evil...
"Discord..." it spoke. A smirk formed while his eyelids lowered.
"Who me?..." he joked trailing one of his lion fingers across his brown chest. The very air around them changed with the annoyance that the powerful being was filled with. A loud crack of thunder from the hoof that struck the ground was the response the draconequus received. "What is it killjoy?" Discord scoffed.
"Why are these three here? Everything should have been wiped out..." it muttered. The fillies couldn't have fought against the magic that enveloped them if they tried. They wished they'd at least put up the effort though once they'd been levitated in front of the beast's face. If they'd been frozen before then now they'd become laced in cement. The very glimpse into the glowing red eyes before them was enough to crush any defenses of their mentality. They could feel its presence seeping into their very soul. Corrupting them. Suffocating them in the evil that accompanied its very nature.
"Just admiring the scenery's my guess," Discord shrugged as he pretended to file his nails. The glow of the being's eyes intensified from the comment the peanut gallery gave. The Cutie Mark Crusaders did realize the plain fact however. This was the being that they had seen on their last trip into the future. The one that had seen them off when they'd gone back to the time machine. Only now there was no silhouette to protect them from its terror. And it truly was not a form to mess with.
Standing taller than Nightmare Moon herself, this male pony was clad from head to hoof in armor. Scootaloo actually recognized it as somewhat the style that the royal pegasus guards wore. Except the coloring was orange with bluish gray areas to break up the otherwise amber pattern. But the most important part was on the chest where the red diamond shaped letter M sat. Even its mouth was covered in a silverish plate. Not a bit of its organic form could be seen through the plating it bore. And as they'd seen prior it did indeed possess horns on the sides of its head unlike how any other pony that had one would have it coming off the forehead. Two razor sharp horns jutting out of the sides and coming up like a devil's would. But the most unusual feature would have to have been the tail. It seemed to be made not of hair but of a reddish flame. As for where the wings of the pegasus should have come out there were instead just two tentacle-like structures coming out of either side of his body. It truly was a monster.
"After having analyzed you I see that you're not from this time period..." it announced.
"Don't worry, you'll get here eventually," Discord cooed running a bird talon under Sweetie Belle's chin. A glance at the pony holding them was all he needed to roll his eyes and exit the scene.
"As such, I suggest you return to your time period before causing some form of a time anomaly. I may desire your end as much as I would anyone else in this reality, but I've had more than enough experience to not want to risk a messed up time stream with this vulnerable a body at stake. Now then, begone." The Cutie Mark Crusaders continued to stare at the monster even after being set on the ground. Before Discord had a chance to interject his own playful tendencies the scene was interrupted.
"Please...help...I..." a ragged and bleeding pony begged stumbling through the rocks. There had been a survivor. "...oh fuck..." was the last thing he uttered after setting his eyes on the trio of monsters before him. Discord waved politely.
"Die," the orange-clad abomination ordered. With a glow of his eyes the survivor fell forward, motionless. The Cutie Mark Crusader's sights now remained fixated on the corpse.
"...alright, I'll take em back to their little time machine," Discord grumbled and scooped them up, "Don't say me never did nothin' for ya."
---
"Ah!..." Rainbow Dash yawned as she stretched aloft her fluffy clouded sanctuary of a home, "...cameo..."
---
Owlowicious eyed the pulsating bedsheets suspiciously. The number two assistant had seen the pony and dragon of library slink in beneath them but they had yet to emerge. For about half an hour or so now the sheets had just stirred around wildly with an occasional voiced noise escaping the material. Figuring it best, for its own safety if nothing else, the owl decided to visit another room of the library. Meanwhile the covers continued to squirm.
"N-no, not there Spike!" Twilight's voice remarked, surprise and desperation filling her sentence.
"Sorry, but I really don't think it'll stay up if-ah!" Spike's retorted. More grunts and groans escaped the sheets until finally the sheets collapsed in a heap on the bed. It wasn't long before they were rustling again though. This time however the heads of the two creatures beneath popped out onto the pillows at the top of the mattress. "Told you the bed fort wouldn't stay up with just a few books," Spike grumbled. Twilight rubbed the back of her head bashfully. "And it'd have made the perfect base for hide and seek..."
"Well now I at least know where to look next time," the unicorn stated. Now it was Spike's turn to rub his head at his grinning bed buddy. Throwing off the embarrassment they were placing on each other, Twilight pulled out the newer scarf that Rarity had made them, more to make the element more present so that the author wouldn't forget again, and wrapped it snuggly around their necks in turn pressing their cheeks up against one another. It definitely was a nice comforting touch it provided. But that was to be expected with any of the fashionista's products. What really provoked the enticing feelings was the friction between them.
"You know...I been doing some more reading..." the sides of Twilight's mouth curled upwards as she revealed the "Boyfriend Book" that she had lying on her nightstand. Though he did become enticed by the implications of the statement, Spike raised a brow. Something wasn't adding up correctly.
"...shouldn't you have been done with that thing like before the chapter after you found it?...I mean no offense, but you're like obsessed with reading." Twilight could only blush at the realization and set the book back down.
"Gotta keep some things running as plot points so that I don't advance too quickly," she murmured, "And I guess one little dragon doesn't want-"
"I DO!" Spike exclaimed grabbing the unicorn by the thighs. Slowly their eyes drifted down to his claws which he took back hesitantly, a red crimson warping his normal purple hue.
"Hehe..." Twilight's eyelids drooped a bit. Spike gulped. He'd hardly ever seen her face so seductive. The closest he could compare was when Rarity would attempt to worm favors out of him or when Pinkie Pie had interrogated him and promised treats if he talke-
"HI!" the pink pony hollered. Both the dragon and unicorn screamed at the head that popped out between them. Quickly she looked up and down at the bedmates and blinked. "...Ooo! We havin' a threesome? Spike you playah!"
"Pinkie! What the hell are you doing!" Twilight yelled.
"Oh you know, just shattering walls here and there," she shrugged, "the usual...say, you guys got jumper cables around here?..."
"...no?..." Spike answered.
"Drat!" the crazy pony somehow snapped her hoof, "Well, have fun you two! Bowchickawowow and all that!" Being sure to give suggestive clicks of her tongue to both participants she disappeared just as mysteriously as she'd emerged leaving Spike and Twilight stunned.
"...where were we?..." the unicorn eventually managed to ask.
"Um...you were sorta suggesting-"
"Oh right," Twilight smiled and brought her lips down against Spike's. No matter how sudden her action had been, the dragon's longer tongue reacted instantly to the pony's. It swirled around her inner cheeks and jaws in ways that she couldn't fathom any other creature's doing. Definitely one of the benefits of having such a relationship with the being that was so close to her. She hardly notice his fingers drifting down to her thigh again. The ferocity at which they exchanged the lashing of their tongues was far too much of a distraction. Twilight could taste the sweetness of the gems that her kind would normally fatally shred their throats up with if they attempted to devour the precious stones.
Twilight didn't protest at all to the rolling their bodies made when they switched positions so that the smaller being was no longer smashed into the bed beneath. With his new vantage point Spike ran his other claw along Twilight's side. Each brush it made against her sent shivers along her frame causing her to kick a few times. Once three more kicks were made, Spike broke the kiss and rubbed his cheek against her's.
"Love ya," he said stroking firmer this time. Now the leg didn't shake so much as quiver from the force her pressed against her. The sensation was still there but not as uncontrolled. Twilight let out a light gasp once she felt the fangs touch lightly against her neck.
"Spike, we need to get back to work in a bit..." she told him quietly.
"You really think you can't give it up this once?..." he chimed into her ear. Twilight pressed both lips inwards and bit their interior's.
"...gotta work double tomorrow then..."
"I think we can manage..." Spike told her. With her confirmation, the dragon opened his mouth wider, the sharp teeth on the lower jaw now ready to nip as well. Just as they hit the surface of Twilight's purple body a loud banging interrupted. The pause was a bit awkward, but Spike tried again. He'd be damned if somepony knocking on the library's door was going to interrupt their quality time when the building was supposed to be closed. And again the banging from the front door echoed as he touched her skin. Twilight rubbed the back of his head in sympathy.
"We can continue later," she told him. Spike folded his arms over his chest as he sat up and stuck his lower lip out. Twilight shook her head and hoisted him onto her back before trotting downstairs. She was sure to put on a smile and turned the knob to the front door.
"Hello, I'm sorry but the library's-"
SPLAT!
Once Spike realized what had happened he'd doubled over in laughter. The whipped cream of the pie that'd planted itself in Twilight's face drizzled down her mane. She blinked a few times and wiped some of it off.
"Got ya," a calming but excited voice declared. Both Spike and Twilight jumped. The sight of the pony that leapt out of the nearby bush only sent them back into the tree even further. Continuing what had been Spike's laughter was a beautiful, yet dirty looking, white pony with a flowing pink mane. Only one pony could look so gorgeous.
"...Princess Celestia?..." they gawked. Behind her form the sun jolted around in the sky.
---
"We keepest telling you that thou must feel it in her-"
"Will you please talk normally?!" Trixie pleaded to the legendary pony next to her, "I mean god damn! I go on about "The Great and Powerful Trixie!" but you're just all like "I knowest thy bestest thou musteth sucketh large!" and just what the hell?! Who EVER talked like that?" Luna scowled at the egotistical showoff.
"Certainly no pony that knew how to speak correctly," she muttered, "It was never pronounced "bestest"." Trixie rolled her eyes and leaned her head back to enjoy her beverage. When she proposed to take Celestia's place while she enjoyed a day as a normal pony she hadn't thought it'd be nearly as hard to control the sun as it was. With a pop of the metal cap, the soda drizzled down into the blue unicorn's throat. Sure she was glad to have wings now but even so that didn't stop the hardships that came with the newfound abilities. They'd definitely take some getting used to.
That's not to say it was all bad. Even as they strolled through the street the unicorns of Canterlot broke apart a path for the grander ponies to trek. For all they saw Trixie looked exactly like Celestia. The spell that the sun controller had placed on her before she bit the apple that Trixie had stolen during the incident where Ponville had been warped into all sorts of bizarre creatures had worked perfectly. She was an exact replica to stay in place of Celestia while she was away. Which would be much longer than the royal pony may have thought if everything worked out as Trixie had calculated. She couldn't help but fantasize about what the future would bring with her in charge.
"Ah, here it is!" Luna cheered a bit more joyously than Trixie would have enivisioned the pony that orchestrated the moon. Looking up she could see that they had indeed reached their destination. The most esteemed clothing complex in all of Canterlot. And to their luck it had a brand new display! Eagerly the two raced in happy as fillies being let out for recess. Luna was immediately enthralled by the various decors of the night that had been composed over the centuries she'd missed out on. Trixie meanwhile dashed over to the new display. They certainly were some of the most elaborate designs she'd ever seen. And her eyes grew as she viewed a pony that tried the bland cloth they were made from on. The clothing actually transformed! Trixie was about to ask how much they were when she noticed something. The owner. She could feel her blood beginning to boil. It was the unicorn that had dared to upstage her in fashion.
"-and that is how it works," Rarity finished telling the customer, "Of course it only transforms once. Gotta keep the sales coming in ya know."
"Pardon me Rarity, but I do believe I heard word of a continually changing one some time ago..." Fancypants interjected. Her ears peaked at the proclomation.
"Oh that? That was just a...um...test..." Rarity laughed nervously. She'd specifically designed the newer models to never be able to repeat what the Cutie Mark Crusaders had done when they flooded Ponyville with her newfound material. And with Fancypants' acknowledgement they were selling like hotcakes!
"These drab excuses for cloth?" Every pony gasped. The remark had come from none other than Princess Celestia herself. Fancypant's monocle dropped from his face.
"W-what?" Rarity said in disbelief. The comment had certainly taken her aback.
"How can you all even consider wearing these out-of-style designs?" the fake princess scoffed, "Transforming material was gone when I was a filly! And for good reason! Do you not realize just how dangerous it could get? I don't even wanna think about another famine." With each word Rarity backed further and further away from the crowd that had been admiring her clothes.
"Ahem, "sister" what exactly are you talking about?" Luna glared at the imposter, "I for one-"
"Have been trapped on the moon for a millenia and obviously can't be relied on as telling what is and isn't suitable for tastes," Trixie finished. Luna's jaw hit the floor. The mortal had rendered her completely speechless. Fortunately there was last contender.
"But dear princess, do you not realize who made these designs?" Fancypants asked, "It's Rarity. The holder of the Element of Generosity and your pupil's best-"
"And she obviously needs to consider another industry," the princess cut him off. Feeling that the damage was done, the figure of Celestia turned and exited the building. Luna stole a glance at the crowd and followed quickly after. What had been the best day of Rarity's life had shifted to the opposite. In the blink of an eye the esteemed community was tossing the now declared out-of-date items of clothing to the ground and moving on to other exhibits. Tears slid down the fashionista's face.
---
"Um...not that I'm one to be all that worried but...are you sure this is safe?..." the now much-more-like-her-sister in form Celestia asked, fear very clearly present in her voice. When she had arrived at her star pupil's doorstep she had expected a warm hospitable welcome and endless attempts to inform her of how to live life as a normal pony. And she had gotten a nice welcome...until she informed Twilight that she couldn't turn back to her old self on her own. Even after telling her that the effects would only last a day, the book-obsessed unicorn rushed the princess down to a lab that she'd never even guessed would reside in the basement of the tree! As of current she was hooked up to god knows what by numerous wires while her hooves remained locked into place via clamps on a table in front of her. The pair only worked faster after Celestia had informed them that it was just some pony called Trixie that had given her the apple.
"Of course it is. Remember how powerful you are?" Twilight reminded even though her eyes continually scanned over her equipment. It was her studious nature. No matter what she did otherwise her mind was on autopilot to scan over her settings. "Besides, Spike was my first test subject when he lost his ability to breathe fire one day!" Celestia mentally muttered something to herself. Well...it'd at least been a good run of pulling pranks and enjoying normality while it lasted. Figuring there weren't many resorts left, the white pony looked down at the dragon next to her, his claws furiously working to connect various components required for the supposed "curing" machine that Twilight had made. "So...this gave you your fire back?..." Celestia struck up a conversation. Spike worked up a hesitated grimace and leapt onto Celestia's back.
"I don't think so..." he whispered into her ear, "Just needed to eat some gems and felt back to my old self. Fuels dragon's fire organs and all that..."
"...then this'll do nothing?..." Celestia skeptically looked herself over.
"It's mostly for Twilight's amusement," the assistant shrugged. Celestia had to admit that it was cute how the lizard cared for the older being. "But...I do remember it feeling like a ton of needles are jammed into you all at once..."
"...fuck..." Celestia said just as quietly as Spike had been speaking.
"Alright Spike! Get back!" Twilight ordered. Celestia gave the dragon one last silent plea for help before he leapt to the ground and took cover behind the terminal that Twilight had positioned herself at. All the royal pony could do now was brace herself. And brace herself she needed to. Spike had not been lying in the slightest in his description. All at once it hit her...and evaporated just as quick. Whatever had happened she was still alive in her mortal form, but dear lord had it stung. That split second Celestia would never forget for the rest of eternity! It was as though Discord himself had slammed her face first into all of his pranks at the same time!
The sizzling pony wobbled around and slid onto a nearby wall once the restraints were released. Twilight and Spike lifted their safety goggles, and as the male expected the female looked rather distraught over the whole matter. Celestia coughed out a puff of black smoke and fell over with a somewhat dazed look in her eyes.
"Luna! Put that down or I'll kick yo ass!" Celestia hollered as she looked up at her student, stars in her eyes. Spike looked up just in time to see the younger pony smack her hoof against her face. He always did enjoy watching Celestia completely annihilate all the visions and fantasies Twilight had of her mentor being the esteemed and respectable character that she'd built up in her mind over her youth.
"Any more ideas?" he asked through his giggles. Twilight's stern demeanor returned.
"We're going to Canterlot," Twilight stated.
"Of course Luna! I'll show you my Playpony collection!" Celestia interrupted dropping Spike to the floor in uncontrollable spouts of hoots and hollering. Twilight was only relieved that it was just him witnessing the depraved state of their leader.
---
"You may have everypony else fooled but I was right there in front of you when you took my sister's form!" Luna yelled. Not even her hoof slamming on the ground in front of her was enough to break the showoff's unimpressed attitude. With the position she now held there was nothing she had to be afraid of. "And how dare you ridicule such incredible works of art!" the princess of the night continued, "all I had while I was banished was the art of the cosmos to view! I know what I'm talking about when I say that those dresses that thy fair Rarity had made are some of the most spectacular I have ever seen in all my years!"
"And I give a damn because..." Trixie drolled, "Yeah, I'm reusing a line from somepony else earlier in the fic. So what?" What did impress her however was that she could actually hear the dark blue purplish pony's teeth grinding through her frustration. "You seem to forget who is the one that actually rules Equestria," the fake form of Celestia said. Luna's eye twitched. That had been enough.
"Even though my sister does rule it alongside me and we actually view each other as equals, you are not her!" Luna yelled furiously, "You're are just some arrogant jackass that thinks she can do whatever she wants since she's taken over a royal pony's body for a day! I will relish lowering the moon this night more than I ever have in my life! When we agreed to this deal we were under the impression that you'd hold up your end of just being a placeholder for my sister, not undermine even MY own declarations!" The white alicorn had a small smile on her face for the fuming royal pony.
"You alicorns can get so cute when you're mad," Trixie cooed and pinched Luna's cheek. That was the last straw. Immediately she bit at the hoof and tackled the taller figure across the ground of the throne room. The guards switched between watching the duel and looking at each other numerous times, unsure of just what they should do.
"I would've killed Twilight and her friends five times over when I was Nightmare Moon!" Luna hissed between the punching and quarreling, "I'm sure I have enough of that energy left over for some arrogant bitch like you!" Luna was surprised at just how much energy it actually took to pin the imposter to the ground. On second thought it was her sister's body she was fighting against, but still it was a fake and she was the predetermined victor. Just as Luna's horn glistened to dispatch whatever judgment she had cooked up for the disrespectful little brat so did the one her sister's body bore. With her cornered tension, Trixie was the first to strike. And she had never felt such an attack from her being. It was as though she had the power of the sun itself behind her blast! Effortlessly Luna was thrown against the opposing wall allowing Trixie to get back to her hooves and cast a dark grin.
"You seem to be under the impression that I was going to be giving up this body to begin with." Luna's eyes expanded. The guards had begun to close in on Celestia's stand-in. Needless to say they were scared to death.
"But...one day! That was the deal! ONE DAY!" Luna yelled. Trixie cackled and knocked the guards back as she had the royal one.
"Sorry, but this is just too fun!" the magician laughed, "And I don't even have to make a deal with Discord this time! With this body I can do whatever the hell I want! And without my consent your sis ain't getting it back anytime soon!"
"Is that so?" the voice asked from another part of the room. All the participants of the fight turned to the doors that slammed open. The Celestia that had been reverted to a normal pony walked through, her student and the student's assistant at her sides. Luna hadn't seen her sister filled with such piercing contempt for another pony before. Discord sure. But a pony? Never. Not a normal one at least. "Give me my body back now," she ordered. Trixie was about to dispatch with the newcomers as she had the others until she saw what was behind them. In marched a good portion of the royal guard. She may have had the power to take them all down without even trying, but she was nowhere near accustomed enough to the body to risk doing such!
"That was a command from your leader," Celestia reinforced her previous statement. Trixie gulped.
"W-why are you even trying to get this body back?" she stammered, "I gave you want you wanted! A NORMAL life! Everything you're denied! No longer would you be annoyingly worshipped! No longer would you outlive those you held dear! Why are you trying to take back this curse?" Celestia scoffed at the notion.
"You seem to be enjoying it rather well. But to answer your question it's because it is my duty." The rightful controller of the sun squinted at the fact. "I may not always like it...but it is my responsibility to be in the position I was no matter my opinions on the matter. Now give me my body back!"
"Uh...think I should get outta here?..." Spike asked tugging at Twilight's mane.
"...it'd probably be safest," she reasoned. She was sure to put a kiss on his head before he high tailed it back to the outer world of Canterlot. Twilight wouldn't be evacuating though. Trixie had been causing trouble for quite some time now, but doing so to one of the leaders of Equestria was going too far. But Trixie wasn't about to give up such power. And there was nothing more dangerous than a cornered animal. Celestia and Luna were the only ponies to stand their ground as the magician's horn started to glow. She didn't know what she was doing, but it had to be better than nothing. At least that's what she thought. Trixie felt the energy leave her body, but nothing happened to her opponents. That was why she was confused by the looks of horrors present on the royal sisters' faces.
"What?" Trixie shrugged, "I didn't do anything..."
"Maybe not to us..." Luna murmured and put a hoof over her face to defend against the growing brightness that poured into the room.
"...but you just caused the sun to go supernova..." Celestia finished.
---
"I mean he's such has such a lousy sense of humor! But by god if he doesn't cause the chaos he's credited to. Did you see that village down there? They literally didn't know what hit em! Only thing I regret is they aren't around anymore to play with. But eh, that's chaos for ya. Unpredictability at its finest. And what's more chaotic than nonexistence? Oh lookie how the time flies! We're already here!" With a chuckle Discord dropped the Cutie Mark Crusaders off in front of the phone booth. Robotically they walked inside. "Now then, don't forget to do your homework and brush your teeth. Be in bed by nine," he advised, "And do say hello to your sisters or idol for me. I do so miss them, especially now. Didn't even stand a chance..." Still in shock, the Cutie Mark Crusaders vanished with the phone booth leaving the spirit of chaos to stroke his beard. "Now...where did Celestia fly off to I wonder..."
---
Before Spike had had the chance to get outside ponies were screaming their heads off about the now critically altered sun that loomed over the land of Equestria. Though the temperature hadn't really changed all that much the star sure had. What had once been a nice yellow lamp to the planet they lived on was now a squirming red violent mass of dust and plasma threatening to blow its top at any given moment. It pulsated like some balloony alien organ dangling in the sky. It'd only be a matter of time before it popped. And with its destruction would bring that of Equestria's. The dragon shook his head. Just another day in the life of the group he was a part of.
Well...if the world was gonna end he might as well spend it doing something he enjoyed. It was almost comical to think of how casually he strolled down the street compared to all the other residents of the royal civilization that were caught up in their crazed dashing. But the baby dragon just walked along the paths of the road with a calm smile on his face. If it was the end there wasn't anything they could do about it now was there? One thing that the panic had certainly helped with however was that it had completely gotten rid of any line there might have been to gain admittance into the fashion complex that Rarity had her displays at. He didn't expect to see her inside, but it was still a bit disappointing to find that she too was gone. Still...he could at least look at the outfits.
"Wow..." Spike marveled at the beauty of each one he passed by. They were all stunning and had more variety than he'd ever seen the fashionista attempt. Mainly out of the urge to try one ever since the clothing had flooded Ponyville, Spike slipped one of the blank clothes off its stand and slinked into it. Instantly it began to change into a more scale-patterened design of purple and green. "Incredible..." Spike couldn't believe his eyes as he spun around to look it over.
"Well you can have it..." a voice muttered causing him to jump. Now he knew why he hadn't seen Rarity. She was slumped over behind a nearby table just out of sight of the front door. The dragon returned the action she'd caused him to perform by plunging face first into a hug. "Gah! Who do you think-Spike!" Once she realized who the assailant was she eagerly embraced him as well. "What are you doing here silly?"
"You think I'd miss out on one of your shows if I can help it?" Spike mused. Rarity's white face did little to hide the redness that pumped beneath it. She smiled and nuzzled her nose against his. "So how'd it go?" Spike asked wiggling his eyebrows. They stopped once the pony's face drooped.
"It was going great until...until...PRINCESS CELESTIA HATED THEM!" Rarity ended in a tear-filled bawling. The initial surprise of the claim wore off as Spike gave it some thought.
"About that...that was just Trixie disguised as the princess..." Spike informed rubbing his arm bashfully.
"...pardon?" Rarity blinked. The tears dried up rather quickly as the information hit her like a ton of bricks. Then her eye twitched. "That little bitch...but...it's too late now...before then it was going just fine..."
"As well it should!" Spike declared being sure to lift up the end of his outfit. A giggle escaped Rarity's mouth from the dragon's display of his design. "These, as anything you do, are incredible!" The twos' eyes locked. And for a moment time seemed to freeze. They could feel their faces drifting towards each other, their eyes lowering. And then they stopped. A sound of admiration had snapped them back to reality. Rarity's jaw dropped a bit when she saw who it was. The window cleaner from earlier was still looking her outfits over despite the impending doom outside.
"...you can have it if you want..." she told him. The pony lifted his head. "Hayseed Turnip Truck wasn't it?"
"...but I don't gots the money..." Rarity smiled. She wasn't the Element of Generosity for nothing.
"I'm sure I won't miss just one of them," she told him with a wink.
---
"Young one, you do realize that you are going to KILL ALL OF US, right?" Luna spat. Sweat poured down the body that Trixie was now in possession of.
"I-I can fix it!" she assured and again her horn glowed. Celestia tried to stop her but it was too late. She knew what spell the amateur imposter was casting but there was no time to stop it from being performed. "T-that worked didn't it?..." Trixie asked more to make herself believe than anyone.
"If sending the sun on a collision course with Equestria is making it work, then yes. You've saved us all," Celestia sarcastically muttered. Out of desperation Trixie cast another spell. The throne room lit up like a flashlight turned on inside a jack o' lantern. "And now you're doubled the speed it's going at..."
"...I can't give these powers back! They're mine!" she screamed.
"What use are they if everyone's gone?" Twilight asked. Trixie turned to run but couldn't. She turned again and still her legs wouldn't let her leave. There was nowhere to go. The world was going to be destroyed. It didn't matter how fast she evacuated. With no other option, Trixie fell down and wrapped her arms over her face.
"It's not fair!" she cried, "It is not fair! I'm the Great and Powerful Trixie! I was supposed to be the best! Mommy always said I was! I'm not supposed to lose!"
"You don't have to," Celestia told her. Calmly she walked up to the throne and stood in front of the crouched over form of herself. "Give me my wings and give me my horn. I will fix this." Trixie sniffed and stared at the smaller pony.
"...you won't punish me will you?" she gulped. Celestia scowled emitting an "eep" from her.
"Which do you think would be worse? A punishment from me, or..." Celestia lifted a hoof to a nearby window. It felt like it should have shattered from how bright it was glowing. With one last tearfilled jerk of her face, Trixie's horn glowed once more and she was turned back into her former self. And with it so was Celestia's body. Everyone in the throne room breathed a sigh of relief while the controller of the sun set it back to normal.
"Now then," Celestia muttered, "About your punishment..."
"Like hell!" Trixie yelled. Even Celestia's magic couldn't counter that which Trixie had conjured. There'd still been some residual magic left in her to allow her to teleport. And where she'd ended up none of them knew. It didn't take too long for things to return back to how they'd been prior to the whole ordeal. Within at least half an hour Celestia was sitting in her throne once more and Twilight stood before her with Rarity and Spike on either side. The purple unicorn had to keep her arm wrapped around her assistant to make sure he didn't wander over to the white one.
"We're glad you're back Princess Celestia," Twilight told her, "...sorry that you didn't really get to be...normal for the whole day...it's just that without you...and Trixie of all ponies!..."
"I understand Twilight," Celestia smiled, "It is my duty and my position. It's just that...every century or so I get sorta worked up about it and all...but regardless it's my responsibility. And as such I must place upon you a task only I can allow on any pony else...therefore I must speak with all of you."
"Well we are at your service and ready to listen!" Rarity announced. She was just happy that the real Celestia hadn't been the one to spite her outfits.
"No...I mean ALL of you," she repeated.