//------------------------------//
// The Cutie Re-mark part 3 
// Story: The Little Pony Legend: A Kingdom of Friendship 
// by MaggiesHeartLove 
//------------------------------//


The Cutie Re-mark part 3


The group was surrounded. Ponies painted with green markings holding spears gained up on them. Among them were Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, but they did not recognize them. This was not like the alternate timeline they had seen before. No, now this one, while it lacked a ragging war with a bloodthirsty unicorn king and bloody battles and wounded ponies, this consisted of ponies resorted to living in the Everfree forest, being forced to cover themselves in mud and face paint. The one thing this future had that was similar to the other would have to be the fact that the ponies were behaving as if they had all been mentally scarred and forced to abandon their philosophies on friendship and compassion in order to survive. And now, they were talking about Queen Chrysalis and her changeling army. Mako, Bolin, Asami and Flash had only heard of these creatures but never seen them in person before.
"Wait! We're not changelings!" Twilight insisted, begging them to have mercy on them all. "We're ponies! And he's a dragon!" she said, pointing to herself and Flash as well as Spike. 
Pinkie Pie aimed her spear at Spike's throat, "A likely story! Do something dragonish!" she demanded. Spike belched which caused a single green frame to come form his mouth. The flame caused smoke to cloud Pinkie Pie's face, who wheezed and slowly backed away. "That works!"
"The servants of Chrysalis will do anything to save their evil skins!" Fluttershy said, pointing her spear at the group. Her eyes darting upwards to the strange creatures on two legs, "Nice try posing as these bizarre creatures!"
“Rude!” Bolin, Mako and Asami exclaimed simultaneously, feeling offended by the comment.
"Stop!" a voice called out from among the tress and the figure of a pony emerged. Only, it wasn't a pony, but a zebra, wearing a green mask over her face and a green saddle bag filled with all sorts of pitons and herbs. She wore two golden hoop earrings around her ears as well as a long golden necklace around her neck. It was their old friend, Zecora. Only her mane had grown longer, still in its mohawk style but with a single braid tied to the left side of her head. She leaped from the tree in order to inspect these trespassers. 
"If they are changelings we'll soon see, though I think they're not what they appear to be."
"Zecora! Please, you have to listen." Twilight pleaded as she attempted to step closer to her old friend, only to be held back by a spear.
"Hey! Watch where you point those things!" Flash exclaimed while defensively stepping in front of Twilight, shielding her from the spear. It was then, that the tribe of ponies gasped in shock. "What? What did I say?"
Zecora stepped closer, inspecting the young stallion. "Changelings seek love to devour, but unlike them, you did not cower." she said, speaking in her normal rhyming voice. She took a single bowl from her saddle and dipped her hoof into it, covering it with the same green substance the other ponies wore on their faces and bodies. "Beneath this salve, no changeling hides, for it reveals the truth inside." Zecora covered Twilight's face and parts of her body with the green paint, and the same was done to Flash, Spike, Mako, Asami and Bolin, who voluntarily squatted down in order for her to apply the paint.
A few seconds passed and each of their bodies began to glow brightly. The tribal ponies gasped for this had never happened before. If somepony placed the paint on and did not change then they were not a changeling, but this was the first time anypony had ever glowered. Zecorra was quite fascinated by this, and unlike the others, she showed no fear in approaching them.
"What does it mean?" Pinkie asked, too afraid to go near these strangers. 
"The meaning is far worse I see, for it is we who should not be."
"I think I can explain." Twilight said
"But, maybe without all the pointy spears, okay?" Bolin chuckled nervously before gulping. 
"I'm sure you can, but let's not talk here." said Zecora, "Chrysalis and her army will soon draw near!"
The group followed the wise shaman zebra deeper into the Everfree forest with the tribe of ponies close behind. As they walked they spotted more and more ponies, some more familiar than others, each one covered in the green salve and mud, no doubt to make sure they would not be deceived by the changeling's tricks.
"So, why are you all hiding from Queen Chrysalis?" Asami asked the zebra as they walked deeper into the woods.
"The changelings took over not long ago, though I'll wager in your world that isn't so."
"Chrysalis and her army tried to take over Canterlot, but my friends and I stopped her!" Twilight explained.
"Those friends as you know them are not here, alas. But tell me how all this came to pass."
"Starlight Glimmer, a pony who travelled back in time to stop my friends and me from ever coming together! And she's also managed to keep us from meeting Korra."
"By the tone you speak, I can tell your bond is quite unique."
"It is. In fact, if it wasn't for our friendship our world wouldn't even exist."
"And it is this bond you have in life that keep Equestria free from strife?"
"I guess so."
"More like on a daily basis." said Bolin. 
"But this is the second time we've come back and this world is just as bad as the last one!" 
"And whatever happens in Equestria, our future ends up just as bad too!" Bolin said. 
"One thing I don't understand, if Starlight keeps doing the same thing in the past, how could the present be so different?" Mako asked.
"Ah, time is a river…" Zecora explained, stopping by a small little river and placed her hoof right in the middle of the running water, causing it to shift on a different course that it was before, "…where even the tiniest changes seen can lead to a cascade of effects downstream." she said before continuing ahead.
"So, any small change Starlight makes can effect the future so much that it becomes…this?" Mako asked, becoming more and more intrigued with the science of time travel itself. It certainly was a very complex and delicate thing indeed. No wonder it was so dangerous to mess with.
"I guess so." said the princess, "And judging by how messed up your world became if we had never met…I can only imagine how it must be now."
Zecora led the team to a curtain of vines. "This part of the forest is dark and damp, but it's done well to hide our camp." Gently, she pulled them aside to reveal their secret hideaway, a campsite for refugee ponies hiding from the changelings. It was, in fact, quite lovely despite being in the forest. Homes were made out of wood with roofs out of leaves from trees, colorful bottles with herbs inside dangled from the trees and doorsteps for easy access. Ironically, it looked livelier than the alternate Ponyville did in the previous future.
A little filly ran up to her father upon seeing the strangers enter the camp. Despite the fact that they were with their leader, they were still wary of whomever entered their campsite. Spike waved hello at the filly, who quivered in fear as she held her father closer. Bolin whistled as he looked around. "Nice digs! These ponies really know how to rough it!"
A loud shriek was heard amongst the bushes and three figures emerged. Team Avatar immediately recognized these ponies as their own. They were Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Applejack. They panted in exhaustion once they arrived at the camp, their bodies were covered in cuts and bruises, their manes and tails were as tangled as the vines around the camp.
"Please, you have to help us!" Rarity begged.
"The changelings attacked Ponyville!" Rainbow exclaimed, her wings nearly torn to pieces along with a single chipped ear. "We barely escaped with our lives!"
Twilight was so happy to see her friends again and was ready to run up and hug them. However, she was stopped when Zecora shielded her from them, much to her confusion 
"The only changeling attack I see is the one that come here looking for me!"
Applejack, who was standing behind Rarity and Applejack, slowly approached the zebra. Rarity and Rainbow Dash's terrified expressions shifted to ones of delight and mischief…and even hunger. Applejack lifted up her hat, her green eyes looking down at the zebra while smiling wickedly. 
"It's taken quite a while to find you, Zecora." the pony laughed as a ring of green fire surrounded the ground she stood on. The flames overtook her body, shifting and changing before their very eyes. The rest of the tribal ponies rallied together to fight once the country pony's appearance disappeared to reveal none other than the queen of the changelings herself.
Chrysalis was just as she was described, a talk slender alicorn-like pony creature with tattered bug-like wings instead of feathered ones, a long crocked horn rested on her forehead, her coat was black as coal with a shinny green bug-like shell on her back, long teal colored mane and tail, shrouded with holes along with the holes on her front legs. Her emerald green eyes sparkled with such deviousness it sent shivers down Bolin's back. She truly was a nightmare to behold.
"Okay, now I know what a changeling looks like. I just wish I had found out without getting eaten by one!!" Bolin shouted.
The queen laughed at the tribe of ponies, mocking them was what she loved to do the most. "What a lovely village you've chosen to stage your little resistance. It looks absolutely delicious!" the queen licked her lips with delight, ready to devour the ponies. A couple of them approached her, aiming their spears directly at the queen, who slowly backed away but demonstrated no signs of fear. 
"Oh come now, Zecora. You're vastly outnumbered!"
Rarity and Rainbow Dash's bodies glowed in an eerie yellow green glow before transforming into their true changeling form. The sound of humming wings could be heard from a distance, drawing closer and closer and an entire army of changelings hovered over their heads. Chrysalis was right, they were outnumbered. 
"I know you don't want your charges hurt. Come quietly to the dungeons of Canterlot and I promise to leave the others alone."
"Why would she ever trust you?" Fluttershy said, bravely pointing her spear at the hideous queen.
Twilight whispered to the zebra leader, "Don't believe what she says." Twilight said, "She may have the higher numbers, but you've got us. We can take her."
"No." Zecora replied, much to Twilight's concern.
"But-"
"Race to the map while we hold off their attack, stop Starlight and put the whole world back on track!"
All Twilight could do was nod. She was right, the only way to stop this was to stop Starlight. The team rallied together and ran off from the attack. But Bolin abruptly stopped once Chrysalis spoke again.
"Time to make a decision, Zecora!"
"Even if what you are saying were true, we'd never surrender to a creature like you!" the zebra let out a battle cry and she and all of the tribal ponies battled it out with the changelings. Bolin watched in horror as the ponies fought with all of their might, and with all of their resources in order to defend their home and each other. He didn't feel right leaving them behind like this. So, the earthbender charged ahead, taking his friends by surprise.
"Bolin! What are you doing?!"
Without saying a word, Bolin leaped forward shouting, "Make way, everypony!" raising his hands, Bolin lifted the ground up, transforming it into lava. This astonished the ponies, as well as the changelings themselves. With all of his power, Bolin sent a wave of lava directly at the the changeling army. While many of them managed to fly away in the nick of time, the hot material was able to submerge the changing within it. The ones who were unlucky enough to end up in the lava wave ended up stuck and unable to move. Lava could not kill changelings due to their powerful magic, but it could subdue them. Chrysalis herself grunted and wiggled in her rock prison, even her horn was stuck to the stone.
"That should make it an even fight!" Bolin saluted to the ponies and ran back to his friends, all heading back to the map.
"Bolin, that was amazing!" Asami said, smiling proudly at her boyfriend.
"Good thing I remembered that little trivia that changelings have a weakness to lava!"
"Too bad you couldn't get all of them!" Flash exclaimed while the changelings who escaped the lava wave flew over them. Mako shot them with his flames, shooing them away and Bolin bended a rock towards them, knocking several of them down to the ground. They panted as they reached towards the map.
"We're almost there!" Asami shouted, right before a changeling swooped down and tackled her to the ground. The creature snarled at her face before being kicked in the face by one of Flash's jump kicks. "Thanks, Flash!"
"No problem!"
Finally, they reached the map. Twilight hurried and pulled out the scroll in order to activate the spell. But, for some strange reason it wouldn't work. The changelings were closing in on them.
"Twilight! Anytime now!" Spike exclaimed, jogging in place as the creatures came closer.
"The spell won't work!"
"Then use the book!" Mako suggested while screaming and shooting fire at the changelings. "Now!"
Twilight did as he said, not having the time to properly thing of another solution, and pulled out the prophesy book, activating it with her magic and the map in the process. The portal opened up once more and the team was sucked back into it, while the map disappeared as well.


(~)


The group fell once again, only this time they landed on a soft blanket of snow. Twilight and Flash were back in their anthro forms and Asami sighed in relief while collapsing on the snow. "Finally! A soft landing!"
"I don't get it. Why didn't the spell work?" Twilight asked, looking down at the scroll and the prophesy book. She was assisted back up by Mako.
"I don't know." said the firebender, "But look where we are." he pointed forward to what appeared to be the Southern Water Tribe. The group stood on a snowy hilltop overlooking the city, which did not appear to look any different than it did in their original timeline.
"The South Pole? Why would the book send us here?" Twilight asked.
"Only one way to find out." Spike said before taking the lead and slid down the snowy hill with the others close behind.


(~)


The group arrived to the city, which looked pretty basic and normal so far. In fact, there didn't seem to be any trouble at all. Everybody was minding their own business, walking and talking, nothing out of the ordinary. It appeared as though there had been no threat or even the slightest hint of a civil war. 
"That's strange." Flash voice out, "In our world it was a disaster, and here it's…normal?"
"This doesn't feel right." Twilight said.
Mako nodded, "I agree. Maybe we should ask somebody if they know anything about Korra. What other reason would there be for the book to bring us here again?"
"Fish! Get your fresh fish here! Fish! Come on people, I've got a rent to pay!" the group heard a very, very familiar voice coming their way and spotted a man selling perfectly wrapped fish from a cart on wheels. Bolin recognized the man in an instant.
"Varrick! Oh, it's so great to see you!" he said happily as he approached the man. But Varrick suddenly backed away, extending his hand forward.
"Whoa, whoa! Slow down there, kid! Do I know you?"
"It's me, Bolin! Remember, I was the star of your movers; Nuktuk: Hero of the south!" Bolin strike a heroic pose to jog the man's memory, but to no avail.
"Sorry, doesn't ring a bell. And what in the unagi's name is a "mover"? Or a 'Nuktuk' for that matter?"
"Wait, you mean you didn't invent the mover?"
"Invent? Oh, I wish. I used to have a notebook filled with ideas of inventions that folks could only dream of! I had big dreams to change the world!…" Varrick lowered his shoulders in sadness, "But, ever since Chief Unalaq took over my business went down the drain. So, now I make a living selling fish!" he shoved one fish at Bolin's face and he took a whiff of the dead saline before feeling woozy and backed away, covering his nose. They were fresh alright…freshly stinky!  
"Chief Unalaq?" Mako asked. That did not sound good. "What happened to Tonraq?"
"Who's that? Some old friend?"
"He's supposed to be the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe."
Varrick blinked twice before bursting out laughing, "Ha, ha, ha, ha! Oh, that's priceless!" he laughed out loud like a maniac before realizing the young man wasn't laughing along with him. "Oh wait…you're serious? Look kid, we've never had any other chief since Unalaq reinstated himself as ruler of both tribes. Ever since those dark spirit monstrosities started popping out everywhere the tribe's under strict watch."  
The others looked at Varrick in confusion. "But, everything looks just fine." Flash said, gesturing to the peaceful looking tribe.
"Maybe to the untrained eye, but really look around."
The group did as Varrick instructed and did indeed noticed something was amiss. There didn't appear to be any laughter, any children playing outside, there wasn't even the happy sound of whistling that came from the shop keepers. 
Suddenly, several of the townspeople began to skater away from the streets. Some hid away in their shops, closing the windows, puling down the curtains or simply hiding desperately in dumpsters. Even Varrick looked uneasy.
"If you strangers know what's good for ya, you'll save your skins!"
"Why? What's going on?" Asami asked curiously.
"She's coming!" while pushing his cart, Varrick ran as fast as his legs could carry him. The group only stood where they were as a perfectly straight line of northern troops marched along the streets. This must have been what was frightening the townsfolk. One of the men stopped, pointing a finger at the group.
"Stop! You folks aren't from the Water Tribe. State your purpose here!"
The group silently debated on who should speak first until they came to a somewhat unanimous vote. Twilight and Bolin shoved Mako ahead, gesturing him to speak first. The firebender regained his composure and prayed he wouldn't mess this up.
"Uh, we're tourists from Republic City." he lied, though he tried his best to maintain his cool, "We were just looking at a few shops and--" before he could continue, one of the waterbenders created an ice sharp from the snow around him. The ice chard itself grew from his arm, the pointed end aiming directly at Mako's throat. He would defend himself but, with Unalaq being in charge here, they couldn't risk being brash.
"Stand down, men." a voice called out. Mako's eyes widened in surprise as did the others'. Once again, the voice was one they all recognized. The men stepped back, perfectly alined and bowing when a gigantic white beast walked forward and a mysterious hooded figure with a cloak over her mouth leaped from her saddle.
"Naga?" Spike couldn't believe it. The giant creature was indeed his polar bear dog friend. He smiled and attempted to approach her, only to step back when she growled threateningly at him. "Naga, it's me! Spike!"
But the creature did not recognize him in this timeline, and instead snapped her jaws at the poor frightened dragon. The cloaked figure rose her hand upwards and the polar bear dog immediately calmed down. She was able to control the beast without needing to turn around. The cloaked figure approached Mako and he caught a glimpse of her eyes.
She removed her hood and cloak revealing to be a young woman, her long dark brown hair styled into the most elegant braid over her shoulder. Her ears were pieced with icy-styled earrings and he could see a hint of light blue eyeshadow above her eyelids, but only a tint. She wore sparkly ice inspired jewelry around her neck and her clothing consisted of blues, violets and purples.
This was this timeline's version of Korra. Instead of the rouged lone-wolf with the bob-cut hairstyle, this looked like an elegant warrior princess with an icy glare. Her eyes scanned the firebender, who in reality wanted to say who he was and hug her, but he knew by the look in her eyes that she wasn't the hugging type.
For a moment, the Avatar smiled at him, her eyes sparkling in the midday sunlight bringing him a glimpse of hope…only to be shut down when she grabbed his arm and flipped him effortlessly over her shoulder. He landed hard on the ground and Korra squatted down, pressing his head against the floor. However, her eyes darted back and forth from Mako to the soldiers.
"Follow my lead." she whispered so only Mako would hear. "Restrain the others!" Korra ordered the men. Before the team could even have a chance to ponder what was happening, the waterbenders released long chains from their pockets, restraining the group by the waists.
"What should we do with these illegal immigrants, Miss Avatar?" the leader of the solders asked the woman.
"For now, let them live. They'll be taken to the palace with me."
"But, your highness--" one of the waterbenders protested, only to flinch when Naga growled at him.
"You dare question my orders, soldier?"
"N--No! No, Ma'am!"
"Good. Because you know very well what happened to the last person who questioned me, don't you?"
The man gulped in fear at the sight of the Avatar's deadly glare. He bowed in respect, hoping she would show him some mercy. "Forgive me, My Lady."
Without saying another word, Korra jumped onto Naga's saddle and prepared to leave. "Move out!" she ordered, and the men obeyed. Not wanting to tangle with her.
The group were then cuffed by the wrists and forced to walk ahead so the soldiers could keep a better eye on them. They still couldn't believe this was their Korra. She was so different just like the previous version. Granted, she had the same fire and backbone, but this version was using her power to walk all over these guys. Still, Mako stayed true to her demands and kept his eyes peeled. 
"Okay, so we went from Amon being the ruler of Republic City to the South Pole being overrun by Unalaq." Bolin said, trying to make sense out of everything. "Well, it still beats the changeling army."
"Silence!" Korra shouted from where she sat, making Bolin flinch in fear. "From now on none of you will speak unless spoken to and not without my saying so. Understood?"
"You don't have to be so harsh about it!" Asami exclaimed angrily, "I don't know what your problem is but I--Hmp!" the heiress was silenced when Korra waved her hand and ice formed around her mouth, covering it with ice which prevented her from speaking. The raven haired woman struggled to break it off but to no avail.
"You were saying?"
Asami grunted in defeat. Korra won this round.
"This doesn't make any sense." Twilight spoke in a hushed tone so she wouldn't listen. "How did Korra go from being a selfless soldier to…this?"
Mako responded, also speaking in a hushed tone, "It's just like Zecora said. Any small change Starlight makes escalates and effects the future on a grander scale. Judging by all of this the same goes for here too."
"Then how are we supposed to get through to her?" Flash asked, "I highly doubt she'll let you plant one on her this time."
"Don't worry. I have a feeling things aren't what they appear to be." 
Twilight's ears lowered in dismay once the group arrived at this Southern Water Tribe palace, which still looked the same as it did before, only now it had the flag of the North flapping against the cold winds on a pole. The group was forced towards the front gates, which Korra opened after she dismounted off of Naga. 
The gigantic doors creaked open and Korra walked in first, the soldiers and the prisoners followed. One of the servants approached the Avatar, bowing and offering her a drink.
"Welcome home, Avatar Korra. Would you care for a drink after your outing?" he asked, offering her a silver tray with a single glass of water on it. The Avatar shot him a death glare.
"Do I look like I need a drink?!"
"My apologies, your Highness." he said before bowing once more and leaving the scene fearfully.
The group was shoved forward and stood only a few feet behind Korra and were forced to get down on their knees. Korra bowed her head but remained perfectly still and diplomatic while addressing to the shadowy figure sitting the the throne of the palace. His corner was darkened by the lack of light within the palace walls, which he personally preferred. His eyes were closed, no doubt he was deep in meditation.
"Sorry to disturb you, Uncle. But we found these immigrants wandering around the city. I figured they would be of interest to you."
His eyes opened and his gaze reached the group. His interest landing first on the purple girl with wings. This was quite peculiar. With much dignity and elegance he rose from his chair and descended the small stairs that led to his throne. He approached the group, seeming as composed as he did during their first encounter. One would never guess he had malicious intentions, but these heroes knew better due to first hand experience.
"Well, this is quite the impressive find." the man said, looking down upon the group. Particularly the winged ones with the scaly creature. "You were right to bring them here, Korra. As always, you never fail to impress me." the man smiled, quite kindly, and placed a hand on Korra's shoulder, making her smile in return. He might be a crazed psychopath bent on global conquest, but he did show obvious care for his niece. Especially with the fact that she had powers only normal humans could ever dream of.
"May I ask what business you have being here in my kingdom?"
Twilight was the first to speak as she stood up, only to have the soldiers aim their weapons at her. Unalaq rose his hand, signaling them to stop and they complied, giving Twilight the freedom to speak.
"I think the better question would be what have you done to the South Pole?" the princess demanded to know.
"What do you mean?" Unalaq asked, looking innocent enough. Two more figures emerged from the shadows behind his throne, revealing to be Eska and Desna.
At the sight of his crazy waterbending ex-girlfriend, Bolin screamed in terror before hiding behind Asami, who's mouth was still covered by ice. 
"You dare disrespect our father?" Desna asked angrily at the alicorn princess.
"It's alright, Desna." Unalaq said calmly to his son, "I'm more than certain they are unaware of what is really happening here in the south."
"Let me guess, dark spirits began appearing and you had Korra open the spirit portal with this elaborate tale of wanting to unite the tribes when really you're just a power hungry dictator who manipulates and deceives innocent people and use their best of intentions for your own personal gain!"
The royal twins got into a defensive position, ready to attack this intruder for what she said to their father and chief. However, Unalaq remained perfectly calm and composed. Twilight knew she had him at the end of his rope now, but Unalaq was indeed crafty. She had to be on her toes at all times with this guy.
"I assure you, whatever it is you've heard was nothing more than neighborhood gossip. Not everyone understands the true nature of my being here in the South Pole, and as such will resort to making up crazy conspiracies without solid facts."
"He's good." Spike whispered to Flash, who nodded in agreement.
"But I must ask, how did you know about the spirit portal?"
"Because you tricked me, Korra, and my friends into opening it!"
The soldiers, twins, even Korra looked at Twilight like she was insane. Even Unalaq showed some signs of confusion. But, more so than not, he had some interest in this girl's knowledge.
"Are you saying you managed to open the spirit portal?" he asked.
"That's impossible." Korra stated, "I tried opening the dang thing and nothing happened!"
"That's because you didn't have me." Twilight stated.
"Twi, sweetie, what are you doing?" Flash asked, feeling concerned about his girlfriend's methods at this point.
"What are you getting at, feathers?" Korra asked, placing a hand on her hip, already questioning to herself why she had chosen to spare these weirdos. 
"You can't open the portal because your power alone isn't enough."
Korra gave a short laugh, "I find that hard to believe."
"Well, get ready to believe, A.K." Twilight closed her eyes and with the glowing of her horn, she manifested her Element of Harmony on her chest. Sparkles and shimmering lights surrounded the darkened palace throne room, amazing the soldiers and the royals as an array of rainbow colors danced on the walls before slowly fading, the cold atmosphere of the room returning. Unalaq stared at Twilight, his eyes partly widened, but his regal composure unwavered. 
"What does this mean, father?" Eska asked curiously.
"I believe it means our mission has not been a complete failure after all." said the chief before approaching the princess, who's element had dissolved into her body, disappearing from sight. "What did you say your name was, child?"
"Twilight Sparkle."
"I think it's safe to say you aren't from around here."
"You thought right."
"If indeed what you are saying is true, I will need more proof than that. I will take you and the Avatar to the spirit portal and there you will prove to me if what you are indeed telling the truth."
"No way!" The princess protested, "I'm not helping you enslave the South anymore than you already have!"
"Everything I have done was for the good of the tribes. If that portal does not open the spirits shall continue to invade and destroy everything in their path. It's a miracle I managed to keep them at bay for this long."
While Unalaq spoke, Korra pondered to herself. She could tell by the look in this girl's eyes that she was indeed telling the truth and she knew she needed to get to that portal. Plus, she already promised herself these people wouldn't get hurt. More so to herself but still.
"Uncle." the Avatar spoke, "I say we give her the benefit of the doubt. I couldn't open the spirit portal and you couldn't either. You've seen what she can do." she smiled rather maliciously, her eyes darting towards the princess. "It's quite impressive if you ask me."
Unalaq silently pondered over this decision. The portal needed to be opened, and since even Korra couldn't, what other choice did he have? 
He closed his eyes for a moment before reopening them, "Very well."
"But father!" his two children began to protest, only to be silenced by his death glare. The twins composed themselves and stood perfectly still like obedient dogs.
"However, just to be clear, if there is a chance this is all an elaborate hoax to take me on a wild goose chase, rest assured your punishment for deceiving the ruling family of the Water Tribe will be severe. Understood?"
The group exchanged concerned looks to one another. They couldn't waste time with a tribe to the spirit portal. But then again, Twilight saw something twinkling in Korra's eyes. There was a plan behind all of this, she just knew it. 
The alicorn sighed in defeat. "Alright."


(~)


With Twilight's satchel confiscated by Korra herself, Unalaq led the group through the frozen tundra Unlike their last expedition, this was during the daytime, and they had a less likely chance to be attacked by dark spirits. Unalaq stated they mostly attacked at night and only limitedly during the daylight. 
"So, what's the plan here?" Spike asked the alicorn, "We have to get back and stop Starlight."
"I know, but I can't perform the spell without that book." Twilight looked over to Korra's saddle, where she saw the satchel beside her. She could just reach out for it, but Korra's cat-like reflexes would have stopped her on her tracks.
"What are you planning?" she whispered to herself, wondering what the Avatar was secretly up to. She knew it was something, but whatever it was…it made her feel a tad uneasy.
Their journey was much less eventful than the last, thankfully. However, Bolin couldn't help but quiver as Eska's cold dead eyes continuously stared at him during their journey. He was happy in this world they were never a couple, but that didn't mean she still didn't frighten him. Asami was right, what did he ever seen in this woman? Granted, she wasn't as bad as she seemed, but most certainly not the kind of woman he could spend his whole life with, that much was certain.
Asami noticed his worry and tried her best to calm him down. "Bolin, relax. She doesn't remember you in this timeline."
"I know. But her eyes still creep me out!"
"Silence, peasants!" Eska ordered as she and her twin rode on their arctic camels and their prisoners were being held by their cuffs. 
"Are we there yet?" Bolin asked hopefully.
"Yes. We are." Korra replied rather emotionlessly once they arrived at their destination. The skies slowly darkened, revealing the frightening Everstorm straight up ahead, as well as the frozen forest where the portal was located.
Korra ordered Naga to stop and dismounted the beast before walking over to Twilight Sparkle and un-cuffed her wrists. The princess rubbed them once she was free.
"Stay behind me until we reach the portal." The Avatar instructed, "The dark spirits attacked me the last time I was here, no doubt they'll try again."
"I can handle dark spirits." Twilight stated surely, making Korra arch an eyebrow in surprise and interest. This kid had a backbone, she would give her that much.
"You sure we can't go with them?" Asami asked the chief, hoping he would reconsider, but to her dismay he did not.
"This is a mission for the Avatar." he stated.
"Yeah, but she's not going alone."
"Do you want me to shut you up again, princess?" Korra threatened Asami, who reeled back in defeat.
"Never mind, we can wait." 
Twilight turned to her friends and welcomed them in a group hug, but also whispered in Flash's ear, "Once we're gone, try and get that book."
The group silently agreed, not wanting to give their plans away to the chief and his children, and so the alicorn stepped froward, ready to enter the frozen forest. Korra turned her head and briefly made eye contact with Mako. Her heart leaped at the sight of him. She hoped she would come back and learn just who he was.
The two girls entered the forest of frozen branches and icy caves. Once she was certain they were away from sight she got to the bottom of things.
"Alright, now will you tell me what's going on?" she asked, placing her hands on her hips, demanding some answers. "I know you're not the kind of person who would go along with something like this."
"Nothing gets pass you, does it?" Korra asked, finally releasing some of that cold demeanor of hers and loosed herself up a bit. Her eyes softened. "I don't know how you found out about the portal or my uncle's plans but what I do know is that we're both on the same page."
"Wait, you know Unalaq's true purpose for opening the spirit portals?" Twilight asked as she followed the Avatar deeper into the icy caves, only to be horrified by a dark spirit serpent that came at her, which was easily destroyed by Korra's fire blast. 
"And you said you could handle dark spirits?"
"It surprised me!" Twilight exclaimed back defensively, her face blushing from embarrassment. 
"Yes, I found out about Unalaq's plans to trick me into opening the portal. He preached on and on about the tribes uniting, and the spirit world in chaos, blah, blah, blah. Like an idiot, I believed him. All I really wanted was what was best for my people and he used it against me!"
"Trust me, I know the feeling." Twilight rolled her eyes.
"I finally uncovered the truth when he arrested my father and my mother, claiming they conspired to assassinate him. They were both found guilty and sent off on a ship to the north." Korra stopped in her tracks, unmoving while he clenched fists began to shake. This was a gesture she did when she was about to cry. "Only, they never did."
Twilight managed to connect the dots. "He…?"
"Yes. He took my parents from me. I left the south in hopes to seek help but nobody would. Unalaq is a conniving, cold-hearted manipulator! He's already managed to have the president of Republic City and half of the South wrapped around his little finger just like he did with me!"
"And you figured the best way to stop him was to beat him at his own game." Twilight concluded, "That's what the whole "frozen heart" act was all about!"
"Exactly. For months now I managed to win back his trust. So far, I don't think he suspects anything. But I can't take any chances." Korra continued on and Twilight followed, already growing concerned with the Avatar's change in tone.
"What do you mean?"
"At first, I wanted to do to him exactly what he did to my parents, but every time I got the chance…I just couldn't."
"You couldn't…get rid of him." Twilight said, softening the term a bit because she was unwilling to say the actual word. She knew why Korra couldn't go through with it, even if she wasn't a half alicorn at this point, the magic that was left behind and passed down to each and every Avatar was a piece of alicorn magic. She still had the magic of an alicorn within her, and alicorn's are not killers by nature. And neither was Korra. The most she could do were empty threats and injuries, but never outright kill anyone.
"Exactly. It was like something inside was stopping me. But, it doesn't matter. Because once this portal is finally opened I'll finally have the upper hand. And he will pay for everything he has done."
Twilight didn't like the sound of that. 


(~)


Meanwhile, back with the others, the plan to get the book back was underway. Bolin really hatted this plan, but it was essential to their mission. Asami wasn't too keen on this either, but sacrifices must be made. Sadly.
"Well, go on." Flash insisted to the earthbender.
"I don't wanna!"
"Just use that Bolin charm, you've done it before."
"And look how well that turned out. Can't Mako do it?"
"Yeah, can't he?" Asami asked, making the firebender glare at her in return. "What?"
"Come on, Bolin. Do it for our friends. Do it for Equestria and Republic City."
The earthbender opened his mouth to protest, but the anthro pony made a very good point. He hung his head in dismay, "Fine." he sadly dragged himself towards Eska and used the same method he used on her the last time. He took in a deep breath and spoke to her, smiling as believably as he could.
"Hey, name's Bolin. You're Eska, right? Wow I'm, I'm really digging these robes." and just like the first time she shot him a death glare and a hiss. Ironically, this was a good sign. "Soooo, you're from the north, right? Cool, you know cause that's like my favorite direction and stuff." he laughed nervously.
"I think he is trying to establish a bond with you based on your geographic point of origin." Desna said to his sister, mirroring exactly what happened the last time.
"Perhaps it would be interesting to spend time with a person whose ways are so rough and uncultured." and just like the first time, Eska slowly smiled at Bolin. But, unlike the first time, he felt fear. "You amuse me. I will make you mine."
"Oh, the things I do for my friends." Bolin muttered to himself in dismay.
While he spoke to the twins, and Unalaq kept his eyes on the forest, waiting for the portal to open, Mako slowly made his way to the alternate Naga, who laid on a patch of snow patiently awaiting her owner. Once he saw the boy come closer, she immediately growled at him. But the firebender already knew how to handle the beast.
"Easy girl, easy." he said softly as Naga revealed to him her teeth, but he showed no signs of fear. "I'm not gonna hurt you, and I'm pretty sure you won't hurt me." he smiled kindly at the beast as he walked even closer. "Look, I know you don't remember me, but I remember you. I also remember the story of how Korra found you."
Surprisingly, it was as if the polar bear dog could somewhat understand the young man. Slowly, her growling died down as he continued. "You were only a little pup. Lost in the frozen tundra with nobody around. Until you were found by a sweet little girl. She took you home, fed you, gave you a name, and you never left her since."
Naga stopped her growling and instead whimpered at the memory. She still remembered when Korra rescued her, and how devastating it was when she found out what happened to her parents.
"And I have a feeling you're not too big a fan of Chief bossy-pants over there, right?" Naga gave him a snarl, which was her version of a reply. "Well, I have a plan but I'm going to need your help. What do you say, girl?" thankfully, he got his response when the polar bear dog licked his face. At the same time, Asami pulled off her hairpin and began unlocking the cuffs around her wrist.


(~)


"We made it." Korra said, once she and Twilight were standing right on top of an icy floor and a bright golden orb glowed beneath their feet, making the ice shimmer like sparkling diamonds.
"Wow." was Twilight's only reaction. However, Korra did not share her enthusiasm.
"You sure you can open this?"
"Yes, but why do you want to open it now? You know what will happen if you do, and even if we succeed we don't have the other Elements or Harmony and--"
"I'm not opening the portal for Unalaq. I'm doing it for me. For my tribe. There's an ancient library in the spirit world, one with more knowledge and information than anything else in existence. I heard it's how Chief Sokka managed to gain the upper hand on the Fire Nation during the day of black sun. So now, I'm going to find a way to defeat Unalaq and take him and his entire army down!"
"So, this is what it's all about? Revenge?!"
"You don't get it! I trusted him and he betrayed me! He took everything from me! And now I'm taking everything from him. I'll assemble an entire army of spirits if I have to, just as long as he suffers just as much as I did!" 
The furious Avatar clenched her fist, ready to break the ice and open the portal. But she was unexpectedly stopped when Twilight grabbed her wrist.
"Korra, you can't be serious! If you do this you'll only be hurting the spirits and yourself! Your emotions become real in the spirit world, and your anger will be your downfall! Is that what you want?!"
"What do you expect me to do?!" Korra exclaimed, tears streaming down her face which was becoming red with anger while her arm trembled at the effort of freeing herself from Twilight's grasp. "Do you have any idea what it feels like to have your family taken from you?"
"Yes! I do. I'm going through it right now!"
"What?" Korra looked at her confused, tears still falling from her eyes.
"I lost my friends today too. Believe it or not, I come from a completely different timeline than this one. In that time, you and me are friends. Best friends. Sisters. But a jealous pony took it from me. She altered the past so that we never met. None of our friends know who we are. I may not have lost my parents the way you did, but I do know what it's like to have your family taken away. I know how heartbreaking it is." the alicorn began to shed tears of her own, "But if you open that portal, every negative feeling you're experiencing right now will manifest there. I've seen it, Korra. I've seen darkness, and once you're in it's hard to get out. But that doesn't mean there isn't a way."
"What other choice do I have?" Korra's voice cracked as she slowly lowered her hand.
"You do have a choice. You can either open that portal or…you can trust me."


(~)


"And that's how you defeat a hydra using only a flute and ricotta." Bolin finished explaining to Eska in order to keep her distracted. Her brother was fascinated by this tale as well. Especially on what hydra was, exactly. 
But while they spoke, and Unalaq was looking over at the forest, he heard Mako call out to him. "Chief, I don't think Naga's looking too well!" 
The man turned his head to see the beast laying on the snow, looking incredibly ill. "What happened?" he asked the young man.
"I don't know! She just started whining and next thing I knew she was like this."
Normally, Unalaq couldn't care less about what happened to the creature, but if he allowed that to happen Korra would turn her back on him once more. He had already made that mistake once with his brother and sister-in-law, he couldn't do it now.
"Let me check on her." the man moved forward to inspect the creature, gently hovering his hand over her face…only to be suddenly assaulted and tackled to the ground by the beast, who growled angrily at him. She had his arms pinned down to the ground so he couldn't bend his way out. 
Eska and Desna hurried to help him, but were stopped when Spike breathed fire at them, revealing that his cuffs were now loose.
"Not so fast!"
"How did you escape?!" Eska demanded to know before turning her glance over to Bolin, "You tricked me!"
"Yeah, I did. But, if I'm honest, our conversation only made me realize something about our relationship."
"Really?" for a second, a glimmer of hope shimmed in Eska's eyes…only to be gone once Asami and Flash both knocked the two out by striking them right in the necks.
Bolin squatted down to the unconscious princess, "It's not you, it's me. We just never would have worked." he got back up and dusted his hands, "Glad that's over!"
Mako quickly grabbed the satchel, which had the book, and saluted to Naga. "Good girl!" he shouted proudly before he and the others ran off into the frozen forest, while Unalaq struggled to break free from Naga's paws. Even he was no match for the beast's strength.


(~)


Korra's gaze remained on the glowing orb beneath her feet. She couldn't stay this way forever. She had to make a decision. She had come too far to stop now.
"I'm sorry, Twilight. But I have to avenge my family."
"You will never avenge them this way." the alicorn stated firmly.
"I'll never know if I don't try!"
"I've already seen it for myself! Revenge is a two way street. You know, your past life Avatar Aang once said; "Revenge is like a poisonous two headed snake. Once your enemy falls, you become poisoned yourself." You won't be helping anyone with this, believe me. You will become no better than Unalaq, is that what you want?"
"Of course not. But how can I stop him now? I have no one else."
"That's not true. You have an entire nation out there that Unalaq hasn't convinced yet."
"They all think I'm a traitor!"
"But you're not! I could tell you weren't and so could Mako. You just have to learn to let go of your anger and vengeance."
"Let it go? Let it go?! How am I supposed to let it go?!"
"Is keeping it in your heart helping you anyway?" the princess yelled, and Korra remained silent. She was right, keeping onto all this anger wasn't helping her, not anymore. At first her revenge was what kept her going, but once she took a step back all she could feel was pain and heartache. Which wasn't helping her think clearly.
"You can defeat your uncle, but you need to remember what you're really fighting for, and I know it's more than just revenge."
Korra bit her bottom lip, hesitant to ask. "Do you know what you're fighting for?"
"Yes. Yes I do…I'm fighting for you, for our friends, our home…everyone we love."
"So am I."
"I know. But you can't do that with a frozen heart."
Before Korra could reply, the two of them heard what sounded like a high pitched girly scream. "Was that the curly haired girl?" Korra asked.
Twilight shook her head, "Nope…her boyfriend." the alicorn ran towards the scream with Korra close behind. They ran towards where they had entered the cave and saw the group face to face with several dark spirits. Asami, Flash and Spike were tangled by one of their tentacles, struggling to break free, while Mako firebended at the creature in an attempt to free his friends, while also being tangled in the tentacles. Bolin was shaking at one spirit that had it's tongue sticking out at him.
"Ew! Ew! Ew! Ew! Ew! Ew!"
Seeing these people in danger, somehow, triggered something within Korra. She leaped forward, bending the water from her water skin around her waist and sent a powerful wave at the creatures.
"Leave them alone!" she called out as the waters hit the creature, which amazingly caused it to shriek in pain and released the group, who all landed on the icy ground. Twilight and Korra rushed to help them up and the dark spirits suddenly began to shift. Pieces of their bodies were no longer dark purple, but rather a soft iridescent blue. Korra had never seen this before.
"How did…did I do that?"
"You did." Twilight smiled as she took the book, "You remembered what you were fighting for. Keep that in mind." she opened the book and activated the spell, creating the vortex that would take them back to the past. 
But before they could, Mako remembered something, "Oh, one more thing. Don't forget to reward Naga with that seal jerky she loves so much."
"Wait, how did you know--" Korra was interrupted when Mako kissed her cheek before being sucked back into the vortex alongside his friends.
The Avatar was left alone with the dark spirits, who now looked at her with confusion and fear while the lesser dark parts of their bodies remained. 
"Okay. Let's try it her way." she said as she gently approached the creature and petted his head…
Maybe this Twilight girl was onto something.


(~)


The group made it back to the past, only instead of a disguise spell, Twilight simply gave Mako, Asami and Bolin the ability to walk on clouds just as she did for herself and her friends once in the past. The princess heard a beam heading towards her and she shielded herself from the impact. Her eyes narrowed in righteous furry at the cocky unicorn standing on a cloud before her. No more fun and games. It was time to bring on the fire. Literally.
Twilight flew up, unleashing the most powerful flame she could from her horn, but Starling simply stepped aside, letting the flame hit the cloud instead of herself. "Not bad, but it's gonna take a lot more than that!"
"Lucky for you, there's more where that came from!" the alicorn zoomed across the sky, unleashing multiple fire bullets down at Starlight, who shielded herself with a force field. 
The unicorn punched her hoof towards Twilight, sending a spiraling tornado blast that nearly knocked her down, but Twilight easily maneuvered it. Starlight continuously sent air blasts her way, but Twilight, having learned from Korra and Tenzin himself, knew how to maneuver an airbending attack. Despite their historically peaceful nature, that didn't mean airbending couldn't be used as a weapon. Zaheer was proof of that. Twilight flew all across the flight camp, dodging each of Starlight's attempts. She unleashed a half moon kick in mid air and the flames were aimed directly at her, but she levitated herself upwards before the flames hit her, striking the cloud instead.
"You've really gotta work on your aim." Starlight said, right before shooting a magic beam from her horn, only to have Twilight teleport herself in the nick of time. She reappeared behind the unicorn, kicking her from behind. She cried out in pain and nearly lost her concentration due to the impact. She quickly regained her composure panting as she levitated herself up. Starlight growled and tried to attack once more, but Twilight was faster than she thought. Her eyes showed no signs of fear or resistance. Starlight didn't understand how this prissy princess could be such a fighter. 
"That all you got?" the alicorn shouted, angering Starlight even more which caused her to shoot at her once more with an air blast. An attack Twilight countered with her force field, the princess smiled tauntingly, "You call that bending? I've had tougher hits from a ten-year-old!" she said, right before flying off from another attack from the unicorn, who's face was growing red from the power she placed into her attacks. 
"Ooh, what's the matter Starlight? You're looking kind of red. Too hot for you?" 
"Shut up!" Starlight unleashed yet another air attack, to which Twilight dodged as well. Just like in the Republic City alternate future, she used the airbending method she used on Tarlokk to easily move from Starlight's attacks. She may be an airbender but she still had a lot to learn when it came to the element. Raw power alone wasn't going to help her.
"What is she doing?" Asami asked as she and the others watched the fight from three separate clouds. 
"It's all part of her strategy." Flash explained, "She knows Starlight likes to play mind games and Twilight's using her arrogance to her advantage."
Mako smiled, impressed. "That's our girl!"
Starlight growled as she kept on shooting air blasts left and right at the princess, but it was as if she was striking air. With a glow of her horn, Twilight teleported herself behind Starlight, tapped her on the back, and waved cheekily before send her a punch. Starlight levitated herself off of the cloud and charged at Twilight, only to teleport herself away in the nick of time, much to Starlight's confusion and surprise. All Twilight did was maneuver each and every one of her attacks and only sent a few punches and fire throws her way. But Starlight was onto her.
"I know what you're trying to do!" she said, clenching her teeth tightly, "You think you can break me?!"
"No." Twilight responded, right before sending a fire blast her way. Starlight sent another air blast to counter it, but while she was busy with the attack, Twilight quickly zapped herself only two feet behind Starlight again, and kicked her right in the back, sending her flying down and landing on the runway of the flight camp. 
The unicorn panted in exhaustion, sweat dripping from her brows as the alicorn landed and walked towards her, holding her head up high and her eyes carrying such courage unlike anything Starlight had ever seen.
"I'm not trying to break you, Starlight, because even I'm not capable of that." the alicorn hovered over the unicorn, looking down at her with such anger over what she had just placed her through. For once, Starlight felt fear upon gazing into the princess's eyes. She said she was predictable, but really this was her hiding her true fear of the firebending alicorn princess.
"You have any idea what I've been through these past two years? I've faced bloodbenders, dark spirits, the end of the world, merciless beatings, lost my powers twice, and, as the cherry on top, I was once forced to watch my best friend be poisoned right in front of me! You really think your mind games and altering the timelines are enough to break me? You don't know what broken really means!!"
The unicorn growled in anger. She didn't care how exhausted she was, she would finish this alicorn if it was the last thing she did.
"Whoa!" a young Rainbow Dash sat on the sidelines, eating popcorn while she and the two bullies she was just racing stopped to watch the epic battle between the two ponies. 
"What are you doing? You have to finish your race!" Twilight exclaimed. 
"No way! This is way more exciting! How did you learn to do those air punches and fire kicks?"
"See? You can't stop me no matter what you do." Starlight's horn glowed bright and the time portal opened once more. The three humans on the cloud only sighed and allowed themselves to go up.
"Here we go again!" Bolin said with a deadpan expression and the team was, once again, sucked into the vortex.
"Aww man." filly Rainbow said in disappointment and tossed he popcorn aside.


(~) 


Once more, the team landed near the map, and fell hard on the ground…again. Spike got up and looked at their surroundings. "That's strange…"
"Well, you obviously don't mean us falling, because that's becoming pretty routine." Twilight said in annoyance as she adjusted her wing.
"No, it's just the other times we've come back it's been day! But look!"
Just as Spike said, the sky depicted nighttime instead of daylight. And once again, they were in the Everfree forest. "Why would the map bring us back to a different time of day than when we left?" Twilight asked.
"Um, maybe we should figure it out later!" Spike pointed his claw to behind the others, but at this point, they were already expecting something bad to appear.
"Let me guess, Timberwolves?" Flash said, wearing a deadpan expression that matched the rest.
"Yep."
"Two or three?" Mako asked.
"Two."
"Oh, must be an off day." 
The timberwolves snarled and growled at their pray, their bright yellow eyes glowing bright like sunbeams, their bodies made out entirely out of timber, twigs and leaves. The two beasts sniffed the air, spotting their pray. Twilight tried to activate her magic bit she had already drained herself from the battle with Starlight. The team reacted and ran away from the creatures as fast as they could. They could hear the howling of the beasts echoing through the trees, wakening their fellow timberwolf brothers and sisters. The group panted as they ran before coming to a cliff. Twilight nearly fell but was quickly caught by the others. Before their eyes they could see a familiar palace on the other side. 
"The Castle of the Two Sisters!"
The castle was not as broken and run down as it was before. In fact, it looked like a true masterpiece, rivaling that of the Canterlot Castle. Instead of the classic gold and purple colors, this castle consisted of various blues and dark purple colors with luna symbols around it. The sound of the timberwolves howling indicated they were getting close.
"Well, don't just stand here!" said Spike, being the first to run over the bridge that stood in replacement to the rope bridge it once had and hurried into the castle. They quickly closed the door, panting in exhaustion.
Once inside they could see that the castle looked as if it was never destroyed. Tapestries of the most beautiful designs adorned the walls, and torches with blue fire surrounded the place.  
"This place looks a lot cleaner than I remember it." Spike said.
"And familiar." Asami said. The architectural design of the palace reminded her so much of something but she couldn't put her finger on it. She knew it was on the tip of her tongue. It was like something she had seen in a dream…or a nightmare. Then, it finally hit her.
"Wait, I remember! This looks a lot like the castle I created when I became NightMare Moon!"
Mako looked at a stone gargoyle which game to life for a brief moment just to snarl at him. The firebender backed away from the thing. "Yeah, that definitely rings a bell." he said, having a serious case of deja vu.
Bolin placed his hand over Asami's shoulder, noticing her distress. The memories of when she became that awful monster replayed in her mind. The memories were a tad faint, all she could remember was the internal struggle of regaining control of her mind and body from within, and the horrible sensation of nearly becoming lost to the darkness. Part of it was her fault. She allowed her negative feelings to take hold and allowed that monster to control her. But that was now a distant memory and moved past it.
Only to be reminded of it now at this point in her life.
The group walked farther inside and up the staircases where they spotted a familiar white unicorn wearing a midnight blue outfit with her mane and tail styled into buns and rearranging the tapestries around the castle. 
"Rarity?"
The unicorn turned to face the guests, "The castle isn't open for viewings today. The tapestries all need changing. Again."
Spike ran up to his pony crush, hoping she would recognize him. "Rarity, it's me!"
But this timeline's Rarity only scoffed at him before turning away in disgust. "I don't socialize with dragons. I don't know anypony who would." she said coldly, leaving poor Spike to whimper sadly. 
Twilight jumped over in an attempt to speak with her, "Rarity, you have to listen to me! The future of Equestria and the human world's at stake!"
"I don't know how you know my name, but I am far too busy to entertain some tourist's ridiculous fantasies." Rarity said before getting back to work in an effort to ignore the company. She thought maybe if she ignored them they would get the message and leave.
"We have to get back to the map so we can stop Starlight from changing the past, because every present we come to is worse than the last!"
"Time travel, you say?" a voice spoke from the throne at the very end of the room. The shadows covered the stranger's form but, judging by the depictions on the tapestries, the group had a pretty good idea who was sitting on that chair. As her body moved from the shadows, revealing her face, their hearts pounded in horror. They had heard the stories, seen the images in books and stained glass windows, but this…this was the real deal.
"Now that's something I would like to see." her sharp teeth bare as she said this. The group was staring into the eyes of the very first foe the Mane Six had ever faced…
NightMare Moon!


To be continued….

(~)