Introduction
Welcome, friendship students! Today, we will be hosting a very special guest lecture from our very own guidance counselor, Starlight Glimmer! Give her a hoof, everypony!
Heh...! Thank you, Twilight. Today, I'll be talking about the importance of making up for past mistakes -- using my own personal experiences as examples!
Now, I know I've spoken about this with some of you, but one time, before I reformed, I... tampered with history and created a number of dystopian alternate timelines. Which I DID correct, eventually!
End of Stage 1
Excuse me, Miss Starlight? I'm super glad you're nice now, and it's great that you put time back to normal again. But... uh...
...what about the theory that magically created alternate timelines still go on existing even after the "divergence point" that created them has been corrected?
... That's EXACTLY what she asked me, Twilight! It was all I could do not to have a panic attack right there in the lecture hall! I THINK I'M HAVING IT RIGHT NOW INSTEAD!!!
*huff... puff...* I'm sorry... It's just, knowing that the dark timelines I created might still be out there, and that everypony in them is still suffering because of what I once did...
Yeah... I get it. But you were right to come to me about this, Starlight! With some magical assistance, I think I can recreate the version of Starswirl's spell you used back then.
That way, you can revisit some of those timelines you mentioned and help out whoever you find!
Of course... Uh, full disclosure: Traveling through a time portal DOES mean battling evil alternate-universe versions of yourself along the way. That's just how the spell works!
End of Stage 2
Whew! That was... uh... sure something. Anyway. According to Twilight's notes, this should be... the "Sombraverse." And this LOOKS like Ponyville, but...
Excuse me? You, there! By any chance, can you direct me towards Sweet Apple Acres' sheep-shearing facilities? It's been quite some time since I was back in town, and--
Ah, so you've heard of me! Yes, it's me: couturier to Her Majesty's Armed Forces, famed across Equestria for her functional yet chic uniform designs! A pleasure to meet you, Miss...
Star-- Uh... Star... time! Star-Time... Glimbus. That's me! Star-Time Glimbus, traveling... charitable volunteer. I was actually wondering if I could help you with... uh... the war effort...?
Well, I'm sure I don't see why not! Lead the way to Sweet Apple Acres if you know it, Miss Glimbus -- there's sheep to be sheared and wool to be gathered! The troops are counting on us!
End of Stage 3
Credit where it's due, stranger -- you sure are a dab hoof with a wool trimmer! Now, if only we had enough ponies to spare to deliver this shipment of applesauce to the front lines...
The front lines? You mean...
Yep. If the news reports are right, Princess Celestia and her troops are launchin' an offensive into Crystal Empire territory right about now...
I feel for 'em, really. That Sombra's a wily ol' tyrant... Usually, it's all Her Majesty can do to eke out a draw against the likes of him!
(Unless... someone who knows a lot about Sombra's tactics from her OWN timeline is there to help Princess Celestia's soldiers with battle strategy!)
AHEM-- Er... What I mean to say is... I'll take that applesauce to the front! And hopefully have some time to... uh... give some advice to the troops there, while I'm at it. Yeah!
End of Stage 4
... Whew! I wish I could've done more for those ponies... but Starswirl's spell can only keep me in one alternate timeline for so long before I have to jump to another.
So, this must be the "Changelingverse"... Which, as far as I can tell, is a VERY spooky forest where Ponyville should be, and--
Don't listen to her, Noteworthy! I'M the real Daisy!
No, I'M the real Daisy! THAT Daisy is a Changeling in disguise!
Wait... Are you talking to me, or that OTHER me over there? The one that's ALSO a Changeling in disguise?
She was obviously talking to ME! And I'M not a Changeling in disguise, YOU are! GET HIM!!!
... Hoo, boy. Well, I guess I'd better start by helping straighten THIS whole mess out...
End of Stage 5
Thank you for rescuing our scouts from those Changeling impersonators, Miss... What did you say your name was?
Star-Time Glimbus! Which the REAL Daisy said is... uh... too silly of a name for even a Changeling to use as a cover identity. They did put some salve on me just to make sure, though!
Hmm... Very well. I'll take you at your word, but I'm afraid I can't provide much in the way of hospitality. At least, not right now...
You see, my friends and I are planning a raid on that Changeling hive on the ridge... Queen Chrysalis captured Zecora, our leader, some time ago. She's imprisoned there...
Oh! And you're going to try to break her out? I can help with that! I... Heh... I actually have some prior experience with infiltrating Changeling hives. It's a long story!
End of Stage 6
You're here to break me out, I see? I'd usually yell "Whoopee!" But now is not the time, I fear-- Queen Chrysalis is almost here!
Oh, no! Quick: I'll distract Chrysalis while the rest of you get Zecora and the other prisoners out of here! It's the least I can do...
End of Stage 7
It's by your efforts that I'm free. You well deserve these thanks from me! Since, owing to that brave display, we live to fight another day.
Thank you! I'm sorry I didn't defeat Chrysalis for good... and that I can't stay here until I do. But I'm glad you and your friends are safe! Hopefully, now you can start rebuilding...
Outro
I'm back, Twilight! How long is it gonna be until the spell recharges, though? There's so many more alternate timeline messes I haven't cleaned up yet...
Like... Sombra and Chrysalis are still at large, and so is NIGHTMARE MOON, and wasn't there that one timeline I haven't even been to where Flim and Flam invented that awful--
Hey, hey, slow down, Starlight! You've done a LOT -- especially for just one trip!
And besides: Whether it's in an alternate timeline or not, making the world a better place never happens overnight. It's the fact that you keep working toward it that matters!
Heh... Right as usual, Twilight. Thanks... for everything!