//------------------------------// // "I wasn't prepared for this..." - Fuzzyfurvert - Nov. 15, 2014 // Story: The Sun and Stars: Lightning Round // by JKinsley //------------------------------// An on-time entry from Fuzzy Furvert “Are you sure about this?”  Spike pulled the strap on Twilight’s vest harness tighter.  He snapped the buckle closed and jumped down from the stool he’d used to reach her back. “Yeah.”  Twilight sighed and rolled her shoulders to get the vest to sit properly.  “You know the drill:  I translate the old texts from the pre-Equestrian period and when I find another mention of myself meddling in the timestream, I go back and make sure it happens.  Or else we have a paradox apocalypse.  Again.” “You’re just being dramatic, Twilight.  That last one was barely noticeable.” “We all changed genders and ages, Spike.” “Likes I said: barely noticeable.”  Spike shrugged and picked up a bundle of ritual candles.  He puffed out a lick of flame and lit the all before he started walking around Twilight and placing them at key cardinal points. “Well, this time it affects a pony that has a lot of influence over history.  I have to make sure this goes as history says I made it go, or we could lose Equestria as we know it!” Spike rolled his eyes and set the last candle.  “Ok, the ritual setup is complete!  Just give it some juice and temporal coordinates and you’re off on an adventure.  Please keep all legs and wings in the circle at all times until the time transference spell is finished.  Once you reach your destination, you will have one hour to do...whatever you did.  Should you meet yourself, please refrain from killing and or sleeping with them to avoid complications.” Spike saluted Twilight as the spell circle and her horn started to glow.  “Thank you for flying Spike the Dragon’s ritual circle and translocation services!” A hecka long time in the past Gold was everything.   Gold was life.  It decided who lived in peace and who had no peace. Gold covered everything.  Because she thought it was beautiful.  It covered every surface in her chamber, the walls, the ceiling, floor and furniture.  Her bed sheets even had gold thread woven into them.  It was like being in the very center of the Sun itself. The High Priestess of the Sun smiled to herself as she gazed out over her city from her balcony.  Everything was in order and going well, which gave her time to relax until it was time to once more call down the Sun to sleep for the evening. Suddenly, there came a breeze from inside her room, followed by a flash of light that reflected off the gold that covered it.  She whirled around, the golden links and coins that draped her form from horn to hoof made a soft chime with the motion.  She gasped when she noticed a pony that stood now at the foot of her bed. “Who dares?” Twilight shook her head to clear the ringing out of her ears.  She looked around and then at the tall mare that had addressed her.  Oh, hello Tia.  Um...High Priestess Celestia at this point in time right?” The Priestess nodded slowly.  “Yes.  Who are you?” “My name is a matter of future security.  However, I am here to make sure events proceed as history remembers them.”  Twilight smiled and reached into her harness pocket to pull out a pre-shrunken box of chocolates.  “I recently read in one of the diaries you’ll write later, that you developed a fondness for purple colored mares after you had a surprise meeting with one.  The mare you described meets my description, so, in order to make sure history continues as we know it, I traveled from the future to sleep with you.” “I...I don’t...I’ve never…”  Celestia, the High Priestess of the Sun slowly pulled her golden mask off to look at this odd mare with her own eyes.  “From the future, you say?” “Yes.” “I...I don’t think I’m prepared for this.” Twilight Sparkle grinned.  “Just lay back and relax.  I’ve got a few techniques to show you, so that you can master them over the next few thousand years and then teach to me.” “I’m confused.” Twilight nodded.  “That’s what time travel does to you.”