//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 // Story: Borrowed Time // by Gambit Prawn //------------------------------// In my room at Twilight’s castle, I stared idly at my breakfast, watching the warm toast slowly cool.  A tempest of conflicting emotions rushed through me. My own sister had been taken by them—been changed by them.  Though I cared for her deeply, it was my brother that stung me most. I had given everything to save him, to give him the chance to continue to fight, and he had laid down his arms and given into them. Our fight was one of principles. We stand for ambition and advancement, whereas they are content to live in the mud.  And they had given into them! They should have fought to the death rather than submit to such a fate. Choosing to submit to a such a disgraceful existence instead was the greatest cowardice, I thought. It was a bittersweet notion. My training made it obvious that it was correct thinking, but wishing my family had died felt odd. I shook my head. No, it would have been mercy compared to becoming one of those things. I idly stroked my hair. Even though I’m sporting a mane and horn now, I haven’t given up on my humanity. What they did would be tantamount to me kneeling before Celestia and asking her to zap me. I heard a knock. “Go away,” I said, sounding a bit too much like an angsty teen for my liking. “Aron, please let me in,” Celestia said, unperturbed. “I know you don’t want to talk about it—even if I think you should—but you should come out and hear Twilight’s explanation of what happened. It is highly pertinent to your ability to return to your world. All four princesses don’t gather often. Should you later change your mind, it would take a while before we can gather again. I don’t want you to thoughtlessly let your chance slip by.” “I don’t care,” I grumbled. “There’s no home for me there anymore.” Celestia’s silence seemed to creep through the cracks of the door. Is it that surprising to her? Rhod has fallen to savages. “Aron are you sure you don’t want to talk ab—“ “No!” “Then please, at least listen to Twilight. There is some good news. You owe it to yourself to hear the whole story first. The last thing I want is for you to regret your decision.” I got up slowly, dazed. “Fine,” I mumbled, opening the door to follow the pony giantess. I stared into the sheen of her regalia. Although better than becoming ursine, I still wasn’t eager to wear a pretty crown and rule over colorful ponies. This fate, too, was about as bad as death. I paused. Could it in fact be identical to death? In becoming an infant pony would I in fact lose all semblance of myself?  It was a strangely philosophical thought, but strangely, it was somewhat comforting. I wouldn’t personally have to witness the aftermath of this world’s twisting of my being; it would be essentially a new pony, one with only a loose link to myself. “Aron?” “Uh—yes?” “We’re here.” I berated myself for letting my mind wander so easily. It had been doing that too much for my liking lately. I needed to be more vigilant. I was still a soldier. I would cling to that, even if I would soon be the last real warrior of my people. I followed Celestia once more into the very purple throne room. Twilight was sitting patiently in the throne marked with her cutie mark, and as I looked around the room, I saw her friends’ cutie marks theming the remaining thrones to them. I knew they weren’t princesses themselves—though they certainly didn’t have a dearth of those around here—but I couldn’t be positive that the alicorn tribe alone was royalty. “There you are, Aron. I was worried,” Twilight said. “Celestia told me what happened. She said you don’t want to go back anymore. If it’s something I can help with, please tell me.” Celestia frowned and shook her head deliberately. “He’d rather not share at this point. He just wants to hear your explanation of the relative time between universes.” Twilight’s ears fell. “I’m sorry, Princess. I just thought this was a friendship problem I could help with. I’m still not sure what exactly I’m supposed to be doing as Princess of Friendship.” Friendship problem? What in the blazes does friendship have to do with anything? “Understandable.  I’m sure Aron will be deeply interested in what you have formulated.” Twilight blushed a little bit. “It’s nothing much, just a little regression analysis anyway, Aron you know that time passed slower in your universe relative to ours, correct?” “Yes,” I said, bored already and ready to return to my room. “This has to do with the movement of different universes relative to each other. Depending on their spin, proximity and presence or non-presence of magic, the time passage of two universes when compared can vary widely. Using Number Cruncher’s theorem, I calculated that what you just witnessed was a rare event. Apparently, your universe’s magic has a quirk where your time slows extremely gradually until it dips below a certain threshold. For reasons I don’t quite understand, there is then a discontinuity in the rate, and in an instant time begins passing at an incredible speed. This fast-time decays rapidly to normal passage of time, but during this period, I’m happy to say only six months have passed on your world.” I crossed my arms, not impressed. “I hope that wasn’t the good news I was promised.” “Well, no, but that’s part of it. The real good news is that our worlds will mostly be in sync for the foreseeable future. It could be as long as a millennium before we see an event like before. I understand it’s tough to effectively lose six months, but we know there’s little risk of it happening again.” I gave her the flattest expression I could muster. She rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof and giggled nervously. “Isn’t that great?” “Thank you, Twilight,” Celestia said before turning to me. “I know what you saw was hard, possibly traumatizing. But despite what I said before, you still have time to change your mind, if not today. Should you decide to stay, we will welcome you with open arms and help you live the happiest life as a pony that you can. If you wish to return, feel no obligation to us, as it was I who brought you here in the first place.” I was saved from having to answer by the appearance of Twilight’s five friends. Pinkie Pie took the lead, with a frown that threatened to evacuate her face at any moment. She offered me a balloon with a cautious smile, and I shook my head. “If you ever need a party to cheer you up, you know the pony to call,” she said. Twilight then dragged Pinkie away, which I was thankful for, as the party pony seemed to be actively fighting the temptation to hug me. “I get that you’re bummed, but I’m sure you’ll like it here,” Rainbow said consolingly. “Equestria is an awesome place. Everypony here is great.” She smirked. “And besides, you’ll get to hang out with the most awesome pony in all Equestria—me!” “Yeah, I’m sure he’ll get more’n enough of you in about five minutes, Rainbow Dash. Aron, if yer ever lookin’ for somewhere more quiet, we’d be happy to offer you the ol’ Apple Family hospitality. We always like company at Sweet Apple Acres.” It didn’t do much to make a dent in my wretched mood, but unlike Pinkie’s, it was an offer I might consider accepting. Applejack was smiling sweetly at me, and meeting her eyes, I awkwardly nodded in response. As if an unseen spotlight shone down on her, Fluttershy tiphoofed forward. “Umm… if you would ever want a pet. I could introduce you to one—I mean, if you don’t mind.” “What was that?” I asked not hearing her muttering. “Nothing,” she said, retreating a few paces. “I shouldn’t have said anything.” Pinkie Pie, eager for another turn at the cheering up game, bounced into my personal space again. “You’re always welcome to swing by Sugarcube Corner. I’ll make you something super yummy—” She bounced.  “Or more of that yucky cake.” It may have been my imagination, but I thought I saw her mane deflate a little upon saying this. Striking a pose, the sole unicorn among us stepped forward. “As the Element of Generosity I can hardly allow myself to be outdone. Aron, dear. If there’s any desire, even the slightest whim, I would gladly tailor a new outfit—no, an entire wardrobe to fit your fancy. I looked down at myself. Process of elimination had left an orange and yellow vest and green jeans as the least terrible of my choices. Considering, they should have no experience with human clothing, I was grateful that they even fit. But if she’s offering… “If you don’t mind…” Her face took on an enamored look. “Mind? Oh, Darling, it is what I live for! My raison d’etre”  “Whenever is convenient for—“ “My muse is calling! Inspiration shan’t be denied. Come now, dear, I’ll need to take your measurements again.” And, once again, I found myself dragged along in a cloud of magic as Rarity galloped up to the Chamber of Generosity. I’m pretty sure this is at least two too many times for this to happen to me. Note to self: never get between a pony and their special talent. Far too long later, after being assaulted from every angle by measuring tape, I stumbled out of the Chamber of Generosity. Rarity had prattled on non-stop while taking my measurements, and she had explained that it was her ideal home away from home. Posh accommodations, including a personal spa and sauna contrasted with a highly economical workspace at the other end of the room. Rarity said she wouldn’t have it any other way. I had to admit I respected her a bit more for this—refusing to leave her role completely behind for any amount of time. “Aron, darling, there’s one more thing,” Rarity said, guilt covering her face. “I have to confess a mild deception. While I fully intend to furnish you with a wardrobe more to your liking, the princess actually asked me to do this for the sake of the measurements. If everything was fine, we weren’t planning on saying a word—so you wouldn’t worry more than you are already. However….”—she took a deep breath—“your height has decreased to four-foot ten, a rather noticeable drop off.” It was only in that moment that I noticed my clothes were baggier than normal. How could I not have noticed? My height had been a point of pride. My taller build (relatively at least) had been the perfect balance between size and speed. It was something fundamental to me, something that could never be taken away—or so I thought. I should be angry. I should be funneling my anger at these blasted ponies. But shamefully, I only felt a growing depression. “You were expecting this?” “We weren’t trying to keep it from you, Dear. Twilight and the professor had started to suspect that gradual changes may be manifesting themselves. We wanted to tell you, but then you got that dreadful news and—“ “Fine,” I grumbled, cutting her off. “Make whatever you want for the outfits. Try to stick to gray and black, though; I’m sick of all the color.” “Oh. Of course,” Rarity said wistfully as I turned my back and walked away. I’m sick of these ponies, I thought as I stormed down a random stairwell. They’re pretending to be sympathetic, but I know what they’re thinking. They probably are thinking something superficial like I’m upset because I think I could have changed something in those six months. That’s laughable. I’m only one man. They’ll probably side with those wretched bears too. I’m sure their twisted assimilation of us would fit right into their message of love and friendship. Just look at what their world is trying to do to me! I pounded on a brick that looked purpler than its neighbors. Genocide would have been a kindness compared to this humiliation! That’s one thing these horses are too naïve to understand. We have principles. Suddenly, a gust of wind rushed by me as a petite, purple and green scaled lizard descended the steps two at a time. Naturally, he plowed into me and dropped a photo, which fell face-down. He was surprisingly heavy for his size, but it would have taken more than that to knock me off my feet. His appearance surprised me at first, but a quick recollection of where I was reminded me that even a three-headed alpaca wouldn’t be entirely unexpected. “Oof,” the lizard grunted, dusting off the photo.” “What’s the hurry,” I asked coldly. As if acknowledging me for the first time, he raised his head and said, “Sorry about that. Wasn’t watching where I was going, but didn’t you hear? Rising Sun’s here! She just rescued Snips and Snails after they fell into the Apple family well.” He paused for a moment. “Can’t say I’ve seen you around before.” However, he then slapped himself lightly on the cheeks to regain his composure, and refocused on his objective. “I’ve got to get her autograph!” And with that he resumed his mad dash down the stairs. Considering how names were allocated on this world, there was a high likelihood he was ‘Spike’. Were I in a mood to care, I might have called out after him that Twilight had already procured an autograph for him. My apathy had the additional benefit of saving me the trouble of introducing myself. It was getting tough to gauge who was supposed to be privy to my identity. If Twilight’s friends were accessories to royalty that would be sensible. On the other hand, Wallflower knowing didn’t fit at all. Sullen, I took the steps slowly until I got to the ground floor. It had become apparent to me that I had no further obligations for the moment. I normally wouldn’t be one to volunteer for more nonsense, but being dragged by Rarity had disoriented me.  I still trusted my general sense of direction, but not enough to risk cutting through rooms that might have strong sources of magic or—even worse—another party. I inevitably came to the throne room, and all of the thrones were occupied, the small reptile occupying the unmarked one. Luna, Cadance, and Celestia were standing, and that preposterous masked bird was flapping her wings slowly to maintain height. “—we the four princesses of Equestria acknowledge your virtue and present you with this medal,” Cadance said, placing a comically oversized medal around the bird’s neck. Every alicorn I’ve seen has been a princess. Looks like all princesses are alicorns. For my sake, let’s hope all alicorns aren’t princesses. The masked crime fighter gave her distinct salute and flew out a high open window. “Hello, Aron,” Cadance said tentatively, “how are you doing?” “Fine.” “I don’t mean to rush you, but my husband and I need to return to the Crystal Empire soon. Are you sure you don’t want the four of us to send you back before then?” “I’m sure.” Her expression saddened and her gaze dropped a bit. “If you change your mind, I’ll make time. If you want to see your loved ones again, it’ll be worth it.” My heart wavered for a moment. I did miss them: my mom’s cooking, sparring with my brothers, talking with my sister. But, I made a point to let my feelings of betrayal over what my brother and sister had submitted to overrule this. The rest of my family was surely dead after fighting to the end. My resolve hardened. “Don’t trouble yourself on my account,” I said. I was one man, one soldier. I should work for those in authority, not the other way around. “I don’t get it,” Rainbow Dash blurted out. “If he doesn’t want to go back, why talk him out of it? A new princess would be awesome.” “It ain’t that simple, Rainbow Dash,” Applejack said. “Actually, I’m wondering the same thing,” I said. “I’d expect you to want me to stay, since alicorns are so rare. Yet, you seem to want me to leave. Why is that?” At this question, Celestia’s whole posture tightened and she looked away. Even though Celestia should have looked comparatively massive considering my recent height loss, for a moment she seemed much smaller. I felt for the first time, I might be able to cut through to what was really going on. Unfortunately, this world had to distract me with another curveball to common sense. Entering through the same window Rising Sun had left, an suspiciously similar orange bird descended and landed on Celestia’s withers. She nuzzled the alicorn, who brightened immediately. “Oh there you are, Philomena,” Celestia said. “Have you met Aron yet? Aron, this is my pet phoenix, Philomena. Phoenixes are incredibly clever creatures, even those poor at understanding animals are amazed at their comprehension.” I pointed a finger accusingly at the phoenix. “I know you! You’re—“ The phoenix, put a wing to her beak in a quieting gesture. The surprisingly humanity of this gesture unnerved me. “What are you talking about, Aron?” Twilight asked. “Masked orange bird leaves; maskless orange bird enters. The connection should be obvious. Let me guess: this is some inside joke where we all pretend not to see through the not-so-secret identity?” “We follow not thy logic,” Luna said. “I’m not one to ask,” Cadance said. “Rising Sun isn’t active in the Crystal Empire.” “That’s true,” Twilight said, pondering deeply. “In fact, yesterday was the first time she’s appeared in Ponyville.” My countenance took on a mad grin. I could feel it splitting my face. “And you arrived yesterday, right? Princess Celestia?” “That is correct…” “And you brought Philomena with you?” “Yes…” “And have you seen Philomena and Rising Sun at the same time?” “No, I haven’t. What are you getting at?” I scanned the room and was met with nearly a dozen confused expressions. Pinkie Pie was the notable exception, trying her hardest not to crack up. From what I knew of her, this was perfectly in-character. She was likely laughing at the silliness of one of her own thoughts. “Rising Sun’s secret identity!” I screamed. “Yes, what about it, Darling?” Rarity asked. “Ponies have many different theories about it,” Spike said with enthusiasm. Some think it’s Donut Joe’s daughter, Vanilla Glaze, because Rising Sun often visits his shop suspiciously often. Others think it’s Fleur de Lis—a high class lady beguiling a rough-and-tumble fighter for justice. I personally think it’s Moondancer, though. Ponies have noticed she rarely ventures outside her house. Is she merely studying behind closed doors, or sneaking out to don the beak of justice?" This was so off-base that all I could do was stand there stupidly with my jaw hanging down. Meanwhile, Philomena was still frantically shushing me. I felt no obligation to keep her blatantly obvious secret; however, I didn’t think my sanity could survive more blatant myopia, so I refrained from spelling it out. “Can we get a move on?” Rainbow Dash interjected. “I’ve got clouds to kick. Can we do what we came here for?” All eyes were on me, and I felt out of place. “Don’t mind me,” I said, giving a half-bow. “I was only cutting through here to get to my room. Sorry to interrupt.” I turned to leave. Then, the centerpiece of the throne room surged to life. Stray magic flew everywhere as a colorful, detailed map manifested itself between the seven thrones. I put my crystal in front of me, but it was meaningless. Magic corpuscles ricocheted off the walls, shattering stained glass windows and breaking into smaller puffs of magic. Though my footwork was nearly perfect, I failed to account for my change in height. Jumping to avoid a larger blob, I failed to clear it due to my shorter legs. I felt a burning sensation near my rear. A tingling followed, and then a sudden itchiness. My bones in the struck area shifted like clay, taking the form of a literal tailbone. It effortlessly pushed a few inches out of my body, not even rupturing the skin. Though a painless process, I was in agony. I reached into my jeans and gave my new tail a hard tug. It was foal-sized, but very real. I flexed a muscle that I shouldn’t have, and it twitched in my grip. Furious. I stormed to my room, carrying with me a single-minded determination: I would spend the rest of the day pony-free.