Beards in Time - 1: A New Direction In Time

This is the story arc for Beards in Time. There will also be separate one-shot adventures with Anon and Star Swirl that take place before this story.

Name and title subject to change.
Not sure if the chapter is done yet because I don't know where I want to end it.
Only somewhat proof-read.
If anybody reads this, enjoys it and wants more, let me know in the thread or forum. Otherwise it'll probably be continued slowly, possibly not at all depending on what other story ideas I have.


>"Anonymous. Anonymous, wake up."
>You simply let out a light grunt to signal that you're awake, too tired to make any movements
>"Anonymous, we have an emergency. You have five minutes to get your bipedal ass out of bed and meet me in the lab."
"Ugh... emergency? What kind of emergency?" you manage to mutter, still refusing to open your eyes, or do anything physical for that matter
>"There was a disturbance. Something new. Just get up, I may need you for this one."
>After that, he leaves your bedroom and shuts the door behind him
"Dammit... so much for sleeping in..." you mutter to yourself "Why couldn't this disturbance be a couple hours ago so I could go back and get some extra sleep?"
>Finally opening your eyes, you sit up and get out of bed, stretching your muscles
>Walking to your window, you open the curtains to see the sunrise over the countless miles of forest that surround the tower you currently call home
>The one bit of civilization you can see from here is Celestia's Castle, perched on a distant mountain-side
>You couldn't see from here, but right about now she would be working on raising the sun and lowering the moon together
>That was quite a bit of work for her take on every day, but she seemed to be managing fairly well so far
>It really was a shame what had happened to her sister Luna a couple years back
>The two of you got along really well
>Some times you wish you could just travel back in time and stop that from happening

>But that would be breaking the rules
>The rules that aren't even possible to break
>Hopefully you'll live to see the day when she returns
>"Anonymous?"
>The muffled female voice calling to you from outside your bedroom door breaks your train of thought
"Yes?"
>"Good, you're awake. You really need to come out here."
"Yeah yeah, hang on."
>With a yawn and another stretch, you grab your robe off of the hook on the wall it was hanging from and slip it on
>At first you thought the idea of wearing a wizard robe was ridiculous, insane even, but it started to grow on you
>Especially with the rather magnificent beard you were able to grow since coming here
>It all fit together rather well now, so you didn't complain about it anymore
>The robe was in multiple shades of blue, complete with some stars and crescent moons here and there
>It was much like your mentor's robe, minus the bells
>The colors and design you could handle, but the bells were a bit much
>After donning your robe, you proceed out of your bedroom
>Opening the door, you see the unicorn mare with a purple coat standing outside, wearing a ragged brown robe, shifting her gaze to you
>"Good morning Anon. I'm sorry our mentor had to wake you up, but he's seriously worried about this."
"Hey Clover. Just what the hell is it anyway?"
>"I'm not sure, he wouldn't tell me. He just said he needs your help."
"Hmm. Better go see what the crazy old stallion is on about then."

>"Great Scott!" you hear him shout from above you
>Oh boy, this is gonna be good
>Now in the center of the cylindrical tower, you traverse up the spiral stairs to what your mentor sometimes liked to call the 'time chamber'
>Really it was just the top floor of the tower that was a laboratory, complete with some alchemy and chemistry sets, magical implements of sorts, a telescope sticking out of the top, among other things
>When you reach the top floor, you see him pacing around, looking over various scrolls and other magical conjurations
>"Good, you're up."
"Unfortunately... Just what is this emergency anyway?"
>He gives no response, instead focused intently on whatever it was he was looking over
"Star Swirl? Hello?"
>"Ah, yes, my apologies." he responds, dropping the scrolls on a table and turning to you "As I said, there was a temporal disturbance, and we need to check it out immediately."
"Immediately? Like, right now?"
>"Indeed. Grab your bag, we've no time to waste."
>There was a cabinet in the room with your 'adventuring gear' in it, mostly just a bag of implements and other little things
>After fetching it and attaching it to your waist under your robe, you turn back to your mentor
"Alright. So when and where are we going this time?"
>"Well, my young human apprentice, we're going to the future. Many centuries forward at that."
"The future? I didn't think what was possible. Or even allowed."

>"Anything can be possible! You would know this if you paid enough attention! All that's required is a disturbance such as this."
"Ah, sure, of course.. So what kind of disturbance is it anyway?"
>"Some p0ny in the future has traveled through time. Fortunately it seems like it was only a few days, but that just makes the situation worse: that kind of travel shouldn't be possible!"
"Yeah, I thought so. But why is this our problem if it's so far in the future? We're only supposed to deal with threats to the past right?"
>"That we are, however this is.. different. It seems as though one of my scrolls was used, albeit slightly different than normal. How they even exist that far in the future is beyond me, but that's not the point. We need to travel to that point in time and find out who this p0ny is, what they're doing, and how they were able to decifer and use my scroll."
"Hmm. Sounds interesting, but I'm anxious just to get a peak at the future."
>"Don't be, we must keep our full attention to the task at hand! I shouldn't have to tell you why."
*sigh* "Yeah, you're right. Well, let's get this show on the road then."
>"Ready your beard, Anonymous."
"Oh it's ready as always!"
>Star Swirl's horn glows, as do both of your beards
>A magical energy begins forming and swirling around the two of you
>It soon picks up it's pace and becomes thicker, eventually restricting your vision to just the two of you within

>A few more seconds pass before the swirling energy erupts into a vortex, pulling you both in
>This was what you imagined traveling through a wormhole in space would be like
>Nothing but light, and more swirling magical energy immediately around you, opening into the tunnel above you that you seemed to be traveling through
>Yeah, it wasn't terribly exciting
>Moments later, the energy began to dissipate, and you and Star Swirl were ejected from the vortex
>It was over. You had arrived at your destination
>Or, hopefully anyway
>"Hmm, looks like a library, or archives perhaps." Star Swirl whispers as he takes in your surroundings
>He was right
>The architecture was stunning, wherever you were, it was definitely a high-class library of some sort
>It almost looked the same as Celestia's castle
"Well, wha-"
>You're interrupted as Star Swirl places a hoof over your mouth and motions around a corner
>There were voices nearby, one male and one female
>Taking a peak, the female voice was an earth pony mare, wearing a tight black sneaking suit or something
>She had a pink coat and poofy pink mane and tail
>The male voice was coming from what seemed to be a baby dragon, wearing an identical suit
>Well that was odd, to say the least
>Seems like they're not supposed to be in here
>Stranger yet was a statue in the room, near the door
>There was no doubt in your mind, that was a statue of Star Swirl himself

>He must have done something incredible back in your time in order to achieve this kind of recognition
>Star Swirl is probably already fretting at the sight of that
>What's probably the biggest issue with traveling to the future is learning things you shouldn't know, that could have a good chance of allowing you to unintentionally alter the past
>In other words, this trip was off to a fantastic start
>But hopefully you won't have to get any details about this; you'll just figure out this whole time traveling issue and be on your way if it turns out to be nothing serious
>Before either of you catch onto what they're talking about, there's quick flash of light in the center of the room
>Suddenly standing where the flash was, is a unicorn mare
>She too was wearing a full-body suit just like the others, but it was riddled with rips and tears
>The unicorn also had a headband and eye-patch covering her right eye
>Her mane and tail, which consisted of multiple shades of pink and purple, also looked singed and really ragged
>It seems like she was speaking and in mid-sentence when she made her appearance
>"-waste your time, worrying, about... ugh!" she finishes, plunging a fore-hoof into her left eye in frustration
>"I can't believe I just did that!" she continues
>"Did you tell her about the cool birthday present?" the pink one asks while approaching the unicorn
>The unicorn begins walking away, still looking frustrated

>"Remember last week when future Twilight came to warn me about something?" she asks, turning back to the pink mare "That was me trying to warn myself not to worry so much!"
>The tiny dragon just stood by and watched, eating from a small tub of ice cream for some reason
>"Now I'm gonna spend the next week freaking out about a disaster that doesn't even exist!" the unicorn says before groaning and sitting on the floor with her head and ears down
>"Aww don't worry about it!" interjects the earth pony "It's past-Twilight's problem now." she finishes in a reassuring tone, placing a hoof on on the Unicorns back
>Finally, the unicorn, apparently named Twilight, let's out a relieved giggle, ears perking back up
>"I guess you're right Pinkie." she responds
>Pinkie? A p0ny with a pink coat and pink mane is named Pinkie?
>Seems like the future has run dry of original names
>The little dragon begins groaning, catching the two mares' attention
>At this moment, Star Swirl pulls back and turns to you
>"Looks as though this won't be an issue." he whispers to you "However... this unicorn intrigues me. I would very much like to know more about her."
"Well, why don't we go and talk to her?"
>"Have you seen that statue? Not to mention the decor, large banner and so many books related to my work? This is an archive dedicated to me. If anyp0ny were to discover me, especially a unicorn such as her, it wouldn't be a pretty sight. I don't need nor want that kind of attention."

"Hmm... Well, what should we do then?"
>"I'd like for you to stay here a while, and find out as much about her as you can."
"What? First you're strictly against learning anything about the future, now you're telling me to stay here to do exactly that? What gives?"
>"Ugh, when will you learn!? Look, I'm not asking you to learn everything there is about this time period. I'm only interested in this unicorn. My scrolls are very intricately designed, you and I are the only ones in our time that have any hope of using them properly. There's something special about her, and I want you to find out."
>Your first response is a sigh
"Fine, if that's what you really want. But what about you?"
>"I'm going back. Right now. This is quite possibly the worst location I could have ended up in, seeing any more could turn out to be rather disastrous."
"Makes sense."
>Star Swirl's horn begins to glow, as does his beard, and a magical swirling energy begins to form around him
>"Now that a path between our time-lines has opened, we should be able to travel freely between them, and the same rules apply. Just find out what you can and head back, try not to stay here for very long. And please, whatever you do, do NOT let Celestia find out you are here. She would be absolutely furious."
"Hmm... Yeah, but she would be furious in this time, not our time."
>"Hmm, I suppose that's true... No matter, it may be for your own good anyway. Well, good luck!"

>With a wave, you watch as the swirling energy completely engulfs your mentor, before it quickly intensifies and vanishes before you
>Some times you'll never understand that old colt
>Sure he was a little crazy at times, but he was by far the most brilliant mind the world.
>At least, in your time he was
>Right now you feel rather humbled that there was an entire archive here dedicated to his work
>You're sure that deep down, he was too, even if he wouldn't admit it
>"Uhh, hello? Who's ther-" a female voice speaks behind you, suddenly stopping with a gasp
>Turning around, you see the unicorn staring at you, pupils barely visible at all within her large wide-open violet eyes
>You extend your arms outward and raise your hands up to hopefully show her that you're no threat
"Hi there, please don't freak out!"
>"Wh- who and, what are you!? And what are you doing in these private archives!?"
"Oh, I'm uhh.. the keeper of this archive, yeah."
>"Keeper? The Princess never told me about a keeper."
>This unicorn still looks frightened, keeping her distance but at least she hasn't run off yet
"Well, just look at me. Ever seen a creature like me before? There's a reason Celestia doesn't mention me very much."
>"But I'm her best student, her star pupil, she tells me everything!"
"Is that so? Hmm, well that could explain some things."
>"Huh? What is that supposed to mean?" she asks, cocking her head sideways, giving you a quizzical look

"Oh, nothing. Maybe I'll tell you later."
>She turns her head back around the corner behind her to speak to one of the others, whom you can't see from where you're standing
>"Spike, send a letter to Celestia, have her come back here immediately!" she whispers, before turning back to you
"What, don't believe me? Isn't this robe convincing enough?"
>"Well, it is almost identical to Star Swirl's. Except you're missing the bells!" she shouts enthusiastically, pointing a hoof at you
"The bells? I'm sorry, bells aren't really my thing. It's bad enough I already put up with hearing his bells jingling every day, th-"
>Her eyes widen once again
"Shit." is the next and only word that unintentionally escapes your throat
>"Who are you, really? And what was that light I saw? You're a time traveler or something, aren't you!?"
>She gets louder and more demanding with every question, and damn she caught on fast
"Sorry Twilight, no telling."
>"You know my name too!? Uuuggh!!!" she groans loudly in frustration
>"Well if you don't tell me, the Princess will!"
"Actually, I doubt that. You see, we have a little deal. A deal that-"
>"That you just broke, Anonymous."
>Now it was time for your eyes to widen
>As Twilight turns around, Celestia herself comes around the corner, staring intently at you
"P-Princess Celestia!" you manage to say, giving her a bow
>"It's been nearly a thousand years, Anonymous. I was wondering what that old stallion did with you."

"So.. he never told you? That's good, I guess. Too bad I fucked up already, huh?" you say with a light chuckle
>"I bet he put you up to this, didn't he?"
>Twilight's eyes are still wide, growing even more with every sentence you two speak
"He did, actually. It was too big for him to pass up. As soon as he realized what this room was though, he nope'd the hell out of here and went back home. I don't blame him, really, just what is all this?"
>Celestia turns her head to the side, realizing Twilight it still there, along with the pink mare and little dragon
>"Perhaps we should continue this in private?"
>"But Princess!" Twilight interjects "Who is he? Why are you talking like he knows Star Swirl? What's going on!?"
>"In time my student, in time. For now, please finish what you are doing and go home, I must speak with our guest alone."
>Twilight grows a look of anger upon her face, but can't find the right words to speak
"Oh don't worry, I think she's done. She just returned from her little trip through time after all." you say, smirking at the unicorn
>She gasps in response, looking even angrier now
>Celestia raises an eyebrow at you, then appears to come to a realization
>"Twilight, please." she says sternly
>"Ugh, fine, if you say so Princess. I still want to know what this is all about though!"
>Celestia nods as Twilight and her companions exit the room, door closing and locking behind them

>"So, he sent you here to investigate her, did he?" Celestia asks
"Actually, yeah. Something about her just really intrigued him. We determined her little time-traveling fiasco was nothing to worry about though, so that's good."
>"Yes, that is good. Well, Twilight Sparkle there is by far my brightest student, and could quite possibly end up surpassing Star Swirl himself in due time."
"Wait, what?"
>"She is remarkably talented in the art of magic, even if she doesn't know it yet. She's also very intelligent for her age, and has a great admiration of Star Swirl and his work. It's no coincidence she was able to decifer and use one of his scrolls so easily."
"Hmm, ya don't say... What else can you tell me about her?"
>"Well, she bears the Element of Magic, for one, and her five best friends bear the other five Elements."
"Wow, that's quite th- Wait a minute. Elements? As in the Elements of Harmony?"
>"That's right."
"They've separated!?"
>"A lot has happened since you've been gone. The Elements were lost long ago, they needed to be rediscovered. When Nightmare Moon returned, I deliberately sent Twilight and her friends to stop her, knowing that in the process they would discover the Elements, and take them on personally."
"Sounds a little risky don't ya thin- wait, did you say Nightmare Moon?"
>Celestia nods
"So, does that mean-"

>"Yes. She was defeated. My little sister Luna has returned to me, to rule Equestria at my side once again." she says with a content smile
"That's... fantastic! Can I see her?"
>"By now she should be getting her much-needed rest. Perhaps tonight."
"Oh, okay then. I think I might just stay here a while then, I really do miss Luna after all."
>"That is the plan."
"Yea- wait, what?"
>Celestia's smile vanishes as she gives you a serious look
>"One of the strictest rules I gave to you and Star Swirl was to never attempt traveling into the future. That act alone could have devastating effects to history should you return. This is why you will have to remain here, Anonymous."
"Wh- come on, you can't be serious!?"
>Celestia just stares at you
>Shit, she was totally serious
"But-"
>"I am sorry Anonymous. Star Swirl knew the risks. I bet you could have an even better life here though, and you can really help out my student with her studies when it comes to your mentor. She's very passionate about his work you know."
"Yeah, sounds fascinating, but I can't stay here!"
>Celestia's horn begins to glow, as a quick flash of energy erupts from it and finds it's way around and into your beard
"Whoa, what gives?"
>In just a few seconds, it's gone, leaving you dumbfounded and worried
"The fuck did you just do to my beard!?"
>"I simply disenchanted it."
"What- but, that means-"
>"No more time traveling. Again, I am sorry. Though I am glad to see you, I cannot let you go back, the risk is too great."

"You- you're serious... So, just like that, my former life is forfeit? Great. Wonderful. Thanks a lot."
>"I've given you explanation enough, you'll get over it."
"Ugh... can I at least, like, send him a letter or something?"
>"Hmm, if you can find a way to send a letter through time, then be my guest. But I will have to approve of it to make sure you don't give him too much information."
"Geez, you worry too much Celestia."
>"Perhaps, but is it not better to be extra cautious for matters such as these?"
"I guess..."
>You begin walking, past Celestia and into the center of this room
"So, this entire room is dedicated to Star Swirl's work then?"
>"That it is. This is the Star Swirl the Bearded wing of the Royal Canterlot Archives."
"The Bearded? Nice... So, Canterlot huh? That's where we are I'm assuming?"
>"Yes. You only knew it as my castle back in your time. Now it is a city, populated by the most upstanding citizens of Equestria."
"A city, huh? Looks like I'll have a lot of sight-seeing to do. Say, is our old tower still around then?"
>"It is, though you would not be able to see it. Before Star Swirl passed, he placed some kind of spell or enchantment on the entire tower, rendering it invisible and undetectable. I still remember where it is, and I bet if you traveled out there you could find it as well."
"Really? I might just have to do that then. Who knows, maybe he left something there for me?"

>"Perhaps he did. Please, excuse me for a moment."
>Celestia magics a scroll, ink and quill out of nowhere and begins to write
>After a few moments, a green glow wraps around the scroll and it vanishes
"What was that?"
>"Oh, just sending a letter to Twilight. Now that I think about it, I would like you two to properly introduce yourselves to one-another. Your knowledge would be immensely helpful to her. And you could accomplish what Star Swirl sent you to do as well."
"Yeah, I guess, but that's kinda pointless now, isn't it? I have more questions for you anyway though."
>"They will have to wait. Believe it or not, I do have business to attend to. You and Twilight should join Luna and I for dinner this evening and we'll continue. Until then, spend some time with my student, and see the sights."
>Celestia finishes, smiling at you
"Okay, if you say so. I just can't wait to see Luna. Oh, can you do me a favor and not tell her that I'm here? I wanna surprise her."
>"Sure. Now, we must be going. Please, follow me."
>Following along, Celestia leads you through the castle
>Some of it looks familiar, but there's plenty more new additions to be seen
>The large stained-glass murals, for one
>A couple you recognize, but there were more
>There were two separate murals depicting six p0nies, seemingly battling a great foe
>One of the p0nies resembled Twilight, and another one even looked like that pink earth p0ny that was with her earlier

"Hey Celestia, that pink mare that was with Twilight before, is she in these mural's as well?"
>"Yes. That is Pinkie Pie, and she resembles the Element of Laughter."
"I see."
>"The two of them and their four friends, resembling the Elements of Loyalty, Generosity, Kindness, and Honesty, have come together to defeat Equestria's greatest threats in recent time; Nightmare Moon, and Discord."
"Discord? The god of chaos? He got loose?"
>"Unfortunately, yes. Twilight overcame Discords curse and set he friends free of it as well through the power of friendship. Together, they sealed Discord away once again."
"The power of friendship huh? Interesting..." you say sarcastically
>"Laugh if you want Anonymous, but those six p0nies share a bond that few could truly comprehend. I some times find myself surprised and impressed by them. And maybe some day, they will become something even greater."
"Uh-huh."
>Celestia giggles
>"Well, here's the front doors to the castle. I'll be sure to let all of the guard know who you are and that you have access to the castle and its archives. I sent for Twilight to meet you outside, so go ahead."
"Oh, well thanks, I guess. See you tonight then?"
>She nods and smiles at you before turning around and walking through another set of doors
>You begin walking down the grand staircase toward the massive front doors, guards opening them as you approach

>When you walk outside, you spot her, staring at you with a determined look on her face
>Oh boy, time to be subjected to the crazy unicorn again
>This is gonna be fun