“So I thought it might be best to try this first. You know, since it doesn’t involve me having to try and revive you.” Sweetie lied masterfully, glad to see that the four Alicorns believe her immediately. Moving on, Sweetie watched them all stand close to the door. While they waited for the clock to tick over, Sweetie was allowed to dwell on her thoughts.
Sweetie had decided not to tell them the results of the test, glad she hadn’t told Twilight until right before it, not leaving her enough time to write notes. After a week, Sweetie had only grown more determined to keep trying. If she was going to dig herself a grave and fill it with ponies, she might as well be thorough.
Sweetie hid her convulsion as best she could, glancing around as no one noticed it. Good, Sweetie didn’t want them knowing what she really felt, especially not right now. Sweetie needed someone to get through the Loop. That was her current goal, she had to stay focused. Don’t focus on what terrible thing you caused a few days ago, nope, don’t focus on-
“Sweetie are you ok?” Twilight turned, noticing Sweetie curled around herself, shaking occasionally. The filly jumped, and Sweetie gave a shaky smile.
“I’m fine, just nervous,” she spoke, trying to clear her head of the dark thoughts clouding it. It wasn’t like their comfort would help. No, the next day their words would vanish, their meaning wiped away by the Loop around her. Sweetie shook her head rapidly, trying to focus on what she would do once they were also Looping.
Yes, that was a safe thought. Twilight would likely use the time to try and work out how Starswirl escaped his Loop. Celestia and Luna might help her learn magic, maybe even teach a few awesome magic tricks just for pranks. Plus, their years of experience would provide countless hours of stories. Cadance might not be useful in regards to getting out on staying entertained, but Sweetie was sure she could use a compassionate heart on occasion.
Sweetie smiled softly, letting herself imagine what she would do with the four Looping. Sweetie would start small, but eventually she might be able to grow the group into an even larger one. Rarity would of course be first on the list. Followed by the Crusaders, and the Elements…
“Sweetie, it’s time.” Jolting at Luna’s words, Sweetie quickly smiled, and nodded as she began to watch the clock. Raising a hoof, she held it up as all four prepared to run out the door the moment her clock reached midnight.
11:59…
12:00!
“Now!” Sweetie turned her head, watching as the four leapt into the hallway, startling Opal, making her lose the mouse for a moment. Opal quickly caught it, and quickly dashed away. Gasping for breath, the four waited, hopeful that this would be it. Sweetie closed her eyes and hugged herself. Any moment now they were going to fade into dust.
12:01
Sweetie opened one eye, looking at the clock. Looking to the four as they slowly began to stand up, Sweetie watched as they all patted themselves down. Sweetie watched for signs of sickness in Cadance, but they just stood there, smiling. Sweetie stood up, tears streaming down her face. The clocked ticked, minutes passed, the four smiled warmly. Sweetie slowly stepped toward them, tears now streaming down her face.
Suddenly, they vanished.
Blinking, Sweetie glanced toward her clock.
12:00
“B-But…” Sweetie gritted her teeth, and walked out into the corridor, where Opal was playing with the same mouse. Slapping the mouse, she watched it run away, and glared at Opal.
“Stupid cat,” she spoke, and walked back into her room, closing the door with a slam. Walking over to her bed, she climbed under it, and curled into a ball. Sweetie didn’t understand, why had the Loop reset? Had it reset? Time had definitely gone backward. Sweetie was certain of it now, whatever force was keeping her in the Loop, it wanted her alone. Sweetie gritted her teeth, bitter tears leaking into her mouth.
Schrich, schrich, schrich.
Blinking, Sweetie opened the door with a casual flick of her magic. Seeing Opal at the door, she growled and turned away, slamming the door closed. However, she hadn’t been quick enough, for a moment later a bundle of fur curled up next to her. Sweetie clenched her teeth and curled up into a tighter ball. After a moment, she turned around and hugged Opal.
“I’m sorry.” Sweetie cried into the soft fur.
“I’m sorry.”