Boys of Canterlot Highby InsignificantPonyChaptersChapter 1: ForeshadowingChapter 2: A PackageChapter 3: The PlanChapter 4: What is this mirror thing anyway?Chapter 5: A Place Like ThisChapter 1: ForeshadowingThe pulse started slowly. Upon a confirming glance to Elusive, Bubble Berry donned his fabulous Wondercolt ears and set things in motion. The dull sound of a cafeteria tray echoed across the room. Elusive joined in, neatly tapping his purple boots. He threw a grin to Butterscotch who was hesitantly knocking his drinking glasses together to the beat, avoiding the glance of the concerned eco-kid sat at his side. Across the room, Applejack clapped to the beat, desperately covering his hat over his Wondercolt ears and acknowledged Scootaroll and Apple Buck. Gasps were heard over at the athlete’s table as Rainbow Blitz, the most confident boy in school, casually tapped along to the echoed tune. Spike flicked the iPod on and music surrounded the unknowing students and five familiar faces popped up. “Hey Hey everybody! We’ve got something to say, we may seem as different as the night is from day” harmonized the five males as they strolled past the tables and gathered in the centre. “But you look a little deeper and you will see that I’m just like you and you’re just like me, yeah!” Gaping mouths of the viewers fell as the quintet posed then galloped back down in pairs, singing “Hey, hey everybody! We’re here to shout that the magic of friendship is what it’s all about” tails streamed and Elusive flirted past a cute fashionista. “Yeah we thought we were as different as the night is from the day…” points and shimmies flew across the room “…until Twilight Sparkle helped us to see another way” and BAM, Vinyl Scratch takes his glasses off in surprise to reveal dazzling pink irises. “So get up! Get down! If you’re going to come around. We can work together helping Twilight win the crown.” A crash as Blitz fell over a chair “So get up! Get down! ‘Coz it’s going to make a sound if we work together helping Twilight Sparkle win the crown!” And now it’s Bubble’s time to shine! Pushing away the screen he chimed “Hey! Hey! Hands up NOW! We’re sending a message to the crowd!” and targeted an unfortunate colt to blast at before pulling up the arms of a shocked female athlete. “Hands wave up! Then come down! We’ll party together ALL around!” Elusive grinned at his hyper buddy before launching into his own tune. “Generous, honesty.” Applejack joined in “laughter, kindness, loyalty!” Butterscotch: “Twilight helped us each to see,” and finally Rainbow Blitz jumped onto the table, calling “all that we could be!” Before a re-used scene was implemented “So get up! Get down! If you’re going to come around, we can work together helping Twilight win the crown” as they quite literally sweep the crowds off their chairs. “So get up! Get down! ‘Coz it’s going to make a sound if we work together helping Twilight Sparkle win the crown!” and at that, Bubble and Elusive swung the doors open and out stepped… Twilight woke up from her bed in the tree library and angrily got out of bed. Chapter 2: A PackageTwilight woke up from her bed in the tree library and angrily got out of bed. “Confound these humans! They drive me to insomnia!” she muttered to herself as she made her way downstairs, pondering over her… unusual event with Lyra, who had started to teach her about these bizarre creatures, much to Twily’s annoyance. “What was that Twilight?” called Spike’s dorkish voice from the other room. “Bad dreams again?” “They were dancing on TABLES! Tables I say!” she confirmed, with the familiar stress in her voice and magicked open the front door. She was not expecting to comically smash head first into a monolith sized cardboard box. Spike giggled as a familiar grey pegasus fluttered down, saying “Sorry Twilight… delivery from the Princess.” And avoiding the stern gaze of her supervisor she flew off with the gaggle of delivery mares. Rolling her eyes, Twilight levitated the large box in sideways to get it through the door and nearly bumped into Pinkie Pie who was sitting innocently in the middle of the library. “Oooh! You got a package? What’s in it!” she called ecstatically. “Pinkie Pie? How did you get in here!?” Twilight sighed, being too exhausted for her friend’s bizarre quirks and riddles. “I used the front door silly!” She giggled, and proceeded to tear open the tall box, uninvited. Not that Twilight particularly minded; it saved time for her having to do it neatly. “Woah!” The two ponies echoed in chorus as before them stood a purple framed mirror, looking oddly futuristic in the wooden library. It was lightly decorated in swirls and jewels and reached twice the size of Twilight. “…Woah” copied Spike, with a painfully delayed reaction, before following it with, “that’s creepy!” “I wonder what it’s used for…” the alicorn pondered openly as she paced around the mirror, wearing her Scientific Thinking Face. She turned around to ask Pinkie’s opinion before noticing she had disappeared, in a way that only Pinkie could. The box bared no noticeable letter and if this was a test from the Princess, Twilight didn’t want to fail it on her first go by asking for help. No. She’ll find out what this does by herself! With a triumphant stomp of a hoof, she darted to the M section of her library and started to pull out anything she had on mirrors. Chapter 3: The Plan“I’m telling you Flare! This could actually work! You could be so incredibly popular!” A leather jacket coated arm wrapped strongly around Flare Sentry’s shoulder as the two walked outside the gardens of Canterlot High. “Just imagine it! Your name mentioned everywhere! You’d be at the height of the school hierarchy,” Flare was usually open to new ideas, but she just didn’t feel interested in Sunset Glare’s proposition. Also there was something strange about the look in his eyes whenever he brought this up, as if he was personally gaining from it. It was no hidden fact that the boy had a large tendency to try and gain fame whenever he could. “Look Sunset, I just don’t think I’m cut out to be the Fall Formal Princess, ok? There’s no harm in that,” Flare flicked her electric blue hair back and stopped outside the statue. Sunset took a step back in shock. No one spoke to him like that, least of all his girlfriend, but he composed himself and continued to persuade. “No. Flare. You’re one of the most popular girls in the school an…” “What if I don’t want to be?!” Flare blurted out. “I’m not going to enter in some prissy school girl competition just because you asked me to. You only want to get your hands on that crown and you haven’t even said why, it doesn’t even look that nice!” At that comment the boy rose up and looked as if he was about to hit Flare for the outburst. Despite the fear that flicked through Flare’s eyes, she stood her ground. “I’m sorry, but that’s just me,” She sympathetically took Sunset’s hand. “I understand. I know you want to be well respected, but you’re going about it the wrong way.” Sunset flinched away at her words, but then relaxed to look utterly defeated. “You’re right… but it’s not the crown I want, it’s the position.” It was common knowledge that all students treated the ‘prince of the Fall Formal’, boyfriend of the princess, with equal respect, even though it’s an unofficial title and not the intention of Principle Solaris. Pleased that Sunset was agreeing, Flare continued. “Even if that’s the case… aren’t there other ways? To make friends that is?” A knowing gleam entered Sunset’s eyes as Flare spoke these words. To her surprise, he strongly gripped the girl by her shoulders. “But it’s not friends that I want Flare. I want power and fear! People who will bow down to me for who I TRULY am!” he then moved a hand to gently touch the side of her face. “But you won’t tell anyone this, will you Flare?” he commented with a softened voice like honey, and just as sweet. Instead of giving in, the girl grabbed Sunset’s wrist and pushed his hand away before neatly turning around to paced away. Before she took one step however, she was harshly pushed into the statue, causing her to fall and sail down into nothingness, leaving a solitary Sunset standing there in surprise at her disappearance. Chapter 4: What is this mirror thing anyway?“Hey Twilight! What’cha reading?” Pinkie exclaimed as she popped up from behind the book stand, causing her friend to fall over in surprise onto her back. As she did this, the troop of Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Applejack sauntered through the door, having been summoned by Pinkie. AJ eyed the mirror up and down. “Heya sugarcube, what’s goin’ on here?” When she saw the poor mare on the floor, she suppressed a laugh. “Uhh… not quite naptime yet honey,” Twilight muttered to herself and then got up to start a lecture on her discoveries to her friends regarding mysterious mirrors. “From the brief amount of reading time I had, I realized the-” Meanwhile, Rarity was sliding up to the monolithic structure, analysing the jewels that studded its purple frame, not listening to the continuing blather of Twilight. “-so as I was saying! Mirrors have been used in the past as forms of-” “Umm… Twilight… I have a suggestion” murmured Fluttershy, after she had her own look at the mirror. “-communication between people using light over large distances and-” “T…wilight? What if we just…” “-although I don’t know of any magical properties about this mirror yet, then-” But she was interrupted loudly by one of Rainbow Dash’s infamous yawns. “You’re such an egg head! Why don’t we just touch it! I mean, it has steps!” “That’s what *I* was going to suggest…” Fluttershy aspirated quietly to herself as Pinkie randomly cartwheeled into a bookshelf. Twilight glanced around the crowded room and sighed loudly. It was clear that she was going to get no logical answers from books whilst this lot was around. “Fine! Let’s try this!” and she shooed Rarity away from the gems and gingerly levered herself up onto the first step. And then the second step. The tension was so thick that Pinkie could have bounced on it. Her forehoof was slowly edging up to touch the surface, but was unexpectedly interrupted by an orange mare who sailed through and crashed head first into Twilight Sparkle and the two mares tangled into a heap on the floor. The other five stood there in silence. “Woah!” the other mare exclaimed as she scrambled up and frantically looked around the room. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror as an orange coated pony with electric blue hair and some sort of silly symbol on her… flank? “What? Who are you? How did you get here?!” Twilight said in a flummoxed manner. The striking mare took a step back. Unlike Twilight, she wasn’t willing to make herself seem flustered, regardless of where she was or what these strange creatures were that mirrored her shock. After all, enough crazy stuff had happened to her that day, what were a few colourful equines? The mare straightened herself up into her usual confident pose. “Hey, well… I’m Flare Sentry and there appears to be some confusion… where am I? In fact, what am I!?” Twilight looked back at her friends and felt reassured by Rarity’s encouraging nod. “Well… for starters, you’re in Ponyville Library but as to what you are, well, are you not usually a pony?” she joked. “A… pony” Flare repeated to herself quietly, then turned around to observe herself in the mirror. “I… see?” but then she remembered her events with Sunset. “I have to get back! To my own place,” This information sparked an interest with Twilight. “What do you mean own place? Where are you from?” Flare struggled to find the right words to get a detailed explanation. “Look, I’m a human!” Flare said bluntly. She didn’t even know if these… ponies knew what one was, but it was worth a try. “I go to a school called Canterlot High and-” “HUMAN!!” Twilight exclaimed so loudly that everyone ducked their heads in surprise. She was having one of her ‘sudden realization’ moments again. Flare coughed loudly, trying not to be confused by the outburst. “Yes, human. Do you know of them?” “Yes, well… no, kind of. I’ve had some dreams!” All the ponies looked at her strangely as it was the first time she had mentioned it. “Explain?” Asked Flare. “Well… the most recent one I was in a big room, and these ‘humans’ were sitting and eating and then all of a sudden they kind of got up and started to sing and dance about some sort of crown… and ‘Canterlot Wondercolts’. Another time I was talking to two of them in a hall-…” Her voice trailed away, as Flare’s eyes lit up. “Can you remember their names? I know the Canterlot Wondercolts as that’s my school sports team!” “I think they were called Bubble Berry and… Sunset Glaze. But it’s just a dream! How can it be real?” At this comment, Pinkie bounced up to Twilight, interrupting Flare’s gasp of astonishment. “Just a dream?? Do you know how important dreams can be? You might be able to seeeeeeeee into the fuuutuuuuureee! Woooooo!” As Pinkie made her voice quiver, just like she did whilst being Madam Pinkamena and predicted Twilight’s birthday present. She then noticed Flare looking at her in a peculiar way. “What?” Flare just laughed it off. “Oh, you just remind me of a boy in my science class. Coincidentally he’s actually Bubble…. Ber” Flare noticed the physics breaking pink hair and balloon symbol on her back, so similar to Bubble’s design on his shirt. “Sorry! I need to go! That Sunset Glaze person you mentioned? He’s going to do something big… really big and I am the only one who knows how to stop. But it was… nice? to see you all-“ “Wait!” Twilight interrupted. “I want to join you!” “WHAT?” Exclaimed everypony. “I am sorry girls, but I can just feel like I need to do this. These dreams have been annoying me for so long and it would be such a good learning opportunity. Think of what we could find out!” The ponies were not really surprised at the proposition, more that it was so spontaneous for Twilight to decide this, which was unlike her. “Well if that’s the case sugar cube, we’re coming too!” Applejack boldly stated. “Yeah!” Pinkie bounced up. “We certainly wouldn’t let you go alone,” Rarity confirmed as Rainbow Dash asserted, “Let’s show these ‘humans’ what Equestria is capable of!” “Umm… I guess. We can’t let Twilight go alone.” Fluttershy murmured as usual. The air crackled with adventure as the ponies sensed the excitement of their awaited journey. Twilight took a deep breath and chose her words carefully. “No.” “WHAT?” the exclamation echoed again, louder this time. “But why?” Rarity questioned. “I feel like this is something I need to do alone. I don’t know what dangers would be out there, and you all have jobs. I don’t know how long I could be out there, or even how time works there. You all have jobs and responsibilities to do, whereas this can be part of my Princess duties.” What Twilight didn’t mention is that all of the boys in her dream looked and acted exactly like them. She didn’t know how her friends would react if her dreams were true. “Please just trust me on this.” Gradually they began to nod their acceptance, even though they were uncertain. Spike however looked like he was about to cry. “Tell Princess Celestia what’s going on if I have not returned in 5 days, and don’t worry about me.” She turned to Flare, who was still confused by the turn of events. “Ready to go?” Flare nodded and they both turned and walked up the stairs and disappeared into the bright light, passing through the mirror membrane. Spike cried out “TWILIGHT!” and ran in after them, also disappearing. Chapter 5: A Place Like This“Oof!” Flare tumbled out of the portal for a second time, this time with a Twilight on top of her. A purple and green pile of fluff triumphantly stood on the heap. “Spike!?” Twilight questioned as she tried to get up on all fours. “You’re not supposed to… Spike? Are you a dog!?” The newly formed puppy turned around to get a glimpse of himself. “I… think so? But… what are you? Is that what a human looks like?” Flare stood up to her full height and grinned at the confusion of those two. “Come on Twilight, stand up! We have business to do!” and she held a hand out to Twilight who hesitantly wobbled to her feet and observed her appearance. She didn’t have time to act surprised however, as a gasp was heard from a boy who had witnessed the exit of the two girls from the portal. He had dropped his leaflets in shock and they fluttered to the ground. His light pink hair partially covered his eyes has he frantically tried to pick up the papers before they blew away. “Hey Butterscotch!” Flare heartily called! “Sorry if we disturbed you,” “Butterscotch…” Twilight mumbled the name quietly to herself and scanned the colt. The image of the first time she met Fluttershy flicked through her head. The two seemed identical in behaviour, tone of voice and mannerisms. Her hypothesis was confirmed! At least in this case… but that must mean all the others are here as well. “Oh no! I am sorry! I didn’t mean to disturb you and your girlfriend, Flare” and Butterscotch whimpered as he picked up the last of the leaflets and hurried away. “We’re not dating!” Twilight and Flare blurted out, but the young male had already gone. ..................................................................................................................................................................... “Behold!” Flare dramatically called, leading the still unstable Twilight up to the glass cabinet in the school’s main corridor. Displayed within it was the Princess of the Fall Formal crown. The light pink star at the tip of the tiara gleamed and the curls of decoration swirled around it. Twilight instantly recognised it. At that moment, the school bell for next lesson peeled and the doors containing hundreds of bustling students swung open, drowning the corridor and leaving Twilight flummoxed. Flare grabbed Twilight’s hand and pushed through the crowds, making her way to the nearest empty space, the hall. With the door firmly shut behind them, Twilight began to tell Flare what she knew of the crown in garbled and confused words. “I know that crown!! In my world it’s an Element of Harmony. It represents the element of Magic and when combined with the other five elements, it is a powerful defence system which has saved Equestria many times. It must be the human version of it.” Flare just looked at her as if she was ill. “Are… you sure you’ve not got it mixed up? Today I have witnessed my fair share of magic, but the Fall Formal crown has been tradition for decades in Canterlot High! I am pretty sure someone would know if it was magi….” The two girls suddenly noticed that they were not the only ones in the hall. They appeared to have stumbled into the middle of an argument between two very conflicting males. They turned to face the two girls, one in an accusing manner. “Shouldn’t y’all be heading to class!” he said. Flare was unaccustomed to his tone of voice. “I could say the same to you Applejack!” she retorted. “Pardon! Ah’m settin’ up the hall for the Fall Formal!” “Oh really?” Butted in the well-spoken boy to his side. “That’s not how I see it! You were trying to mess everything up again, like last year!” “Elusive! Ah keep telling ya! That weren’t me!” “Well no one else entered the hall in that time! You were clearly envious of the choice of beverage!” “Pfft! Ah’m not havin’ this discussion.” And at that, the well-built male spun around and left the hall in a huff. “Apologies that you had to witness that, girls.” Elusive addressed Flare and Twilight. “We’ve never… quite seen eye to eye.” Twilight muttered something awkwardly and avoided eye contact. This doesn’t make sense! she thought to herself, These two *must** be the versions of AJ and Rarity, but they don't seem to get on… but…* Relentlessly, Elusive continued to speak and so broke Twilight from her thoughts. “Are you new around here, darling? I haven’t seen you around. If there is anything you wish to know about the school, please address me! I am at the height of gossip!!” Twilight, still feeling embarrassed for an unknown reason, kept quiet. Flare stepped in her place. “Actually, there is! We wish to know about what Sunset Glare has been up to!” “Ooh, Sunset Glare! Umm… I regret to inform you, Flare, that he has not been the most honest of boyfriend-“ “Yes. I know. But what is he up to now!” Elusive drew himself back slightly at Flare’s outburst. “Well, if you’re going to insist on bossing people around in such a manner than I may not tell you anything at all.” Being aware of Rarity’s mannerisms, back in Equestria, Twilight decided to step in. No, literally she stepped in between Flare and Elusive. “Excuse me Rari- I mean- Elusive, we do not mean to offend you. We’ve just witnessed some… drama… and so we’re all in rather tense spirits at the moment, you know how it is.” Elusive nodded in a pondering manner at her words. “If you don’t know what Sunset is doing at the moment, then might you possibly be able to tell me about the crown in that corridor over there?” At this suggestion, Elusive essentially exploded into fabulousness. “But of COURSE darling! The ceremony of the annual Princess of the Fall Formal has been a tradition for decades within the halls of our exquisite school! Each year the whole school partakes in a dance-off and everyone votes for their very favourite Princess! Of course, being in a primarily female and sexist environment, only a female is crowned, so our rowdy students have personally assigned a Prince of the Fall Formal, usually the boyfriend of the Princess, and the lovely couple are showered in praise and popularly… at least, until the semester is over.” This wasn’t what Twilight wanted to hear, she was more interested in the crown itself, but it’s not like Elusive was going anywhere. “Thank you very much Elusive,” she concluded formally and then began to walk away, not that had any idea where she was going. She stopped when she heard his voice again. “Anytime Darling, I’m always willing to give more advice. In the meantime, if you ever want to call me, here’s my number.” And he handed Twilight a bizarrely professional business card, whilst giving her a very slight wink. “Uh… ok… thanks” And then Twilight hurried away, blushing, with an amused Flare following her. What does she mean by her ‘number’?
Chapter 1: ForeshadowingThe pulse started slowly. Upon a confirming glance to Elusive, Bubble Berry donned his fabulous Wondercolt ears and set things in motion. The dull sound of a cafeteria tray echoed across the room. Elusive joined in, neatly tapping his purple boots. He threw a grin to Butterscotch who was hesitantly knocking his drinking glasses together to the beat, avoiding the glance of the concerned eco-kid sat at his side. Across the room, Applejack clapped to the beat, desperately covering his hat over his Wondercolt ears and acknowledged Scootaroll and Apple Buck. Gasps were heard over at the athlete’s table as Rainbow Blitz, the most confident boy in school, casually tapped along to the echoed tune. Spike flicked the iPod on and music surrounded the unknowing students and five familiar faces popped up. “Hey Hey everybody! We’ve got something to say, we may seem as different as the night is from day” harmonized the five males as they strolled past the tables and gathered in the centre. “But you look a little deeper and you will see that I’m just like you and you’re just like me, yeah!” Gaping mouths of the viewers fell as the quintet posed then galloped back down in pairs, singing “Hey, hey everybody! We’re here to shout that the magic of friendship is what it’s all about” tails streamed and Elusive flirted past a cute fashionista. “Yeah we thought we were as different as the night is from the day…” points and shimmies flew across the room “…until Twilight Sparkle helped us to see another way” and BAM, Vinyl Scratch takes his glasses off in surprise to reveal dazzling pink irises. “So get up! Get down! If you’re going to come around. We can work together helping Twilight win the crown.” A crash as Blitz fell over a chair “So get up! Get down! ‘Coz it’s going to make a sound if we work together helping Twilight Sparkle win the crown!” And now it’s Bubble’s time to shine! Pushing away the screen he chimed “Hey! Hey! Hands up NOW! We’re sending a message to the crowd!” and targeted an unfortunate colt to blast at before pulling up the arms of a shocked female athlete. “Hands wave up! Then come down! We’ll party together ALL around!” Elusive grinned at his hyper buddy before launching into his own tune. “Generous, honesty.” Applejack joined in “laughter, kindness, loyalty!” Butterscotch: “Twilight helped us each to see,” and finally Rainbow Blitz jumped onto the table, calling “all that we could be!” Before a re-used scene was implemented “So get up! Get down! If you’re going to come around, we can work together helping Twilight win the crown” as they quite literally sweep the crowds off their chairs. “So get up! Get down! ‘Coz it’s going to make a sound if we work together helping Twilight Sparkle win the crown!” and at that, Bubble and Elusive swung the doors open and out stepped… Twilight woke up from her bed in the tree library and angrily got out of bed.
Chapter 2: A PackageTwilight woke up from her bed in the tree library and angrily got out of bed. “Confound these humans! They drive me to insomnia!” she muttered to herself as she made her way downstairs, pondering over her… unusual event with Lyra, who had started to teach her about these bizarre creatures, much to Twily’s annoyance. “What was that Twilight?” called Spike’s dorkish voice from the other room. “Bad dreams again?” “They were dancing on TABLES! Tables I say!” she confirmed, with the familiar stress in her voice and magicked open the front door. She was not expecting to comically smash head first into a monolith sized cardboard box. Spike giggled as a familiar grey pegasus fluttered down, saying “Sorry Twilight… delivery from the Princess.” And avoiding the stern gaze of her supervisor she flew off with the gaggle of delivery mares. Rolling her eyes, Twilight levitated the large box in sideways to get it through the door and nearly bumped into Pinkie Pie who was sitting innocently in the middle of the library. “Oooh! You got a package? What’s in it!” she called ecstatically. “Pinkie Pie? How did you get in here!?” Twilight sighed, being too exhausted for her friend’s bizarre quirks and riddles. “I used the front door silly!” She giggled, and proceeded to tear open the tall box, uninvited. Not that Twilight particularly minded; it saved time for her having to do it neatly. “Woah!” The two ponies echoed in chorus as before them stood a purple framed mirror, looking oddly futuristic in the wooden library. It was lightly decorated in swirls and jewels and reached twice the size of Twilight. “…Woah” copied Spike, with a painfully delayed reaction, before following it with, “that’s creepy!” “I wonder what it’s used for…” the alicorn pondered openly as she paced around the mirror, wearing her Scientific Thinking Face. She turned around to ask Pinkie’s opinion before noticing she had disappeared, in a way that only Pinkie could. The box bared no noticeable letter and if this was a test from the Princess, Twilight didn’t want to fail it on her first go by asking for help. No. She’ll find out what this does by herself! With a triumphant stomp of a hoof, she darted to the M section of her library and started to pull out anything she had on mirrors.
Chapter 3: The Plan“I’m telling you Flare! This could actually work! You could be so incredibly popular!” A leather jacket coated arm wrapped strongly around Flare Sentry’s shoulder as the two walked outside the gardens of Canterlot High. “Just imagine it! Your name mentioned everywhere! You’d be at the height of the school hierarchy,” Flare was usually open to new ideas, but she just didn’t feel interested in Sunset Glare’s proposition. Also there was something strange about the look in his eyes whenever he brought this up, as if he was personally gaining from it. It was no hidden fact that the boy had a large tendency to try and gain fame whenever he could. “Look Sunset, I just don’t think I’m cut out to be the Fall Formal Princess, ok? There’s no harm in that,” Flare flicked her electric blue hair back and stopped outside the statue. Sunset took a step back in shock. No one spoke to him like that, least of all his girlfriend, but he composed himself and continued to persuade. “No. Flare. You’re one of the most popular girls in the school an…” “What if I don’t want to be?!” Flare blurted out. “I’m not going to enter in some prissy school girl competition just because you asked me to. You only want to get your hands on that crown and you haven’t even said why, it doesn’t even look that nice!” At that comment the boy rose up and looked as if he was about to hit Flare for the outburst. Despite the fear that flicked through Flare’s eyes, she stood her ground. “I’m sorry, but that’s just me,” She sympathetically took Sunset’s hand. “I understand. I know you want to be well respected, but you’re going about it the wrong way.” Sunset flinched away at her words, but then relaxed to look utterly defeated. “You’re right… but it’s not the crown I want, it’s the position.” It was common knowledge that all students treated the ‘prince of the Fall Formal’, boyfriend of the princess, with equal respect, even though it’s an unofficial title and not the intention of Principle Solaris. Pleased that Sunset was agreeing, Flare continued. “Even if that’s the case… aren’t there other ways? To make friends that is?” A knowing gleam entered Sunset’s eyes as Flare spoke these words. To her surprise, he strongly gripped the girl by her shoulders. “But it’s not friends that I want Flare. I want power and fear! People who will bow down to me for who I TRULY am!” he then moved a hand to gently touch the side of her face. “But you won’t tell anyone this, will you Flare?” he commented with a softened voice like honey, and just as sweet. Instead of giving in, the girl grabbed Sunset’s wrist and pushed his hand away before neatly turning around to paced away. Before she took one step however, she was harshly pushed into the statue, causing her to fall and sail down into nothingness, leaving a solitary Sunset standing there in surprise at her disappearance.
Chapter 4: What is this mirror thing anyway?“Hey Twilight! What’cha reading?” Pinkie exclaimed as she popped up from behind the book stand, causing her friend to fall over in surprise onto her back. As she did this, the troop of Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Applejack sauntered through the door, having been summoned by Pinkie. AJ eyed the mirror up and down. “Heya sugarcube, what’s goin’ on here?” When she saw the poor mare on the floor, she suppressed a laugh. “Uhh… not quite naptime yet honey,” Twilight muttered to herself and then got up to start a lecture on her discoveries to her friends regarding mysterious mirrors. “From the brief amount of reading time I had, I realized the-” Meanwhile, Rarity was sliding up to the monolithic structure, analysing the jewels that studded its purple frame, not listening to the continuing blather of Twilight. “-so as I was saying! Mirrors have been used in the past as forms of-” “Umm… Twilight… I have a suggestion” murmured Fluttershy, after she had her own look at the mirror. “-communication between people using light over large distances and-” “T…wilight? What if we just…” “-although I don’t know of any magical properties about this mirror yet, then-” But she was interrupted loudly by one of Rainbow Dash’s infamous yawns. “You’re such an egg head! Why don’t we just touch it! I mean, it has steps!” “That’s what *I* was going to suggest…” Fluttershy aspirated quietly to herself as Pinkie randomly cartwheeled into a bookshelf. Twilight glanced around the crowded room and sighed loudly. It was clear that she was going to get no logical answers from books whilst this lot was around. “Fine! Let’s try this!” and she shooed Rarity away from the gems and gingerly levered herself up onto the first step. And then the second step. The tension was so thick that Pinkie could have bounced on it. Her forehoof was slowly edging up to touch the surface, but was unexpectedly interrupted by an orange mare who sailed through and crashed head first into Twilight Sparkle and the two mares tangled into a heap on the floor. The other five stood there in silence. “Woah!” the other mare exclaimed as she scrambled up and frantically looked around the room. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror as an orange coated pony with electric blue hair and some sort of silly symbol on her… flank? “What? Who are you? How did you get here?!” Twilight said in a flummoxed manner. The striking mare took a step back. Unlike Twilight, she wasn’t willing to make herself seem flustered, regardless of where she was or what these strange creatures were that mirrored her shock. After all, enough crazy stuff had happened to her that day, what were a few colourful equines? The mare straightened herself up into her usual confident pose. “Hey, well… I’m Flare Sentry and there appears to be some confusion… where am I? In fact, what am I!?” Twilight looked back at her friends and felt reassured by Rarity’s encouraging nod. “Well… for starters, you’re in Ponyville Library but as to what you are, well, are you not usually a pony?” she joked. “A… pony” Flare repeated to herself quietly, then turned around to observe herself in the mirror. “I… see?” but then she remembered her events with Sunset. “I have to get back! To my own place,” This information sparked an interest with Twilight. “What do you mean own place? Where are you from?” Flare struggled to find the right words to get a detailed explanation. “Look, I’m a human!” Flare said bluntly. She didn’t even know if these… ponies knew what one was, but it was worth a try. “I go to a school called Canterlot High and-” “HUMAN!!” Twilight exclaimed so loudly that everyone ducked their heads in surprise. She was having one of her ‘sudden realization’ moments again. Flare coughed loudly, trying not to be confused by the outburst. “Yes, human. Do you know of them?” “Yes, well… no, kind of. I’ve had some dreams!” All the ponies looked at her strangely as it was the first time she had mentioned it. “Explain?” Asked Flare. “Well… the most recent one I was in a big room, and these ‘humans’ were sitting and eating and then all of a sudden they kind of got up and started to sing and dance about some sort of crown… and ‘Canterlot Wondercolts’. Another time I was talking to two of them in a hall-…” Her voice trailed away, as Flare’s eyes lit up. “Can you remember their names? I know the Canterlot Wondercolts as that’s my school sports team!” “I think they were called Bubble Berry and… Sunset Glaze. But it’s just a dream! How can it be real?” At this comment, Pinkie bounced up to Twilight, interrupting Flare’s gasp of astonishment. “Just a dream?? Do you know how important dreams can be? You might be able to seeeeeeeee into the fuuutuuuuureee! Woooooo!” As Pinkie made her voice quiver, just like she did whilst being Madam Pinkamena and predicted Twilight’s birthday present. She then noticed Flare looking at her in a peculiar way. “What?” Flare just laughed it off. “Oh, you just remind me of a boy in my science class. Coincidentally he’s actually Bubble…. Ber” Flare noticed the physics breaking pink hair and balloon symbol on her back, so similar to Bubble’s design on his shirt. “Sorry! I need to go! That Sunset Glaze person you mentioned? He’s going to do something big… really big and I am the only one who knows how to stop. But it was… nice? to see you all-“ “Wait!” Twilight interrupted. “I want to join you!” “WHAT?” Exclaimed everypony. “I am sorry girls, but I can just feel like I need to do this. These dreams have been annoying me for so long and it would be such a good learning opportunity. Think of what we could find out!” The ponies were not really surprised at the proposition, more that it was so spontaneous for Twilight to decide this, which was unlike her. “Well if that’s the case sugar cube, we’re coming too!” Applejack boldly stated. “Yeah!” Pinkie bounced up. “We certainly wouldn’t let you go alone,” Rarity confirmed as Rainbow Dash asserted, “Let’s show these ‘humans’ what Equestria is capable of!” “Umm… I guess. We can’t let Twilight go alone.” Fluttershy murmured as usual. The air crackled with adventure as the ponies sensed the excitement of their awaited journey. Twilight took a deep breath and chose her words carefully. “No.” “WHAT?” the exclamation echoed again, louder this time. “But why?” Rarity questioned. “I feel like this is something I need to do alone. I don’t know what dangers would be out there, and you all have jobs. I don’t know how long I could be out there, or even how time works there. You all have jobs and responsibilities to do, whereas this can be part of my Princess duties.” What Twilight didn’t mention is that all of the boys in her dream looked and acted exactly like them. She didn’t know how her friends would react if her dreams were true. “Please just trust me on this.” Gradually they began to nod their acceptance, even though they were uncertain. Spike however looked like he was about to cry. “Tell Princess Celestia what’s going on if I have not returned in 5 days, and don’t worry about me.” She turned to Flare, who was still confused by the turn of events. “Ready to go?” Flare nodded and they both turned and walked up the stairs and disappeared into the bright light, passing through the mirror membrane. Spike cried out “TWILIGHT!” and ran in after them, also disappearing.
Chapter 5: A Place Like This“Oof!” Flare tumbled out of the portal for a second time, this time with a Twilight on top of her. A purple and green pile of fluff triumphantly stood on the heap. “Spike!?” Twilight questioned as she tried to get up on all fours. “You’re not supposed to… Spike? Are you a dog!?” The newly formed puppy turned around to get a glimpse of himself. “I… think so? But… what are you? Is that what a human looks like?” Flare stood up to her full height and grinned at the confusion of those two. “Come on Twilight, stand up! We have business to do!” and she held a hand out to Twilight who hesitantly wobbled to her feet and observed her appearance. She didn’t have time to act surprised however, as a gasp was heard from a boy who had witnessed the exit of the two girls from the portal. He had dropped his leaflets in shock and they fluttered to the ground. His light pink hair partially covered his eyes has he frantically tried to pick up the papers before they blew away. “Hey Butterscotch!” Flare heartily called! “Sorry if we disturbed you,” “Butterscotch…” Twilight mumbled the name quietly to herself and scanned the colt. The image of the first time she met Fluttershy flicked through her head. The two seemed identical in behaviour, tone of voice and mannerisms. Her hypothesis was confirmed! At least in this case… but that must mean all the others are here as well. “Oh no! I am sorry! I didn’t mean to disturb you and your girlfriend, Flare” and Butterscotch whimpered as he picked up the last of the leaflets and hurried away. “We’re not dating!” Twilight and Flare blurted out, but the young male had already gone. ..................................................................................................................................................................... “Behold!” Flare dramatically called, leading the still unstable Twilight up to the glass cabinet in the school’s main corridor. Displayed within it was the Princess of the Fall Formal crown. The light pink star at the tip of the tiara gleamed and the curls of decoration swirled around it. Twilight instantly recognised it. At that moment, the school bell for next lesson peeled and the doors containing hundreds of bustling students swung open, drowning the corridor and leaving Twilight flummoxed. Flare grabbed Twilight’s hand and pushed through the crowds, making her way to the nearest empty space, the hall. With the door firmly shut behind them, Twilight began to tell Flare what she knew of the crown in garbled and confused words. “I know that crown!! In my world it’s an Element of Harmony. It represents the element of Magic and when combined with the other five elements, it is a powerful defence system which has saved Equestria many times. It must be the human version of it.” Flare just looked at her as if she was ill. “Are… you sure you’ve not got it mixed up? Today I have witnessed my fair share of magic, but the Fall Formal crown has been tradition for decades in Canterlot High! I am pretty sure someone would know if it was magi….” The two girls suddenly noticed that they were not the only ones in the hall. They appeared to have stumbled into the middle of an argument between two very conflicting males. They turned to face the two girls, one in an accusing manner. “Shouldn’t y’all be heading to class!” he said. Flare was unaccustomed to his tone of voice. “I could say the same to you Applejack!” she retorted. “Pardon! Ah’m settin’ up the hall for the Fall Formal!” “Oh really?” Butted in the well-spoken boy to his side. “That’s not how I see it! You were trying to mess everything up again, like last year!” “Elusive! Ah keep telling ya! That weren’t me!” “Well no one else entered the hall in that time! You were clearly envious of the choice of beverage!” “Pfft! Ah’m not havin’ this discussion.” And at that, the well-built male spun around and left the hall in a huff. “Apologies that you had to witness that, girls.” Elusive addressed Flare and Twilight. “We’ve never… quite seen eye to eye.” Twilight muttered something awkwardly and avoided eye contact. This doesn’t make sense! she thought to herself, These two *must** be the versions of AJ and Rarity, but they don't seem to get on… but…* Relentlessly, Elusive continued to speak and so broke Twilight from her thoughts. “Are you new around here, darling? I haven’t seen you around. If there is anything you wish to know about the school, please address me! I am at the height of gossip!!” Twilight, still feeling embarrassed for an unknown reason, kept quiet. Flare stepped in her place. “Actually, there is! We wish to know about what Sunset Glare has been up to!” “Ooh, Sunset Glare! Umm… I regret to inform you, Flare, that he has not been the most honest of boyfriend-“ “Yes. I know. But what is he up to now!” Elusive drew himself back slightly at Flare’s outburst. “Well, if you’re going to insist on bossing people around in such a manner than I may not tell you anything at all.” Being aware of Rarity’s mannerisms, back in Equestria, Twilight decided to step in. No, literally she stepped in between Flare and Elusive. “Excuse me Rari- I mean- Elusive, we do not mean to offend you. We’ve just witnessed some… drama… and so we’re all in rather tense spirits at the moment, you know how it is.” Elusive nodded in a pondering manner at her words. “If you don’t know what Sunset is doing at the moment, then might you possibly be able to tell me about the crown in that corridor over there?” At this suggestion, Elusive essentially exploded into fabulousness. “But of COURSE darling! The ceremony of the annual Princess of the Fall Formal has been a tradition for decades within the halls of our exquisite school! Each year the whole school partakes in a dance-off and everyone votes for their very favourite Princess! Of course, being in a primarily female and sexist environment, only a female is crowned, so our rowdy students have personally assigned a Prince of the Fall Formal, usually the boyfriend of the Princess, and the lovely couple are showered in praise and popularly… at least, until the semester is over.” This wasn’t what Twilight wanted to hear, she was more interested in the crown itself, but it’s not like Elusive was going anywhere. “Thank you very much Elusive,” she concluded formally and then began to walk away, not that had any idea where she was going. She stopped when she heard his voice again. “Anytime Darling, I’m always willing to give more advice. In the meantime, if you ever want to call me, here’s my number.” And he handed Twilight a bizarrely professional business card, whilst giving her a very slight wink. “Uh… ok… thanks” And then Twilight hurried away, blushing, with an amused Flare following her. What does she mean by her ‘number’?
