Chapter five: memories of yet to come.

All my friends were shocked but delighted. I was alive. Coughing I whisper in Spikes ear. "Would you fetch us some sweet tea for all. Plus, a quill, ink and parchment". And kiss his cheek before he climbs down and heads to leave the room. But turns and asked. "Just the tea or would you like anything else"? I think for a while then my belly rumbled. "Maybe some cookies' or a bowl of porridge I am a little hungry". With a smile he says. "Okay mom". The look on my friends face as I respond with Thank you, sweetie, and not scalding him for calling me mom. After a few minutes Spike returned with a pot of tea and a bowl of porridge on a tray. After placing the tray on my lap, Spike climbed back on and cuddled up to me. After eating a little, and a few sips of tea. "Thank you all for being here for me. I know that the last few days have been difficult, both emotionally and physically". I say with a smile. But then I stop smiling and say. "Now then there are somethings very important I need to tell you all. Some are wonderful and happy. And it will be difficult to hear some of the others. And though hard to say but I must". Every pony looked at each other in surprise, wondering what I was on about. "Okay Twilight whatever it is we will all hear it". Says Princess Celestia.

"Good. As I will need you all more. Especially in the upcoming war". I say, and all gasp with shock. "What war"? Asked Princess Luna with trepidation. "A war of survival. For our survival. For every creatures' survival". I say but as I look at Spike into those big eyes. His love filled eyes I start to cry. I hold him tight and say sobbing. "Oh Spike, my Spike, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Spike, it hurt you, that thing hurt my boy and I couldn't save you. I couldn't save you". He hugs me back. After a few more sobs I wipe the tears from my eyes and say. "I'm sorry everyone, but my experiences are just so distressing. You see that I have travelled back in time. Two years in fact. The time I come from. My kingdom the Kingdom of Friendship is at war. Not with the other kingdoms. Cough, cough, and cough. It is with a being of immense power and savagery. Ponyville and my kingdom were the only kingdom left. This great evil started with the changelings. Both Queen Chrysalis and Thorax's people were wiped out. So too were the Sea ponies, Griffins, the Yaks and the Hippogriffs. There weren't many dragons left. Those that were fought alongside me and what small army I could create. In the greater Equestria. The Kingdoms of the Sun, the Moon and the Crystal Empire were destroyed. We lost the Cities of Baltimare, Canter-Lot, Manehattan, Cloudsdale, Las Pegasus Apple Loosa, Filly Delphia and Vanhoover. But worst was. Was. We were losing".

I said before I coughed profusely. After the coughing fit, I continued. "But what pains me more is that you Luna, it killed you. It broke Celestia's spirit and heart. But I felt the loss more when we lost Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Flurry Heart, Skyla, Cadence, Shining Armour and baby Sunbeam Twinkle. And". I say with a sob. And turn burying my face into Spike. Who hugs me tight and gently strokes my mane. "Is Sunbeam Twinkle the name of my new little sister"? He asked whispering it in my ear. All I could do is shake my head. After a few more sobs I finish. "But my pain increased tenfold when the evil creature killed my baby boy. You my Spike".

My friends and family looked shocked, confused and somewhat unconvinced. "You, you, you don't believe. Don't believe me. Don't believe me at all do you". I say. Many look down, believing that I dreamt it, or I had gone crazy. "I believe you mom". Says Spike as he hugs me still. And grabbing my hoof in his two. "So, do I"! Says your father. "Time travel really Twilight. You want us to believe you have time travelled. Back two years. Yeah right". Says Rainbow Dash. "I hate to side with Rainbow, but you yourself know that Star Swirls time spell is gone, and the ones in Canter-Lot Library only allow you to go back in time for a few minutes, before you are pulled back". Says Starlight.

"I know it is hard to believe. But it is true! The Tree of Harmony sent me back. But if you want proof". I say then turn to Princess Cadence I smile. "Cadence, Shining Armour. Congratulations are in order. It's been eight weeks, I bet you that Flurry Heart and Skyla can't wait to meet their new sister". I say. Most looked confused. Not Cadence or Shining Armour. They looked shocked, they looked at each other and Shining Armour says. "How do you know Cadence is? And how do you know we're having another girl"? All look with surprise but, congratulate them both. Cadence approached and said. "I take it that Sunbeam Twinkle is our new daughter"? I nod. "Yes, on the day of her Crystaling, she is shown to the crowd. A hug from Flurry Heart and Skyla causes the Crystal Heart to release its magic, giving every pony their crystal coat. Then Sunbeam smiles and a ray of sun light hits her causing a twinkling effect. Hence her name".

"She could have overheard you two fretting about when to tell every pony". Says Rainbow. Spike gives her a dirty look. And says. "What when she was in a coma". I held him tight and A J moved over to hold him also. Sobbingly he says. "I know what everybody thinks she dreamt it. I don't know if she did. But I do know she died in my arms earlier. She was actually dead. No pulse, no heartbeat. Not breathing for at least ten minutes. D. E. A. D. DEAD". I kiss his forehead. "That wasn't what I dreamt about. What I did dream about was when Starlight tried to stop the sonic rain boom. The first shown was the time Discord had taken over. And there I was as his enforcer. I was ordered to punish my friends for trying to turn Discord to stone. As I turned each of you to stone there was one last pony to punish it was Apple Mac. A good spirit helped me out. I don't know why but I just couldn't do it. That was because of the spirit. Its presence snapped me out of it allowing me to use my magic on Discord".

"The next dream was about the timeline were Nightmare Moon was in charge. It seemed that I was the governor of the Crystal Empire. Instead of Cadence and Shining Armour. It seems that when it came to the choice between my magic and my friends, I chose my magic. And as a reward Nightmare Moon gave me the Crystal Empire. It seemed that her corruption had entered my mind. And when she sent my friends to destroy me, I used all the power at my disposal to stop them. Subduing them all. A J said something about why did I do it? I didn't know she meant I had killed Spike. But I didn't kill spike it was Nightmare Moon. Angry I picked her up in my magic. Then came the cries of pain from Applejack. Those pitiful cries didn't get to me. But then the spirit presence brought forth an image of your cousin asking me. "Don't do it Twilight". But still with my magic I continued to squeeze the life out of her. Her pathetic whimpering cries falling on deaf ears. But the image of Apple Mac asks again. "Please don't do it Twilight I love you".

I stop this gives time for my friends to use their elements against me. In a split second I was gone. The most disturbing of my dreams. This time it was about the present when King Sombra had returned as well as the Crystal Empire. And I. I was. I was his queen it seemed he had corrupted me with dark magic. It made me cold, uncaring and sadistic. I enjoyed the perks of being his wife and queen. I was ruthless. I was even mean to all those who loved me. I brutally executed Cadence in front of Shining Armour and Flurry Heart with a sadistic smile on my face. I took some sick pleasure in torturing ponies. I even enjoyed meat. Steaks nearly every meal. Pony steaks". Spike gasped. "Don't worry little one. I would never hurt you. Tickle you yes". And slowly I wiggle the tip of my wing under his chin. Spike giggled and laughed just like you. "Although I have wondered what dragon tastes like. Nom nom nom nom". And I pretend to eat Spike. This makes him giggle and laugh louder. Wiggling about.

"Ah no mommy stop, stop, it tickles, it tickles stop, please, please". He says with a giggle. "Then came the capture of my former friends. I interrogated them for the reason they were there. And their answers didn't please me. They said they came to help me rid myself of the dark magic. But I liked the magic, the power and having slaves. And so, to show them I would never embrace good magic again. I chose to demonstrate it by slowly executing you Flutter Shy. So, with my magic I gripped her and splayed out her limbs and wings. With an evil smile on my face and a sadistic chuckle said. "You dare to try and vanquish me. The queen of the Crystal Empire. Then behold your fate". And slowly with my magic I pull at Flutter Shy's left wing. She screams in intense pain as you hear the bones crack and snap under the strain. Slowly the skin on the joint starts to split. My intention was to rip her apart limb by limb".

"And as the blood starts to trickle down, I am tackled from behind. It was your cousin. He stopped me. The Crystal guards got and held him down. And as I looked into his eyes, once more I felt the spirits presence. It showed me a vision of us two together happy with a little filly. It made the good magic in me break free. And as the guard goes to kill him with a spear. I stop him. I take the spear with my magic and run him through. I then take the second guard in my magic and pull his head off. Quickly I release my friends and stand in front of them as more guards come. They believed I was in danger. But they were wrong. I was the danger. Taking up the spear once more and with a hard throw I impaled one more of the guards. I am suddenly bashed on the head by another. And I am out of the dream. The last dream I had was me earning my wings and my title of Princess. But I was left with a choice. A difficult choice to make. I had to choose from being a princess. Or a life of happiness with Apple Mac. A wonderful life filled with happiness and love. I was about to choose being a princess, when I hear these words. "I love you mommy". A sweet little voice said. I look at where it came from but there wasn't any filly. Then again. "I love you mommy". From the other side. But still no filly. I shake away the feeling thinking it was just nerves. And as Princess Celestia was lowering my crown, I see your cousin, he smiled. But it was a smile filled with loss and sadness".

A ghostly form comes from his direction, and I see it is a little filly, it is the little one from the Sombra dream. And says after she came bounding up to me. "I love you mommy, love you forever". My heart hurt as I realise that I was meant to be with your cousin. As the crown was almost on my head, Celestia starts to say. "Let it be known by all of Equestria that Twilight Sparkle, is hereby dubbed Princess Twilight". But before she finishes, I shout "STOP". And teleport out of the way. Every pony watching gasped. "I am sorry Princess Celestia. But if being a princess means I have to sacrifice my true self. Then I do not wish it". I say and using my new Alicorn magic I transform myself back to a Unicorn. "I know now that my true self is to be with Apple Mac in a life filled with love and happiness. So again, I am sorry, but I can't accept my crown". I say and move over to Apple Mac and lovingly nuzzle him.

Princess Celestia in the dream is enraged and attacks me with her magic. But my friends stood before me and said. "If she chooses not to be a princess then it is her choice. You cannot force her to be one because she would rather have love than power". And the elements of harmony appear. Yet there were more than there should have been. Five where ponies made of shadow. Even I felt like I had a new element. As we use it to stop Celestia". I say and omitting the fact that the good spirit was you allowing every pony time to process. Well. And turn to Apple Mac. Earlier I had opened the box from my timeline and a flash of white light, and he saw you my angel. Well back in the room with every pony. I had just turned to your father Apple Mac and I nodded. And your father pulls out the ring box. Dash spots this and nudges Rarity. A J also spots it. Her mouth dropped. "Well now you are a little stronger and your head is clearer I wish to ask you something". Your father says.

"You already asked me this, my answer is still the same". I replied cheekily. "I know but I still want to ask again so. Twilight I enjoyed being your pen pal I soon realised that I couldn't wait to receive your next letter. And I love our afternoon tea times together at your castle. I hope you like your new garden, and the little observatory I built. Where we can watch the stars. So, believe me when I say. Twilight you are the sparkle within my heart and so. Princess Twilight Sparkle will you do me the honour of becoming my wife"? He asked. I start to chuckle. "You big numbskull you'll heard her she told you the answer. And don't keep askin her if she says no to yah". Says A J. I couldn't help it I just burst out in full laughter. Only stopping when I have a coughing fit. Your father and brother started to laugh too. "I never said what the answer was A J. But Apple Mac you really want my answer again". I said after I stop coughing. Your father just nods. I shake my head then say. "Okay". I pause for a second before continuing. "I would love to be your wife. So yes. Yes, I will marry you". And kiss him before saying. "So, which one shall we use"? And pull out the other box. As I lift the lid and reveal the ring both start to glow. They then levitated and flew towards each other. Crashing into each other fusing on impact. As they did a bright white light is released and a spectre appears.

"Hello Twilight, it is good you chose to fight. Now is the time to prepare. Harbinger will come soon. And you will need to find the last of the elements. Find them. You must find them. It is your only chance. Remember Libro Prophetiae ET Legatum will hold the key. Find it and you'll find the elements". Says the spirit and it starts to disappear. "Wait. Where do I start"? I asked. And as the spirit disappears it says. "An old friend from the desert. Now rest, your journey is going to be difficult". I realised what it meant. Every pony else were shocked and surprised. But I start to yawn. And Princess Celestia says. "The spirit is right we should allow Twilight to get some rest". I nod but then say. "Spike would you stay just until I fall asleep".

After few hours of light sleep, I awoke. I felt Spike lying next to me asleep. He holds me tight. Talking in his sleep he says. "Love you mom, I mean Twilight". Then he cuddles up closer. I lean in and whisper. "I love you too Spike". And kiss his cheek. He wakes and rubs his eyes. "Mom". He says. I kiss his cheek once more before I reply. "Yes Spike". He looks at me, and I smile at him. "Do. Do you want something"? He asked. And I reply with. "Yes Spike, would you fetch me Sunset Shimmer. And only Sunset Shimmer. Please". He smiles and goes to jump of the bed but stops. He turns and kisses me and says. "Almost forgot to tell you, you're the best mom in the world. And love you". Then jumps off. I chuckle. "I love you too best son in the world". And after he leaves. I pull out the quill and parchment and write two letters. One was for Spike the other was for the whole of Equestria. An hour later Spike had returned with Sunset. "You wanted to see me"? She asked. I smile and say. "Yes. And it is important". Then I turn to Spike and say. "Spike, could you give us a minute or two. I would like some tea".

"Okay mom". He says and leaves. When he was out of the room. I get out of the bed. I was unsteady on my legs. Sunset moved over to help me. When she was close enough. I stood on my hind legs. And rest my front legs on her shoulders. "Good you're here. Yes, I did. Your ability to read minds and see other's memories will be useful. I will be leaving here soon and heading to the San Palmino desert. To see an old friend. And I want you to come with me". She looked shocked but said. "Yes, your Royal Highness". I look at her and say. "Please just call me Twilight, we're friends after all. Now hold still"! Then my horn lit up with magic.

I touched her forehead with the tip of my horn. A bright aura surrounded Sunset. As it dissipates, I go weak again. She helps me back into bed. "I have just enhanced your ability. You can now show the memories of one pony to another. It will help where we are going. Please don't tell Spike. Where we are heading, he cannot come". I say. She nods. And Spike returns with a pot of tea. After placing the tray on the side table, he pours three cups, then climbs back on the bed before cuddling up to me. "So, what did you two talk about? Bet it was girly stuff"? He asks. "I asked Twilight How you managed to get a hot filly like A J to marry you. But I already know you STUD". Says Sunset, who looked uneasy, making Spike blush. And we giggle.

We talk for hours, until the sun was going down. When Spike finally fell asleep once more. I slowly move out of bed. Using my magic, I cover him up and place the one letter with him. And after I kiss his head. "Be well my sweet Spike". I say and leave with Sunset. Slipping out into the night.