Persona 4: Return to Inaba

Chapters

The Fog
The Shadow World
Twilight's Persona
Not Exactly The Same
I am thou...
Izanami
Social Links
Rarity

The Fog

Time had passed for the hero Yu Narukami, and it was already summer vacation. He remembered making a promise to all of his friends in Inaba that he would visit them whenever he got the chance. Ever since he and his friends defeated Izanami and dispelled the fog from both the real world and the T.V. world, things have been peaceful during his visits. His friends always welcomed him with open arms (or in Rise-chans way of it, a neverending embrace… her and Teddie). Everything in Inaba was perfect…

…

But the fog of lies do not simply fade away in one world… it moves on to another.

July 8th, 2012
Evening
Rain

Back in Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle was still getting used to her new castle. Although she did make a few changes to make it seem like her old home. For starters, she added a public library to the castle replacing most of the books that were in her library originally. Unfortunately, some of the books in her old library couldn’t be replaced either because they were very rare or the only one of its kind. This did upset Twilight Sparkle a little bit, but she moved on from it. One afternoon, Rainbow Dash suggested that they all see a movie together at the theater. At first the others looked like they had other plans to attend to, but they agreed on one thing: They haven’t really been able to spend much time together as they should be. So fortunately they were able to move their previous plans and follow Rainbow Dash to whatever movie she had planned for everypony to watch.

“Oh my gosh, I am SO excited for this movie!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed practically flying circles around the group with a big smile on her face. “The first ever Daring Do movie!!”

Applejack sighed. “We know, we’ve only heard you talk about it for the past THREE months…” She mused.

“Although you have to admit, it is pretty exciting.” Twilight added with a grin herself. “And what surprises me the most is that A.K. Yearling is going to be in the film herself!”

“Why would you be surprised by that??” Rainbow asked as if she insulted her. “Daring Do is Amazing and AWESOME!”

“It surprises me because I would think that she would want to have more privacy… I’d think that this would just draw more suspicion and attention to her actual life and adventures. Remember, those adventures she wrote about were all true stories.”

“As if I could forget something like that!” Rainbow exclaimed.

As the 6 were talking, without warning, it started to rain heavily over them.

“Oh horsefeathers!” Applejack exclaimed. “Rainbow Dash, why didn’t you tell us that it was supposed to rain tonight??”

“It wasn’t!” Rainbow objected in response. “At least I don’t think it was supposed to…”

“Oh, let’s just hurry and enter the theater!” Rarity let out. “My poor poor mane is going to get all frizzy if this keeps up…”

“Here you go Rarity!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed holding a pink umbrella over them.

“Oh thank you darling…” Rarity then paused. “Did you know it was going to rain?”

“Nope!” Pinkie simply said smiling cheerfully.

“Right…” Rarity smiled and turned her attention back to the theater building. “Let’s hurry inside.” Everypony nodded and started heading for the entrance.

“W-wait! Not so fast!” Fluttershy exclaimed quietly trying to keep up with the others.

“So… did you hear about the rumor?” Rainbow asked as they were getting their tickets.

“Oh for goodness sake, not this again… look, we’re not interested in myths, ok Rainbow?” Twilight said with a dis satisfied look.

“But I’m telling you, it’s not a myth!” Rainbow exclaimed. “Ponies here have said they’ve seen it themselves! They call it the Midnight Film.”

“Yes, crazy ponies or liars!” Twilight let out obviously wanting the conversation to end. “And really?? The Midnight Film??”

“I’m sorry, but what in the wide wide world of Equestria is she talking about?” Rarity asked.

“Don’t worry about it Rarity, it’s just some stupid myth that she made up.”

“But I told you that it’s NOT a myth! ponies really appear on the theater screen at midnight when it rains!”

There was a moment of silence between the six of them. Until finally Applejack was the one to break the silence. “Say what now?”

“Ponies say that if you stay inside the movie theater at night on rainy days… A picture comes on, showing what is supposed to be your soul mate sitting in a theater as well, sitting in the same seat you're sitting in…”

“I don’t think I like this rumor very much…” Fluttershy said starting to have second thoughts about seeing the movie…”

“Relax Fluttershy,” Twilight said to reassure her shy friend. “All that stuff is just fiction and myth… plus it’s not midnight yet.”

“Alright then, if you think it’s a myth, then how about a bet?” Rainbow suggested.

“Rainbow Dash, I don’t think that--” Twilight was interrupted.

“Why don’t we stay until midnight?” Rainbow Dash continued. “If somepony appears, you have to do whatever I say for a month!”

“And if somepony doesn’t appear?” Twilight asks.

“Then I’ll do what YOU want for a month.”

“Rainbow Dash, are you really sure that this is a wise decision…?” Rarity asked in concern.

“I really don’t want to wait here at midnight…” Fluttershy said hiding behind Pinkie Pie.

“I’ll do it!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “It sounds like fun!” She said getting enthusiastic about the whole thing. “Ooohhh… I wonder if my soul mate would love throwing parties as much as I do!”

“If anypony, that would be cheese sandwich. Hooves down.” Applejack said.

“Oh, I bet my soul mate would be a handsome prince!” Rarity said imagining what her soulmate would look like.

“Are we seriously considering this?” Twilight asked in annoyance.

“It’s settled then!” Rainbow exclaimed. “We all stay at midnight to prove this rumor to be a hoax or reality!”

Twilight sighed. “This just screams bad idea all over…”

“Let’s go!” Rainbow said leading the others to the door. “The movie is about to start.”

As the movie was going on, multiple times Rainbow Dash couldn’t stop her constant cheering and outbursts. And to make things worse, she laughed louder than most of the ponies in the theater which only brought more attention to the six ponies; 4 of which were blushing in embarrassment. Pinkie Pie being excluded considering she was cheering just as loudly as Rainbow Dash. After about an hour and 30 minutes, the film ended with the credits showing on the screen.

“That… was… AWESOME!!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight exclaimed. “I realize you enjoyed the movie, but don’t you think you could have been a little quieter so that other ponies could enjoy? Like the younger fillies and colts??”

“I didn’t see anyone complain.”

“That’s because the parents got too annoyed to say anything and just walked out with their kids!”

“Big deal, the movie will air again tomorrow.” Rainbow Dash said staring at the screen as everypony else left the theater. “You guys ready?”

“N-no…” Fluttershy said hiding behind her chair.

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, soon midnight will come and you’ll see that there is no pony that appears on the screen.”

“It’s almost time…” Rainbow Dash said in a sort of spooky tone.

Twilight glared at her trying to comfort her shy friend at the same time. Eventually time passed and midnight finally hit.

…

Nothing happened…

“Ha!” Twilight exclaimed. “You see? There’s your proof! There is no Midnight--” Twilight was then cut off when the theater screen flickered and flashed. “Huh…?” she turned her attention to the screen. “What in the world…?” Her eyes began to shrink.

On the theater screen, it showed somepony! It was fuzzy, but they could slightly make out the picture. “Wait a sec… there’s only one pony showing on here…” Rainbow said kind of disappointed. “Does this mean we have the same soul mate or something…? Plus, isn’t that a mare??”

“It looks like… Carrot Top…” Twilight said examining the screen.

The screen continued to show Carrot Top… who looked like she was running from something.

“I don’t like this!” Fluttershy finally spoke out. “Please! Make it Stop!”

As if on cue, the screen stopped flashing and flickering, showing the blank theater screen like it always did before. Everypony entered a state of silence… even Rainbow Dash herself was in shock.

“O-okay, I’ll be honest… I thought that whole thing was made up too…!” Rainbow said with a hint of fear in her voice.

“Let’s… j-just get out of here…” Twilight said trying to process what she just saw. She led everyone out of the theater, passing a pony with a gray mane and coat in a workers uniform for the theater. It was still raining and everyone went back to their homes. Twilight sat down quietly for a moment still lost in thought. “How can this be…? What does this all mean?...”

Yu suddenly awoke in a familiar velvet room. Greeted by both Igor and Margaret. “Welcome to the Velvet Room…” Igor finally said. “Do not be alarmed, you are still asleep in the real world. We are simply communicating with you in your dreams as we have in the past.”

“It seems that your previous journey forming bonds with the people of Inaba was not your last journey like we thought it was…” She then opened the book she was holding. “It seems that the great evil that shrouded your friends hometown in fog has finally resurfaced in a different world.” She looked into her book. “After all, you did not destroy her… remember, Izanami said that she would return if the humans were not pleased with their true lives. It seems that she expected that to happen and grew tired of waiting, shrouding a different world with her fog.”

“I am awfully sorry that we had to meet again under these circumstances…” Igor said in regret. “But as I have said previously, those who have been signed to a contract may be permitted to enter this room.” He placed a deck of cards down on the table. “Now, for your next journey, you are going to need your close friends that you have already formed genuine bonds with. However I see great disaster in your future. Your bonds will be put through trials and tribulations. Do not lose sight of what keeps you and your friends close, and you will be able to succeed in your mission. But, if you fail to do so, your bonds AND your future will forever be lost.”

“We will see you again… but for now, farewell.” Margaret said as Yu sudenly woke up on the couch in Dojima’s house.

“Was that… all for real…?” Narukami said feeling a chill. “No, that can’t be right…” Narukami said looking around the room. He heard a loud thunder clap and noticed that it was raining. He then looked at the time… Midnight. His eyes widened at the familiar sight and sound of the T.V. Flashing on in the living room. He stopped and looked at the screen but seemed a little confused. “Is this some kind of joke…?” On the screen showed a small town with different colored ponies with horns and wings. “Why would this be on the Midnight Channel…?” Yu then followed his instinct and stuck his hand inside of the T.V. To him it felt very different. Not like the T.V. world at all where Teddie was from. But it felt like something else… Yu decided to gather his friends at Junes tomorrow and tell everyone what he saw… “I doubt anybody would have seen this, we all thought that the midnight channel was finally over…”

July 9th, 2012
After School
Rain

“Wait, let me get this straight. You saw the Midnight Channel come on last night!?” Chie exclaimed.

“I’m sure of it. It was raining and the T.V. was off.” Yu said as calm and collected as ever.

“You’ve gotta be freakin’ kidding me. I thought we solved this damn murder case completely!” Kanji said slamming his fists on the table angrily.

“Actually, I don’t think it has anything to do with Inaba…” Narukami said thinking. “It showed a completely different town full of multi colored ponies.”

Everyone at the table had a look of shock and embarrassment on their faces. “Dude… really?” Yosuke finally spoke out.

“What?”

“Don’t what me, you were watching a cartoon about freaking ponies last night!”

Yukiko then snickered and finally burst out laughing. “Narukami… watching a cartoon..! About Ponies..!!” She laughed out hysterically.

“Hey come on, what’s wrong with that?” Kanji said. “If it’s what a guy likes then who cares?”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Yu has someone to relate to!” Yosuke laughed standing next to Kanji.

“Yeah? How’d you like to relate to my fist??” Kanji said angrily.

“Take it easy…” Naoto finally spoke up. “I don’t think that this is a joke… I really do believe that Narukami saw something last night on the midnight channel. He isn’t the type of person who would joke about this.”

“I must admit, the thought of sensei watching such things is hilarious!” Teddie laughed.

“Coming from the bear in a costume from a different world…” Yosuke mused.

“It’s not just a costume!” Teddie snapped.

“Anyways…” Naoto continued. “Have you mentioned this to Dojima-san at all?”

“No.” Narukami said looking down for a second. “I kind of figured that he’d want to forget about all that stuff. Especially considering it affected him and Nanako greatly.”

“Oh yeah that’s right…” Rise said gloomily. “We almost lost her that day…”

“Yeah, l-let’s not get into that…” Narukami said obviously holding in repressed emotions from that day as well.

“Sensei can I ask you something?” Teddie raised his hand. “Back in my world, the house and ponies you mentioned… I didn’t sense anything like that there.”

“W-what?” Yu said in confusion.

“I think I would have noticed multi-colored ponies in my world. Then again if that were the case I don’t think I’d even be here right now~” Teddie said getting lost in his imagination.

“Dude, that’s just disturbing…” Yosuke spoke out.

“Hmm…” Chie then snapped her fingers getting an idea. “I got it! Why don’t we go to the tv world at midnight when it rains again.”

“Well, there won’t be any shadows to attack us, so I guess it would be safe…” Teddie said thinking. “But if we all went in from our T.V.’s, wouldn’t we end up in different locations?”

“The bear has a point,” Kanji said to Chie. “Seem like that would be dangerous senpai.”

“I know!” Yukiko exclaimed. “Why don’t we all go in through the T.V. in Junes?”

“Are you crazy??” Yosuke exclaimed. “My dad might be the manager, but there’s no way he’ll let us stay until midnight!”

“We can sneak in then!” Chie exclaimed.

“Say what!?” Yosuke exclaimed.

“I could bring some supplies for the sneak in.” Narukami said in response.

“Oh come on, please don’t tell me you’re going along with this bro…”

“I’ll even bring my bear suit for stealth!” Teddie said agreeing.

“Is anybody listening!? And what kind of stealth would that damn suit give you!?”

“Then it’s settled, we go into the T.V. in Junes at Midnight.” Rise smiled.

“I didn’t settle anything!!” Yosuke yelled.

July 9th, 2012
Evening
Rain

“Okay everyone, the coast is clear. Everyone come out.” Chie whispered in her walkie from her hiding spot in the grocery department.

“This is the stupidest plan you’ve come up with, you know that?” Yosuke said through his walkie.

“Hey, you agreed to it.” Narukami said.

“I didn’t agree to anything!!” Yosuke yelled out.

“Be quiet dummy!” Chie whispered through the walkie again. “Do you want us to get caught??”

“I need to find better friends…” Yosuke said in despair.

Eventually, everyone went out of there hiding spots and headed for the T.V. section of Junes. “Wow, it’s different being here after hours…” Teddie said looking around.

“Dude, you work here…” Yosuke mused.

While they were about to get into another argument, the every T.V. in Junes started flashing and flickering. Each one of them showing the same picture. The Picture Narukami described to them. “Ready everyone?” Narukami said looking at everyone.

They all nodded. “Ready!” they said in unison. Without another word, they all jumped through the T.V…. though the travel to the world was more painful than they remembered.

“What the hell is happening!?!?” Yosuke exclaimed.

The Shadow World

July 10th, 2012
Early Morning
Fog

As Twilight got up from her bed, she heard a sort of commotion coming from outside her castle. “Huh?” She said walking downstairs toward the door. But before she could even open the door, she could hear what they were saying.

“I can’t believe this happened…” One female pony said.

“How could anything like this happen in Ponyville?”

“In Ponyville? How the hay could this even happen in Equestria!?” more ponies kept talking amongst themselves over Celestia knows what. Twilight finally opened the door to see what everypony was talking about. Everyone just stopped and tilted their heads at her.

“What’s going on? Why is everypony here all at once like this?” Twilight asked looking at the crowd of ponies.

“You’re joking right?” One mint green unicorn asked.

“What??”

Everypony slowly turned their heads back up. Twilight slowly followed their gazes. But what she saw on her castle was something that terrified her. No, she was in utter disbelief.

“Is that… C-C-Carrot Top??” Twilight said. Indeed, what everypony saw hanging upside down and lifeless was Carrot Top. “Why…? Who could kill her like this!?” Twilight then stopped in realization of something. “No, but that was two days ago.” She said thinking of the Midnight Film. “Then again, in that film it looked like she was running from something…” She pacing around thinking of what to do. “I have to notify the other princesses…”

July 10th, 2012
Afternoon
Cloudy

“Ugh… where the heck are we?” Chie said looking around. “Wow, this place looks really colorful.”

“Hey, how come I can’t feel my feet?” Kanji asked getting into consciousness as well.

“Actually, now that you mention it, I can’t feel them either.” Yosuke said trying to get up. “Or my hands……… what the hell…!?”

“What?? What is--!?” Yukiko stopped and quickly started laughing louder than before.

“It’s not funny!!” Yosuke yelled.

“But you’re a pony! We’re all ponies!”

“What!?” the others exclaimed.

“You have got to be kidding me!” Rise exclaimed.

“You’re telling me!” Chie exclaimed.

“You know, it kind of figures that you’d be a green pony.” Yosuke said.

“Is that really important right now!?” Chie snapped.

“This is awesome!!” Teddie said running around on all fours. “What a totally new and amazing experience! I get to live life as a bear, human AND a pony!”

“I don’t get why you guys are getting so upset about this. I think we could get used to it.” Kanji said.

“Why am I not surprised to hear you say that?” Yousuke mused.

“You wanna repeat that!?” Kanji said in annoyance.

“Actually, I think I could get used to it.” Narukami finally said.

“Not you too!” Yosuke exclaimed. “Dude, this is more for girls!”

“Is this better?” Narukami said in a higher pitch like he did in the group date cafe last year.

“DON’T BRING THAT BACK!!”

“This has got to be the most embarrassing moment of my life…” Naoto said with her head hanging down.

“I don’t know, you look kind of cute that way.” Kanji said blushing a bit which made Naoto blush as well. The others started giggling a bit. “W-what? What did I say?? Hey shut up!”

Everyone just broke out laughing. Some time passed and everyone finally got their cool back. “Okay, so let’s think for a moment.” Naoto started. “It may be possible that our transformation is some sort of side effect of entering this place.”

“Uh guys?” Yosuke said.

“If this place is anything like the T.V. world we know, then I suggest we stay together and avoid and avoid any contact with shadows for now.”

“I don’t really think--”

“It’s best to conserve our energy in case something big--”

“GUYS!” Yosuke exclaimed cutting Naoto off.

“Jeez, what is it loud mouth??” Chie asked.

“I don’t think this place is like the T.V. world at all…” He said with his glasses already off.

“Huh?” Rise said taking off her glasses as well. “Hey you’re right. There’s no fog here.” Everyone took off their glasses as well and put them in their pockets for now. “And you know what else?... I can’t summon my persona here…”

“Wait, so if this isn't the T.V. World, then where the heck are we?” Yosuke asked.

“Hmm…” Chie said in thought. “Is it possible that maybe the T.V. brought us into a totally different world?” Everyone stopped and looked at Chie in shock. “What?? It’s just a thought…”

“Actually, you may be right.” Narukami said looking toward the distance. “Look over there, I can see a small town over there in the distance.”

“Maybe we can go over there and get some answers.” Naoto suggest. “Let’s go.” Everyone nodded and followed.

After some time walking (and falling over their own hooves half of the time), they finally managed to reach the small town. Kanji looked over at a sign. “Ponyville huh?”

“Dude that sounds straight up girly…” Yosuke said.

“It might be girly to us Yosuke, but it could be a completely normal thing for the residence of this town.” Naoto pointed out. “It would be best to not point out the obvious that we aren't from here.”

“Well there is one thing that stands out already.” Narukami said. “We’re all wearing clothes. Almost no one here is.”

“Oh crap.” Yosuke facehoofed, “You’re right… and if that’s not bad enough, our clothes look nothing like theirs.”

“Let’s just just stay calm alright?” Yukiko sighed. “We just came here to ask questions, remember?”

“Yukiko’s right. Let’s spread out and ask around.” Chie said. “I’ll go with Yukiko. Kanji, you can go with Naoto. Narukami, you and Yosuke pair up.”

“And I’ll go with you two!” Teddie exclaimed wrapping his hooves around both Chie and Yukiko. Almost immediately getting a hit in the face from a green hoof. “Ooowww! What was that for!?”

“I don’t really trust you with the two of us.” Chie mused.

“Why not!?”

“Because you’re a giant pervert?” Yosuke mused as well.

“You’re a bigger pervert than I am!”

“What?? Am not! You’re the one who constantly tries to pick up chicks everywhere we go!”

“Actually, you’re both equally perverts.” Narukami said.

“Gee, that makes me feel better…”

“That’s enough.” Naoto stated firmly. “Teddie, go with Yosuke and Narukami.”

“Awwwww! But I wanna hang out with my favorite--”

“Not gonna happen!” Chie interrupted Teddie by placing a hoof over his mouth.

“Let’s go.”

While the other groups were looking around Ponyville for answers, Yu Narukami seemed particularly fixed on the castle ahead of him. “That seems like a good place to start.”

“Yeah, let’s go.” Yosuke nodded in agreement and followed, followed by Teddie.

As they were headed toward the castle, they were quickly stopped by an earth pony with gray mane and tail. “Excuse me, but do you have clearance to be here?”

“Huh? Who are you?” Yosuke asked.

“My name is Mayor Mare, and I apologise but Princess Twilight can not take any visits at the moment. This is a crime scene.

“What happened?” Narukami asked.

“Well… it’s unusual but, there was a dead pony hanging upside down from that castle.”

“Did you say…” Teddie started.

“Upside down… dead?” Yosuke finished.

“Yes… as you can see Princess Twilight is in a meeting with the other three princesses.” The Mayor pointed over at the four alicorns.

“Whoa… those are princesses??” Yosuke asked looking over at them.

“You’re joking right?” Mayor Mare asked with a raised eyebrow. “Celestia and Luna have been our princesses for thousands of years.”

“D-did you just say thousands!?” Yosuke exclaimed.

“He hasn't had much sleep today.” Narukami said.

“Fair enough.” the Mayor said. “Now please, I ask that you stay away from here.”

“Actually, I’d like to ask those princesses a few questions about this whole case.”

“What could you possibly tell them that our investigation team hasn't found out?”

“I can tell you what killed them.”

There was a moment of silence as if everyone heard. When in fact every pony did hear; the four princesses included. Celestia was the first to turn to them and get closer. “Oh crap dude, do you see what you did?” Yosuke asked with a tone of nervousness.

“What did you say?” Celestia asked with a serious tone.

“Look, my friend here--”

“Come with me.” Celestia urged them to follow. “Now.”

“Ugh…” Yosuke groaned and followed.

“Relax, we came to ask questions and we are.” Narukami reassured him.

“Yeah, good point. Alright then, maybe you should lead the way again.”

Yu nodded and continued following, as did Teddie without saying a word. As the three of them got closer to the other princesses, immediately, they were transported into the castle by teleportation.

“Whoa! what!?” Yosuke exclaimed looking around.

“Wow… this castle is bear-y huge!” Teddie exclaimed looking around in awe listening to his own echo.

“Quiet down!” Yosuke whispered.

“Ahem.” Celestia cleared her throat drawing the attention of Yu, Yosuke, and Teddie. “I must say, I don’t think I am familiar with you three in Ponyville, are you visiting?”

“Uh… yeah! We’re visiting from our own town. In Inaba.”

“Inaba…?” Luna asked. “I can’t say I am familiar of such a town in Equestria.”

“Equestria…?” Yosuke whispered to Yu.

“Kind of accurate if you ask me.” Yu whispered back.

“True enough.”

“Excuse me.” Cadence interrupted. “Outside you mentioned something about knowing what killing this mare.” She walked closer to Yu. “How could you know something that our investigation team couldn’t figure out?”

“Because…” Yu paused for a moment. “Ponies in Inaba died the same way. Hanging upside down.”

The four princesses stopped and looked at each other. Finally Twilight was the one to speak. “May we ask your names?”

“Yu Narukami.”

“Oh, uh, I’m Yosuke Hanamura.”

“And I’m Teddie!” He exclaimed sounding the most enthusiastic of the group.

Twilight nodded, “My name is Twilight Sparkle.” She turned her head to Yu. “Yu, I just have a quick question to ask.”

“Go ahead.” Yu agreed.

“Have you heard of--”

“Twilight, I told you not to mention that anymore.” Celestia started sternly.

“But Celestia--!”

“Nothing like that in Equestrian history exists!” she exclaimed. “A film that comes on at midnight when it rains? That sounds like a rumor that a young colt made for nightmare night.” she said which caught the three outsiders of Equestria off guard. “There is no--”

“Midnight Channel.” Yu said interrupting Celestia now. “Everyone just stared at Narukami in shock.

“I think we know the rumor you're talking about.” Yosuke added. “At midnight when it rains, you see someone on your screen, and who ever that is is supposed to be your soulmate, right?”

“That’s just like how Rainbow Dash explained it to me…” Twilight said.

“Believe me, its not like that at all.” Yosuke continued. “The Midnight channel for us was basically a warning. A warning of who was going to be kidnapped and killed next.”

Twilight then gasped with her eyes widened.

“What is it Twilight?” Cadence asked.

“I knew it.. I knew I saw her on that screen… She was definitely running from something!” Twilight let out. “Princess Celestia, remember when before she died, she went missing? Nopony had seen her at all yesterday.”

“Do you think we can see where you saw her last? The T.V. you saw her in?” Yu asked.

“T.V.?” Twilight asked tilting her head.

“You saw it in a freaking movie theater!?” Yosuke exclaimed looking up at the giant screen in front of him.

“Twilight, I still think this is a bit strange to be true…” Celestia sighed.

“Well if our suspicions are correct…” Yu started and slowly raised his hoof about to touch the screen. His hoof then slowly entered like there was a portal in front of him.

“WHAT. IN. THE. WORLD!?” Twilight exclaimed at the top of her longues. “How in Equestria are you doing that!?”

“Look, it’s kind of hard to explain.”

“Well start explaining!” the other three princess were all in complete shock seeing what they were seeing.

“I’m sorry but I’m afraid it’s too complicated to explain right now. Wait here.” he said as he slowly went in further followed by Teddie and Yosuke.

“Hey! where the hay do you think you’re go-IINNNGGG!!” Twilight exclaimed tripping over Yu and falling through the screen with them.

“TWILIGHT!!” The three princesses exclaimed all placing their hooves on the screen, only feeling a flat surface. “TWILIGHT!!!!”

“Ugh… where, are we…?” Twilight asked getting up and looking around. “Huh??” She kept looking around, but all she saw was an open field filled with fog. Yosuke, Yu, and Teddie all got up. Yu and Yosuke both putting on their glasses to see through the thick fog.

“I knew it, the fog is the same.” Yosuke said looking around. “Man, are we in some open field?”

“How in the world can you see anything here? It’s too foggy!”

“Oh!” Teddie said putting his hoof in his pocket. “I almost forgot… here!” he said pulling out a pair of purple framed glasses. “This will help you see through the fog like us.” he said giving the pair to Twilight.

Twilight slowly took the pair with her magic and placed them over her face. “Whoa… its like the fog doesn’t exist!”

“Where did you even get that pair?” Yosuke asked.

“Well, I got bored so I decided to make a spare for each of us in case anything happened to ours.” Teddie said with a proud smile.

“Huh, smart move bear.”

“Okay, we saw the inside, how do we get out?” Twilight asked getting more freaked out.

“Hang on, we have to look around first.” Yu said.

“Look around for what??”

“Clues, anything that could help us with this case.” Yosuke answered. “We still don’t know the motive of the killer, that’s why we need to look around.” He turned to Teddie. “Hey Ted, do you smell anything here?”

“Let me check.” Teddie closed his eyes and started sniffing around. “Aha! I’m sensing some strange energy coming from that direction.”

“Cool, lead the way.”

“Wait, are you guys sure about this?? I don’t feel too safe…” Twilight said standing still.

“Sheesh, you sound like Yukiko.” Yosuke said shrugging. “Alright, feel free to stay here and wait for us.” he said as the three of them walked away.

“Yes, I think I’ll do just that for now…” Twilight said, but then she heard strange noises of what sounded like growling near by. “Wait for me!” she exclaimed running to them, quickly holding onto Yu.

“Jeez, for a princess, you sure look scared.” Yosuke chuckled.

“Be quiet! I've never seen this place alright!?” Twilight snapped. “Now what was that back there!? how did you even go through the screen like that?? And how the hay are we going to get out of here!?!?” But before she could even get an answer out, she saw something in the distance. “Wait a second… is that… Princess Celestia’s Castle??”

Twilight's Persona

As the four ponies got closer to the castle, Twilight was the one to notice something off about it. “Wait a second…” She said getting a closer look. “Something’s not right here.”

“Like what?” Yosuke asked getting out his Kunai.

“Well for starters, it’s a lot darker here and it looks like nopony is around.”

“Well there is definitely something in here.” Teddie said. “I’m sensing multiple shadows in this castle.”

“S-Shadows?” Twilight asked with a look of fear.

“It’s probably what you heard back there. They can get pretty dangerous when peo-.. uh.. ponies investigate their world. But if the fog lifts here, then the shadows go bear-serk!” Teddie exclaimed.

“It’s best that you stay close to us.” Narukami said taking out his El Caliente sword. Teddie pulling out his weapon as well.

“Uh.. ok seriously, what are those things?” Twilight asked. “You seriously brought weapons with you?”

“Well yeah,” Yosuke started. “Can’t really come into this world empty handed.” Twilight then froze and sort of gave Yosuke a skeptical look. “What?”

“Nothing… it’s nothing.” Twilight said. “Let’s go inside.” They nodded and went into the castle door. Everything was different from the original castle. “What the… it’s like a giant maze in here!” Twilight exclaimed looking around. Suddenly, sounds could be heard from inside. “What was that!?”

“Shadows…” Teddie said in a serious tone.

Twilight was waiting behind them as nervous as ever. When suddenly, she slowly turned her head to see a dark figure with what looked like a mask, crawling on the floor behind her. “Sweet Celestia!!” she screamed running away. She was about to run out of the castle… until…

“Persona!” she heard the three of them exclaim. Not too long after, she saw figures appear above the three ponies. Twilight stared at the figures in awe unable to speak another word. The shadows then started to take form and took the forms of Slipping Hableries.

“Izanagi!” Yu exclaimed as his persona unleashed ziodyne on one of the Slipping Hableries.

“Persona!” Yosuke exclaimed as his persona unleashed Garudyne on another shadow.

“Bear-Sona!” Teddie exclaimed as his persona finished off the final shadow with Bufudyne.

The battle wasn't over yet, as more shadows lunged themselves forward to attack the three. But just as one of them was about to attack Twilight, Narukami got in the way and slashed the shadow with his sword in his mouth. Eventually, all of the shadows were defeated, and easily at that.

“What the hay was that!?!” Twilight exclaimed. “What were those things that came out of you!?” Twilight placed her hoof on her head feeling really confused.

“Why can’t I find the answers?? Why won’t my friends help me??” A distorted version of Twilight’s voice echoed.

“What the…!?” Twilight said turning her head to see another Twilight, except with glowing yellow eyes.

“Truth is, friends don’t do crap for me. The only reason I left Canterlot for that crappy village in the first place was because I was ordered to by Celestia. Friendship isn’t important to me. Not as much as my studies.”

“What…?” Twilight said feeling offended. “What are you talking about?”

“Come on Twilight, I thought you were smarter than that. I’m you after all so I should know.” The shadow said with a smirk.

“Me?? Are you crazy?? You’re nothing like me!” Twilight exclaimed. “My friends are more important to me than anything else in the world!”

“Your studies is the reason why you never made any friends in the first place.”

“Shut up! That’s not true!”

“And the only reason you made friends in the first place, besides your brother, was so that Celestia didn’t have to get off her lazy flank and use the elements herself!”

“STOP IT! I told you to stop!!”

“Gosh Twilight, why are you panicking so much? I thought I was just making all that stuff up… Or maybe that really is what you’re thinking!” Shadow Twilight grinned deviously. “Why is that? Because I’m you!”

“I said shut up!!” Twilight snapped angrily. “I would never EVER think that way about my friends or Princess Celestia! You… You’re not…”

“Twilight! Don’t!!” Yosuke exclaimed.

“You’re not me!!” Twilight exclaimed. Shadow Twilight then started laughing maniacally slowly changing her shape into a larger more horse looking shadow flying above them. Twilight just looked up at the shadow of herself in complete horror, until finally passing out from shock.

“I am a shadow… the true self…” Shadow Twilight said. “I’ll be the one to show you just how useless friendship can be!”

“Teddie! Get Twilight to safety!” Yosuke exclaimed. “Narukami and I can handle this.”

“Right!” Teddie nodded and picked Twilight up getting a safe distance away from her shadow self.

“You really think that you can beat me!? I’ve studied magic since I was a filly!” Shadow Twilight exclaimed using her magic to levitate both Narukami and Yosuke.

“H-hey! what the hell!?” Yosuke exclaimed being raised in the air.

Shadow Twilight simply slammed the two of them against the castle walls, letting them drop to the ground.

“ugh... “ Yosuke groaned quickly getting to his feet. “Persona!” he exclaimed as his persona cast Rakunda to weaken the shadow’s defense, and Tarukaja to increase Narukami’s power.

Narukami then switched personas from Izanagi to Black Frost. Unleashing Agidyne on Shadow Twilight. But it didn’t seem to do much effect.

Shadow Twilight simply laughed at Narukami. “Are you that stupid? Trying to use attacks like that?? I’m magic!” Shadow Twilight levitated them both again, this time unleashing Maziodyne on both Yosuke and Yu, and hurling them to the ground.

“Damn it…” Yosuke groaned. “This Shadow is freaking tough…”

“We can’t give up now!” Narukami slowly got back up ready to fight. Yu then ran up to shadow Twilight and simply struck her with his blade, seeming to cause more damage. “We have to use physical attacks! Magic won’t work on her at all!” Yosuke nodded and ran up to Shadow Twilight with his kunai.

“You think I’m going to just let you hit me again!?” Shadow Twilight used her magic to push Yosuke back, unleashing an attack new to both Yu and Yosuke. Magidyne.

“Arg!” Yosuke yelled out. “What the heck was that!?”

Shadow Twilight didn’t waist any time and used Agidyne on Narukami, which only seemed to help him considering his current persona was still Black Frost. Yu then focused using power charge to gain extra strength, and unleash another physical attack with his sword.

“Nice one partner!” Yosuke exclaimed giving Yu a thumbs up quickly getting back into the focus of the battle at hand. They both then noticed Shadow Twilight’s horn glowing brightly. Within seconds, she released a surge of magic on both Narukami and Yosuke.

Twilight slowly opened her eyes to see what was going on. She saw both Yosuke and Yu struggling to get back up from that last attack. “S-stop…” Twilight barely let out, slowly getting on her hooves.

Shadow Twilight looked toward the real Twilight, in disgust. “I’ve had just about enough of you!” Shadow Twilight exclaimed, targeting Twilight.

“You were right ok!?”

“Huh??” Shadow Twilight paused.

“You were right about everything about me…” Twilight hung her head down. “And about everything…” The shadow started to reform back to its original form, but stayed silent. “I did care more about my studies at first… I did focus on my studies more than my friendship…”

Yu slowly got back up with the remaining energy he had left. “It’s alright Twilight… we understand.” he groaned.

“Yeah... “ Yosuke continued getting up as well. “We all have a different side of us that’s hard to face. Too difficult to accept. And your shadow is one of them.”

Twilight stopped and looked back at her shadow. “I’m sorry that I was trying to push you away… I knew it was the truth.. that all of it was the truth…” Tears could be seen starting to form in her eyes. “But I was too ashamed that somepony like me could ever think that. So I tried to block it out… I tried to block you out…” Tears dripped on the floor. “But I know it was wrong of me… because you are me… and nothing in this world can change that.”

Shadow Twilight simply nodded and changed its form. It was an angelic like alicorn. Twilight looked up at it until it disappeared and its card floated down to her. “What is this…?”

“It’s your persona.” Yu said with a smile.

“My Persona?” She asked.

“Yeah” Yosuke continued. “A persona is what takes form after you face yourself. It protects you in this world.”

“Protect’s me…” Twilight suddenly collapsed on to the floor feeling unstable.

“Twilight!” Teddie exclaimed helping her back up.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine…” Twilight smiled at Teddie. “Just a little tired.”

“Come on, let’s get out of here.” Yosuke said helping her as well. “Twilight isn’t used to the atmosphere in this world.”

After some walking, they end up back in the open field. “You think that this world is the reason why that pony died?... Because of her other self?”

“It is possible... “ Teddie nodded. “She must’ve been wandering around in this world alone, and there was no one who could protect her from her shadow’s power.”

Twilight sighed. “If only I had known about this sooner… I could’ve taken the proper precautions and prevented her death!”

“You can’t blame yourself Twilight, you had no idea that the midnight channel even existed.” Yosuke said trying to comfort her. “But come on, let’s hurry back.”

Back at the theater, Celestia, Luna, and Cadence were all trying everything they could to open the portal into the other world, but with no success. “Twilight… please…” Cadence said pressing against the screen on the verge of tears. But those tears stopped when four ponies both came flying out of the screen and pushed Cadence to the ground. “Ugh…”

“Huh?...” Twilight said looking around. “The movie theater…”

“T-Twilight!!” Cadence exclaimed wrapping her arms around her sister-in-law. “Oh my goodness, I was so worried about you!”

“Yeah, we were able to get her out of there safely…” Yosuke smiled, immediately getting levitated and pinned against the wall by cadence. “H-hey!”

“Explain yourself! What was that, and where did you take Twilight!?”

“Hey, it’s not our fault that she bumped into us!”

“Why didn’t you just bring her back!? You were in there for so long that I got worried sick!” Cadence yelled out in tears. “She’s my sister for ponies sake!”

“Look I’m sorry ok!?”

“Cadence, stop.” Twilight said sternly. “I was the one who went in with them. They didn’t force me to go.”

“But Twilight--”

“Because of them, we might have a lead on what killed Carrot Top.” Cadence froze slowly lowering Yosuke to the ground. “Now, I’m not entirely sure who is doing it, or if it was even an accident or not, but it looks like ponies that go through that screen end up being killed by their other selves.”

“Their other selves? What does that mean?” Celestia asked stepping forward. Twilight then explained everything that occurred in that world during their visit. After explaining everything, the princesses looked like it was too hard to believe. But after seeing Twilight and three other ponies go through a portal in a theater screen, they were pretty much ready to believe anything at this point. “A Persona… I don’t think I have heard of such a thing before.”

“I’ll gladly get into more detail about what they are, but for now I need to have a word with these three…” Twilight said as her horn glowed and teleported Yu, Yosuke, and Teddie into her castle.

“Huh? What are we doing back here?” Yosuke asked.

“Who are you really?” Twilight asked sitting in her throne.

“Huh?”

“I was thinking back in that world. It was a small detail but it did get me thinking.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You aren’t from Equestria, are you?” The three of them froze and had wide eyes. “Am I right?”

“Look, I don’t know what you’re talking--”

“Back in that world, you told me you don’t travel to that world empty handed.”

“Yeah?...” Yosuke said then finally realized what she was getting at. “Oh crap!”

“How did you know?” Narukami asked.

“Because, you aren’t the first human beings that I’ve met in my time.” Twilight said standing back up. “I’m willing to keep this a secret between me and my friends so that this doesn’t cause an addition to the panic Ponville already has. In fact if anypony found out, they’d probably signal you out as the culprits behind Carrot Top’s death. But I need to be really sure that you aren’t the culprits.”

“And how do we convince you that we’re not?”

“For starters, what is your reasoning for being here in the first place?”

“Well…” Yosuke started. “Back in our world, the same thing happened to the people in our town. People that would appeared on the midnight channel usually meant that person was gonna be the next victim. If the image was too fuzzy to make out at all, it meant that the person was still in the human world. But if it was clear, it usually meant that it was too late, and that person was already in the tv world.”

“I have to say though, it’s strange… wouldn’t the shadow just kill the host immediately?”

“Well not exactly. You see for us in our world, we had a limited time to save people.”

“How would you know if it was too late…?” Twilight asked slowly taking a sip of water.

“If its foggy in the morning.” Teddie said, as Twilight quickly spat out her water. “If it gets foggy here, then the fog lifts in the other world. And that’s when the shadows get crazy.”

“Now that you mention it… it was foggy this morning when the body was found.” She thought to herself for a moment. “We’ll need to get more information about this, but for now I’m focused on you three.” she cleared her throat. “Are there others with you as well?” Yosuke groaned and nodded. “Where are they right now?”

“Hey! You got somethin’ to say to me!?” a loud but familiar voice could be heard from outside.

“Oh crap..” Yosuke said looking out the window. The others joined him seeing Naoto and Kanji, Kanji yelling at a white unicorn with gems for a cutie mark.

“How in Equestria could ANYPONY be okay with such a grotesque fashion!? I think you have more rings on you than an average mare!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Uh… mare?”

“Female pony…” Naoto said blushing.

“Female po-- wait are you calling me a chick!?” Kanji yelled out getting angrier.

“This could get bad.” Narukami said.

“Yeah we should hurry down before he hurts somebody.” Yosuke said as the four of them ran down.

“Listen you snooty little--”

“Kanji!” Yosuke exclaimed. “Jesus Christ what the hell set you off?”

“This unicorn was suggesting that Kanji dressed like a female pony.” Naoto sighed. “I suppose he could use less rings thought.”

Yosuke quickly started laughing his ass off. “Well he does make cute stuffed animals!”

“I told you that those were KNITTED!” Kanji exclaimed.

“Stop!!” Twilight exclaimed. “Look, if you keep this up, you’re only going to draw more attention to you. All of you, inside my castle.”

“Castle?” he asked turning to Twilight following her, along with Naoto and Rarity.

Rarity started going a bit quicker in pace. “Excuse me darling.”

“Yes Rarity?” Twilight responded.

“Not that I don’t think they look good on you, but when did you even start wearing glasses like those?”

Twilight stopped and quickly took them back off. “I didn’t even notice I was still wearing them… Teddie gave them to me so I could see better.”

“See better?” Rarity asked. “But I thought You always had good eyesight.”

“Wait, you said Teddie gave you those glasses?” Naoto asked. “You mean to say that you already were…”

Yu nodded. “Yeah, we found the entrance to the shadow world.”

“I’m sorry… did you say shadow world?” Rarity asked looking at Yosuke.

Twilight nodded. “Yeah. It’s where Carrot Top was killed.”

“What did you say!?” Rarity exclaimed. “How can you be so sure about this??”

“Because, I was almost killed…” Twilight continued walking as Rarity froze in shock.

“Whoa, you mean you already faced your shadow?” Kanji asked.

“Yeah,” Yosuke nodded. “I have to say though, her shadow was tough. If she didn’t step in to confront her shadow, I don’t think we would’ve been able to get out of there alive…”

“Damn it, then why the hell didn’t you try to find us before charging in there!?” Kanji exclaimed as they soon walked back into the throne room.

“It was kind of my fault…” Twilight admitted. “When I saw Yu stick his hoof into the theater screen like that, I sort of panicked and pushed him into the portal with me following.” She smiled at Yu, Yosuke, and Teddie. “I really have to thank you properly… if it weren’t for you, I don’t think I would’ve survived on my own.” She looked at Rarity and sighed starting to explain everything that happened to her, Kanji, and Naoto. Rarity just kept the look of shock and confusion on her face. “Which led me to make this decision…” she turned back to Yu. “I’ve decided to come along with you and help you in the T.V. world.”

Yu nodded. “We’d be happy to let you join us.” he said putting his glasses away.

Twilight smiled looking back at her pair. “Just having these makes me feel certain that it’s all official. And I promise, I won’t let any of you down.”

“Absolutely not…”

“huh…?” Twilight turned back to her friend who was in tears. “Rarity what--”

“You think I want you to risk your life again!?” Rarity screamed. “Do you have any idea what would have happened to us if you died in there!?” She choked in mid tears. “We would never have been able to forgive ourselves if we weren’t able to protect you!” she exclaimed holding her hoof to her own chest. “This is nothing like what we dealt with in the past. I don’t even think that the elements of harmony would be able to save you in that world!”

“Rarity!” Twilight exclaimed catching her friend off guard. “Listen, I know that you’re afraid of my well being… but I just have to do this.”

“Why do you feel like you have to risk your life like this!?”

“Because I’m not going to just let innocent ponies die!” Twilight snapped. “I failed to protect somepony today… I won’t let that happen again…”

Rarity sighed. “Then… at least let me come along with you.”

“Huh?”

“When ever you go into that world, I want to go with you.”

Twilight thought to herself before she answered. She sighed and nodded. “Alright, but just be careful please…”

“Alright!” Teddie exclaimed. “And as for Twilight, I’d like to officially welcome you to the group with the biggest bear hug I can give!” Teddie exclaimed hugging Twilight tight enough to rival Pinkie Pie.

Not Exactly The Same

July 10th, 2012
Evening
Cloudy

To my best friends… Our time together has been great, but you all know the truth: and the truth is that I don’t truly belong here. I wish there was an easier way to say this, but I’m going back to my life in Equestria. Believe me if things were different, I would gladly stay with you all. You’ve all taught me so much about friendship. But there are ponies in Equestria that I have to apologise to… ponies that I’ve hurt and I think about it almost every night. This isn’t goodbye forever though. Now that Twilight has figured out a way to keep the portal open, I’ll be able to visit you whenever I want to. I’ll be leaving my book here with you so that we can keep in contact. Just promise me that you’ll be careful with it. Again, don’t think of this as goodbye forever… it’s just goodbye until next time. I love all of you so much… and I’m going to miss all of you...

Your friend,

Sunset Shimmer

P.S.

I’ll be sure to let Princess Twilight know that you said hello.

Sunset Shimmer put the pen and note down in mid tears on her desk in homeroom, grabbed her things and made her way to the statue. “Damn it, I forgot something…” She sighed and got in her car to get back to her house. Nobody else really lived there. It was just her, and it got really lonely for a while. Of course, ever since the events at the Fall Formal and the Battle of the Bands, her friends did visit a lot more. But to her it still wasn’t the same. What she forgot at her home was a photo of her and her friends. She picked up the photo as more tears came out, but she quickly wiped them away. “I have to make things right first.” She put the photo in her bag and headed back. Unfortunately, her gas tank was low and she had to stop for at least enough to get her back to the school building. She then stopped by the nearest gas station she could find and looked up at the gas station attendant. “$10 regular please…”

“Is that really gonna be enough?” the station attendant asked.

“Where I’m going, I won’t really need much.” she sighed. The station attendant looked at her skeptically. “D-don’t worry! It’s nothing like that… I just need to get out for a bit, that’s all. Clear up some things with a few friends.”

“I see…” he said filling up her tank. “Why don’t I just fill it up for you? My treat.”

“Huh? But I barely know you…”

“Don’t worry about it,” he smiled. “Just be safe out there, alright?” he said holding out his hand.

Sunset smiled back and shook his hand. “I will, thank you.” The attendant finished filling up the tank and Sunset then left the gas station after paying the $10 she owed. As she was driving however, she soon started feel light-headed and dizzy. “Ugh…” She pulled the car to the side of the road to hold her head. Eventually it stopped and she started to head towards the school again. “What the hell was that…?” She thought aloud. “It’s never happened to me before…” She just shrugged it off and kept going on her way. She then parked the car in the school parking lot, grabbed her things leaving the keys inside the building, and headed through the portal slowly looking back. “I won’t forget any of you…” a tear dripped from her face right before she went through.

Back in Twilight’s castle where the Mirror was, Sunset Shimmer would come out of it falling forward onto her hooves. She sighed. “I almost forgot what it was like to have hooves… and magic…” her horn glowed putting her luggage on her back. She started to walk around the building she was in, looking around. “That’s strange… this doesn’t look like the same castle I came into last time.” She continued looking around until she found herself in a hallways with other doors. She carefully peeked inside of one of the doors but saw nopony. In fact, every door she checked, there was nopony. “Where is everyone?” As she was walking and looking around however, she mistakenly bumped into something… or someone. “Oh god, I’m really sorry I--”

“No it’s alright, I was equally involved.” The blue pony said apologetically. “I shouldn’t have been wandering, but this castle had me curious… Now that I think about it, you being here has me even more curious.” Naoto said sternly. “Who are you, and what business do you have here?”

“I-I’m Sunset Shimmer, I came here looking for Twilight Sparkle.” Sunset said nervously. “Who are you…?”

“My name is Naoto Shirogane. I don’t believe I even saw you come in. That is very suspicious in my book.”

Oh, this is off to a great start… Sunset thought to herself. “Look, I came in through the portal in Princess Twilight’s-- huh?” Sunset stopped noticing Naoto getting into a fighting stance holding her gun. “Wait, what the--!?”

“Stay back!”

“Seriously?! Do ponies hate me THAT much since I left Equestria!?”

“Left Equestria…?” She put her gun down.

“Hang on, you don’t know who I am?”

“When you said you came out of a portal, I thought that you were…” Naoto paused and sighed. “Come with me.” she said pushing Sunset Shimmer to the room that the others were in.

“H-hey! Take it easy!” Sunset exclaimed.

“Sunset Shimmer…?” That voice rung in Sunset’s ears like it was the most beautiful sound she had ever heard. She turned her head to find that the voice came from Twilight Sparkle. “What… I mean, what are you doing here…?”

“I found her roaming the halls of the castle and thought that it was a bit suspicious…” Naoto said holding onto Sunset.

“It’s fine Naoto, you can let go of her… she’s my friend.”

“M-My apologies Twilight…” Naoto said letting go of Sunset.

Twilight smiled and walked up to Sunset giving her a warm hug. “What’s going on…? Not that I’m not happy to see you but, how come you came back?”

“Equestria is my real home Twilight.” Sunset sighed. “Plus, I have to make things right with everypony that I’ve hurt. Starting with Celestia…”

Twilight sighed. “Well you sort of came at a wrong time…”

“Huh? What happened?”

“Somepony was murdered in Ponyville.”

“Wait, WHAT!?” Sunset exclaimed. “How is that even possible!? Murder doesn’t happen in Equestria!”

“It’s something that would be hard for you to understand.” Narukami said.

“I’m sorry, who are you?” Sunset asked.

“Sunset Shimmer, I’d like you to meet Yu, Yosuke, Teddie, Kanji, and Naoto.” Twilight started. “Yu, Yosuke, and Teddie… well, they’re the ones that saved my life.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight started explaining everything that happened in the T.V. World, who was murdered, and what the cause of the murder was. “What the hell… Shadows? Personas?? Ugh. This is so freaking confusing…”

“You sure you’re from Equestria?” Kanji asked. “Because you sound like you come from the human world, like us.”

“Well I guess living there for a few years can--” Sunset Shimmer froze. “Wait, did you just say…!?”

“Yeah, we’re from the human world.” Yosuke answered. “Probably not the same as yours though, because a magic statue? That doesn’t sound like it would exist for us.”

“So, there would be multiple human worlds then?” Sunset asked. “This is so bizarre…”

“Hey, it’s getting late, where are the others at?” Kanji asked.

“I don’t know, but I do know one thing.” Yosuke chuckled. “Chie must be going through one hell of a nightmare right now.”

“Why do you say that?” Twilight asked.

“I can’t believe this…” Chie groaned. “A world that doesn’t sell MEAT?? This is a freaking nightmare…!” She whined.

“Relax Chie! You’re gonna draw attention to us if you say that.” Rise exclaimed in a whisper. “Ponies don’t eat meat, remember?”

“I don’t care, I have to have something!”

“Oh! I just remembered, I did bring in some food Chie.” Yukiko said taking a few bowls out of her bag in a well hidden area.

“YES! Yukiko, you’re a life saver!”

“Here you go, Steak for Chie, fried tofu for me and for Rise.” Yukiko smiled.

“Alright! Let’s dig in!” Chie exclaimed taking the first bite of her steak. Her eyes practically shrunk. She literally threw up what she had eaten. “What the hell…!? Why does this taste so bad!?”

“D-don’t look at me! Narukami is the one who actually cooked it!”

“But Narukami’s a GOOD cook!”

“Uh… I might have an idea.” Rise said blushing. “It is possible that since we changed into ponies, our taste buds must've changed from what a human would like to what a pony would like… which in this case, would be vegetables, no meat.” Rise said eating her tofu. “Good thing this isn’t meat… eheheh…” she smiled sheepishly.

“Agreed.” Yukiko smiled the same way.

“This.. is the worst place I have ever been to!!” Chie exclaimed in agony. “Let’s just go…” She huffed and got up to head towards the castle. “It’s getting late anyways.” the two others nodded and followed her after eating their meals. “Man, this castle is huge…” she said walking up to the door and knocking on it. Eventually an orange pony with a blue mane and tail answered the door wearing his royal guard uniform. “Uh hi, we came here to ask a few questions.”

“Questions about what if I may ask?” the guard asked.

“Well, has there been any… you know… incidents lately?”

“Are you referring to the pony that was found dead?”

The three girls had looks of shock. “Some one was found dead here?”

“You didn’t even know?...” The guard asked. “She was hanging upside down from Princess Twilight’s castle…”

“Then it is the same as before…” Chie said.

“Excuse me?”

“Uh! n-nothing! Is Twilight Princess-- I mean Princess Twilight here right now?” chie asked nervously.

“One moment… I’m sorry, what are your names?”

“Chie Satonaka.” Chie answered.

“Yukiko Amagi.”

“Rise Kujikawa.”

“Alright…” Flash said. “I’ll be right back.”

“Your highness?” Flash said walking into Twilight’s throne room. “You have a few visitors to see you.”

“Visitors?” Twilight asked. “But I wasn’t expecting anypony.”

“I believe one of them called herself Chie Satonaka?”

“Oh, they’re here!” Yosuke exclaimed.

“Yeah, let them in. They’re with us.” Kanji nodded.

“Yes, please let them in Flash.” Twilight smiled.

“As you wish your highness.” He bowed and went back to open the door.

“I’m glad they were able to find this place.” Narukami finally said.

“Not really hard to find a giant castle like this in a village… kinda sticks out, don’t you think?” Yosuke said rubbing the back of his head.

“Hang on a second… where’s Rarity?” Twilight asked looking around.

“Over here…” Rarity could be heard sitting on her throne in the center of the room.

“What are you doing all the way over there?”

“Keeping my distance.” Rarity huffed. “I still don’t trust her you know.” She said looking at Sunset Shimmer.

“Rarity, I told you that she’s changed…”

“I’ll believe it when I see it. Twilight, she stole your crown and tried to take over that other world with her own personal army. Why in Equestria WOULDN’T I have my doubts?”

“Rarity!”

“No Twilight, it’s fine.” Sunset sighed. “I’m used to it anyways. Plus I really do deserve it after what I did.”

“What you did was in the past. Please don’t let that bother you now.” Twilight placed a hoof on Sunset. “I promise that everything is fine now.”

“Well, not exactly. Considering I came back during a murder case…”

Twilight sighed. “We’re going to solve this. With the help of everyone here, I know we can.”

Sunset smiled at Twilight looking relieved until three new ponies walked in. “Narukami! Guys! You’re all here!” Chie, Yukiko, and Rise ran in.

Rise ran up to Yu and hugged him tight. “Did you miss me senpai?”

“Uh… Senpai?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, who’s this?” Yukiko asked.

“Oh, I’m Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight smiled. “You must be the rest of Narukami’s friends.”

“Hm?” Yosuke started. “Why are you three still wearing your glasses?”

“Thought it would be good to have some form of disguise.” Rise said.

“I got a better idea.” Yosuke grinned taking off Chies glasses and putting on another pair. The gag glasses.

Chie growled and bucked Yosuke in the face. “Why do you even have that with you!?” she yelled taking off the glasses, putting away her real ones.

“I’m guessing that you’ve faced yourselves in the T.V. world as well?” Twilight asked.

“Huh?” Chie looked at Twilight. “You mean you already know?”

“More like, I’ve already been…” She said putting on her pair of glasses. “Teddie gave me these to see better in that world.”

“Jeez, how many pairs of glasses does that bear carry with him?” Chie asked.

“I made sure to make a copy for each of us in case something happened to ours.” Teddie smiled.

“And I’ve also decided to help out in solving the case with you all.” Twilight smiled, as Rarity could be heard sighing from her chair across the room.

“What’s wrong with her?” Rise asked looking over at Rarity.

“She’s afraid of me going into that world, thinking I might die… She’s one of my six best friends.”

“11 if you count our friends in Canterlot High.” Sunset pointed out.

“Heh, yeah that’s right.” Twilight yawned.

“Alright, so let’s confirm the situation.” Naoto started. “From the information we’ve gathered, it seems that there is another killer somewhere here in Ponyville. Murder doesn’t occur that often, am I correct?”

Twilight nodded. “That’s right, its very uncommon. The most crimes we usually got were petty thefts. And even that never got too serious.”

“We still don’t know the reason for the murderer’s actions, so for now the best thing we can do in this situation is watch the midnight channel when it rains. It’s the only thing we have right now.”

“But what if the murderer doesn’t wait for the Midnight Channel?” Sunset asked.

“The murderer in our world relied on the channel to notify him of the next victim. For us, the image would appear like static and hard to see. If the image were to be clear, then that pony will already be in the other world. That’s when we must take action.”

“I’m coming with you still.” Rarity spoke out. “I do not care if my life is at risk, I will not just wait here knowing that my best friend is in there risking her own life.”

“And as I said, you can come but just stay behind us.” Twilight nodded. “Alright, let’s all get some rest.” she spoke to everyone in the group. “I would very much like to practice using my Persona in the other world. Do you think you can come with me Narukami?” Twilight asked Yu.

Narukami nodded. “I’d be happy to help you with your training.”

Twilight smiled. “Thanks, I really appreciate it.”

“I don’t suppose I could come and observe…?” Sunset asked. “I’d like to know more about this persona thing.”

“If you promise to stay close, then sure.” Twilight nodded. “And if it’s alright with Yu.”

Yu nodded. “I’m perfectly fine with it.”

“Okay, but in seriousness…” Sunset Started. “How the hell are you so freaking calm about all this?” Sunset asked Narukami.

I am thou...

July 11th, 2012
Early Morning (3 AM)
Cloudy

“Huh…? where am I?” Sunset Shimmer said to herself looking around. She was in her human form walking along a single path. Every other way was covered by fog and was too difficult to see through. All she could do was proceed forward, following the path.

“Do you seek the truth…?” She could hear a voice asking her.

“Hello? who’s there?” She asked looking around. Only to find nobody respond. She sighed and kept moving forward.

She then heard the voice again. “If it’s the truth you desire, come and find me…” She can hear the voice coming from up ahead. As Sunset continues forward, she can sense someone ahead and decides to keep going forward. Eventually as she got closer, she could slightly see a shadowy figure ahead of her, but it was too foggy to figure out who it was.

“So… You are the one pursuing me…” The voice of a shadowy figure said. “Hmhmhm… Try all you like…” Sunset Shimmer looked at the shadow intensely and ran at it, hitting it with a punch. “Hmmm… it seems that you can see a little, despite the fog…” She heard the voice say as she attacked it again. “I see… Indeed… That is very interesting information…” The being continued to say. “But… You will not catch me so easily… If what you seek is “truth,” then your search will be even harder…” The hidden figure used bewildering fog to make it even harder for Sunset Shimmer to see. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t land any punches on the figure. “Everyone sees what they want to… And the fog only deepens… will we meet again…? At a place other than here… Hmhm… I look forward to it…” Sunset Slowly started to lose consciousness.

July 11th, 2012
Early Morning
Cloudy

“Ugh…” Sunset Shimmer opened her eyes and looked down at herself relieved to find that she was still a unicorn. “What the heck was that?” she asked herself looking down, still laying in her bed. “If what you seek is the truth… then your search will be harder?” She sighed and got out of bed. “I wonder if the others would know anything about this…” She opened her door to head out.

“Know about what?” Narukami asked as he was walking by.

“Oh! Uh… well, I doubt that you’d understand but, last night I had the strangest dream.”

“A dream?”

“Yeah… I was human, but there was a shadowy figure in front of me… I don't know what it was. It was too foggy to actually see.”

“Did you fight this figure in your dream?”

“Yeah-- wait, are you saying you’ve had that dream too??”

Yu nodded. “I have, but not last night like you.” He started. “I had the dream the day I moved to Inaba.”

“Inaba…?”

“It’s a town in my world.”

“Right, sorry…”

“Before you left your world, do you remember going somewhere before here?”

Sunset shook her head, “No, I’m pretty sure I just headed straight to the portal.”

“You’re absolutely sure?”

“Jesus, yes. I’m positive.”

Yu stopped to think for a moment. “Come on, let’s go.” he started walking again.

“Wait, what?” Sunset asked following Narukami. “Hold up. Where are we going?”

“We’re going to the T.V. world with Twilight. We need to get some training in.”

“Wait, NOW!?” Sunset exclaimed.

“If you want to be properly prepared, then yes.”

“Me?? I don’t even have a persona!”

“Are you sure about that?”

Sunset stopped and thought for a second. “What are you talking about? I never even went into that world in the first place.”

“Well, if my theory is correct, we’ll see what happens when we enter the T.V. world.” he knocked on Twilight’s door to her room.

“Wait, come again!?”

Twilight groaned from the other side of the door and opened it. “Isn’t it still early?” she asked with her mane still messed up.

“Get ready, we’re going into the T.V. world.” Narukami said. “We need to start practicing as much as possible before the others wake up.”

“Huh? how come before they wake up?”

“Think of this as private lessons.” Yu turned to Sunset Shimmer. “For the both of you.”

“I already told you, I don’t have a Persona.” Sunset insisted.

“You asked to come anyways right? So let go. You’ll learn something new.” Narukami smiled at her.

Sunset Shimmer blushed embarrassingly but nodded following Narukami and Twilight to the movie theater that they entered last time. They each had to buy a ticket so that suspicion wouldn’t be cast upon them. Unfortunately for Twilight, she was the only pony who lived in Equestria the longest, so she ended up having to pay for 3 tickets. It was to a movie that they were sure nopony would see. Twilight and Narukami both put on their glasses. “What are those for?” Sunset asked.

“Oh that’s right.” Narukami said reaching into his school uniform pocket pulling out a red pair of glasses similar to Yukikos and gave them to Sunset. “You’ll need these.” Sunset looked down at the glasses feeling a bit confused but huffed and put the glasses on anyways. “Alright, let’s go. You lead Twilight.”

“Huh? But you’re the one with the power to--” Twilight stopped as she was trying to demonstrate that she couldn’t go through the screen on her own… when in fact, she now had the ability to. “But, how…?”

“It’s your Persona.” Yu answered. “Now that you accepted it, you’ll be able to go into the T.V. world at anytime.”

“So you’re saying that Sunset Shimmer won’t be able to do it now?”

Narukami paused and thought for a moment. “Why don’t you try it Sunset?” he asked.

“Uh… Okay?” Sunset reached out her hoof and was about to touch the screen… until…

“I am thou…” She heard a voice say as her eyes widened and she held her head. “Thou art I… Thou are the one who opens the door…” Sunset then collapsed on the floor looking like she was in pain.

“Sunset Shimmer, what’s wrong??” Twilight asked. Sunset slowly looked back up at the theater screen still in shock. She slowly raised her hoof back up and was able to stick it through the screen. “H-huh? But how…?”

Sunset Shimmer slowly looked up at Narukami who nodded at her to keep going. She looked back at the screen and slowly kept pushing forward until she was fully inside of the screen. Narukami and Twilight looked at each other and followed her.

Sunset Shimmer groaned as she got to her hooves and stood up slowly. “Ugh… So this is the T.V. world…”

“Yeah…” Twilight said getting up. “Be careful and stay close.”

“Trust me, that won’t be a problem.” Sunset shivered getting close to Twilight. “Jesus, this place gives me chills…”

“Yeah, it can get pretty freaky.” Twilight looked around the area to make sure that it was safe and looked back at Yu. “Alright teacher, what do I do first?”

“Well first, let’s see you summon your persona.” Narukami said taking out a card stomping a hoof down. “Persona!” he exclaimed as his main persona appeared: Izanagi.

“Whoa…” Sunset looked up at Narukami’s persona in awe.

“Okay…” Twilight huffed and pulled out her card as well, closing her eyes. “Persona…!” She exclaimed also stomping on the ground similar to the way Narukami did it, summoning her persona as well.

“H-holy crap, this is insane.” Sunset let out sitting on the ground as she watched them train.

“An important part of battle is to find your enemy’s weakness. If you find that, the battle will be much easier. But be aware that not every shadow will have a weakness.” Narukami stopped and had his persona use cleave on Twilight’s persona, resulting in her falling back. “In your case, you weakness is physical attacks.”

Twilight groaned getting up to her hooves. “I wasn’t even ready!”

“Another lesson is that it’s important to always be on guard no matter what. Whether is be someone you hate or your friend.” Yu said about to attack again. “Now guard yourself!”

Twilight quickly covered herself, which resulted in her persona doing the same. This time when Izanagi attacked with Cleave, it didn’t do as much damage. “I get it, if you guard yourself, your weakness is protected as well.” Twilight then got into fighting position again. “Persona!” she exclaimed as her persona used Bufudyne on Izanagi, causing Narukami to fall back. “Oh gosh, are you ok??”

“Don’t worry, I’m fine.” Narukami said getting up. “That was good. You don’t waist any time. Another important part of battle is knowing when to defend yourself, increase your defense, increase your attack, and lowering your enemy’s attack and defense. Try it out on me.”

“Okay…” Twilight sighed. “Persona!” she exclaimed unleashing Rakunda on Narukami lowering his defense, and Tarukaja to increase her own attack power.

“Persona!” Yu exclaimed as Izanagi used Dekunda to nullify the stat decrease. “Enemy’s can also nullify stat decreases if they have the ability to. Once you decrease their defense, you have to act fast.”

“Persona!!” Twilight exclaimed with what seemed like more determination. Her Persona then unleashed Garudyne, knocking Izanagi down along with Narukami. “Again!” She exclaimed unleashing another Garudyne on Izanagi causing it to fall into a daze.

“E-enough!” Yu exclaimed.

Twilight stopped as she was panting heavily. “H-huh? how come you didn’t get back up?”

“Because you hit Izanagi’s weakness… wind.” Yu groaned slowly getting back up. “Very good… I think we both deserve a break, don’t you?” he grinned as Izanagi vanished back to his card.

“Y-yeah, good idea.” Twilight blushed as her persona went back as well. “Sorry for going all out on you like that. It just kind of got exciting.” she laughed a bit and turned to Sunset Shimmer. “Hey, what did you think… of…….!!!” Twilight went wide eyed seeing Sunset Shimmer get backed into corner by multiple shadows. “Sunset Shimmer!!” She exclaimed about to run at her.

“Wait!” Narukami exclaimed holding her back.

“Wait for what!? She’s in trouble!”

“Just trust her.”

“H-huh?” Twilight said slowly looking back at Sunset and the shadows.

Sunset Shimmer had a look of panic and fear in her eyes. She would continue backing up until finally she hit a wall. She was sure that she was done for… until… “I am thou…” She heard the same voice as before again and she froze in shock and confusion. “thou art I… The time has come… open thine eyes, and call forth what is within!” Sunset Shimmer stopped and looked down at the card below her, picking it up with her magic, taking a hard look at it. A bright light started illuminating from the card getting brighter and brighter.

Sunset Shimmer then grinned slowly uttering…

“Per…

so…

...na…” Just then she let out a scream as the light engulfed her with intense power. When the light cleared, both Twilight and Narukami both saw something above Sunset Shimmer: A Persona of her own. It looked similar to Izanagi, but the colors were different. The color was similar to her own. Sunset Shimmer opened her eyes with a grin. “This… is incredible…” Without waiting, her persona unleashed Maragidyne, a heavy fire attack on all the shadows that were cornering her to a wall before.

“T-that’s Sunset Shimmer’s Persona!? It’s incredible!” Twilight exclaimed. Narukami just looked at both her Izanagi and Sunset Shimmer, unsure of what to think.

“Persona!”

Sunset Shimmer exclaimed unleashing Marakunda lowering all the shadow’s defense, and finally finishing them all off with another Maragidyne. She panted hard as her persona faded back into its card and went down to Sunset Shimmer. She then fell over unexpectedly.

“Sunset Shimmer!” Twilight ran up to her and helped her back up.

“I’m okay…” Sunset Shimmer smiled. “That was incredible! It felt like power that I’ve never even felt before surging through me!”

“But I don’t get it. I thought you needed to face yourself to have your persona!” Twilight said looking at Yu. “Isn’t that what you told me?”

“Yes.” Yu said following her as they headed to the exit. “But that’s only for normal occasions. How Sunset Shimmer got her power was not normal.”

“Not normal…?” Sunset asked. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“I’ll explain later, but for now we need to get you back so that you can rest.”

Author's Note

And you all thought that Narukami was going to be the hero of this story. :trollestia: Well I hope you enjoyed this chapter! :pinkiehappy:

Izanami

"You went into the T.V. world by yourself!?" Kanji exclaimed at Narukami who was still holding on to Sunset Shimmer.

"For Celestia's sake Twilight, you promised you wouldn't go in there alone!" Rarity exclaimed, "And on that note, why did she go with you!?" She yelled referring to Sunset Shimmer.

"Because she was already awake, and I happened to run into her on my way to Twilight's room." Narukami answered. "I would have brought Twilight with me regardless. She needs the practice if she's going to survive in there."

"Well dude, what the heck happened in there?" Yosuke asked stepping up. "Sunset Shimmer looks beat... Wait. Did she face herself in there too?"

Twilight looked at Narukami still expecting an explanation as well. "No," twilight answered. "Her persona just came to her."

"Wait what?" Naoto asked. "But..."

"That's just like what happened to Narukami though..." Rise finished.

"So what, you're saying that Sunset Shimmer got her persona the same way that Yu did?" Chie asked.

"Same as..." Twilight slowly turned to Narukami again.

"Sensei, is it possible that the source of her power is the same one as who gave it to you in Inaba?" Teddie asked.

"It is possible." Narukami answered.

"Whoa whoa wait a second." Sunset Shimmer spoke out getting on her own hooves. "You know who did this to me?"

Narukami remained silent for a minute. "I think it's best that I don't tell you yet."

"Wait, what?" Twilight asked.

"If I told you, then you might not be able to defeat the source."

"What? Why the hell not?" Sunset asked getting aggravated.

"Because we have fought the source before, and she is not to be taken lightly. She is basically a god." The others from Inaba looked down for a moment, while the Equestrians looked at Narukami in shock.

"A... God...?" Twilight asked with a hint of fear in her voice.

"If it weren't for Narukami forming bonds with the people in Inaba, I don't think that we would be alive right now." Chie said.

"Forming bonds? You mean friendships?" Twilight asked.

"Yes but not just with your best friends, with others as well." Narukami said. "Sunset Shimmer is the one who needs to form those bonds."

"Me?!" Sunset exclaimed in response.

"No offense darling, but Sunset Shimmer isn't exactly close to the rest of us." Rarity said bluntly.

"You will be." Yu said to Rarity. "Get to know each other better. Go to places so that your bonds can become genuine." Yu sighed. "I feel like this is something Igor is supposed to be telling you."

"Igor?" Yosuke asked.

"N-nevermind." Yu answered. "Come on, you need to get some rest."

"I'm plenty rested..." Sunset said deep in thought. "I need to... Ugh..." She falls over again.

"Come on..." Narukami said picking her up, carrying her to her bed.

“Narukami…” Sunset said as she was being carried.

“Yes Sunset?” Yu asked suddenly feeling a tighter embrace on himself. “Huh?”

“Thanks for helping me in there…”

“I didn’t really do anything.”

“You did, you training with Twilight basically gave me some notes even before I had my persona. Weakening the enemy, finding their weaknesses; that all helped.” Sunset paused for a minute. “When you were talking about that god earlier, you said ‘she’... What was she like? Why did she give you your power?”

“Hmph.” Yu let out reluctantly. “To observe what would happen.”

“You’re joking…”

“To be specific, she gave three people in Inaba the power, myself being included.”

“But how did I get it…? I don’t remember meeting anyone other than that guy at the gas station near Canterlot high.” Yu then froze again. “What?? What is it??”

“This guy, did he have gray hair? Shake your hand?”

“Yes but--” Sunset then froze in shock. “Please tell me that you’re joking… that was a ‘guy’ who I spoke to, and all he did was shake my hand.”

“Yeah, me too.” Yu continued walking. “I told you that she is a god, she has the ability to change her form to whatever she wants. Even if it’s the opposite sex.”

“So what you’re saying is I already met her without even knowing it…”

“You can’t confront her yet. Remember what I told you about forming bonds with others.” Narukami thought for a moment. “And if what you say is true about her being in that world, then I think the others there might be in danger as well.”

Sunset Shimmer sighed. “I thought that me leaving would prevent more shit like that…”

“Where is the portal you entered?”

Sunset Shimmer got off of Narukami, and onto her hooves. “Follow me.” She said leading Narukami through many hallways in Twilight’s castle until finally she found herself in the room with the mirror and the contraption that Twilight set up with it to go through it at any time. “I didn’t think I would have to go back so soon though…”

“No, you aren’t going back right now. I’m going to check it out.”

“Excuse me??”

“You need to rest Sunset. If something does happen, you’d be overworking yourself.”

Sunset Shimmer looked down in a bit of disappointment but nodded in agreement. “Just be careful, alright?”

“I will, don’t worry.” Yu smiled at Sunset.

Sunset just smiled back at him. Suddenly she could hear the same voice that she heard before. Thou art I… And I am thou… Thou has established a new bond… It brings thee closer to the truth… Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Fool and the World Arcana… Sunset then heard another voice. One she had not recognized. “The Persona ability is the power to control one’s own heart… And the heart is strengthened through bonds. As you form bonds by becoming involved with others, your own Social Links will gradually develop. The power of these Social Links is what will determine your Persona’s abilities.”

“Ugh... “ Sunset said holding her head, “Okay, yeah I need to go rest.” she said walking back. “Like I said, be careful in there.”

Narukami nodded and slowly stuck his hoof in the mirror.

“Hold it!” a voice exclaimed from behind. Narukami turned to look who the voice belonged to. It was Twilight. “And just where do you think you’re going?”

“I’m going to see Sunset Shimmer’s world. I have a bad feeling that the same danger might be happening there.”

“Then I’m going in with you.”

“Twilight I don’t think that--”

“No, you listen to me. The people in that world are my friends too, and if they’re in danger, then it concerns me too.”

Narukami looked at Twilight for a second and nodded. “Fine.” He turned back to the portal and walked inside of it without another word as Twilight followed.

July 11th, 2012 (Friday)
Cloudy
Lunch Time

A light flashed from the statue near Canterlot High as both Narukami and Twilight flew out of the portal in their human forms. Twilight groaned as she slowly got up to her feet. “Ugh, that’s always a pain…” she said rubbing her head. “Are you okay?” She asked but went wide-eyed looking at Narukami. He smiled at her as he got to his feet. He looked just like himself as when he was in Inaba; skin, hair, eyes and all. “This is what you really look like…?”

He nodded. “Come on. Let’s go look around for clues about the case a hand.” Twilight nodded and the two started looking around. They both decided to investigate the school first. As they entered the building, the halls were empty. Most of the students had already gone to the cafeteria for lunch period. “Maybe we should just check the cafeteria.” Narukami said.

“No no, I think that would bring too much attention on us.” Twilight answered. “Maybe Principle Celestia can help us.”

Narukami just nodded and followed her not questioning who this ‘Principle Celestia’ was. But as they were walking down the hallway, without warning, Twilight was tackled and pin to the ground. “You! I should’ve known you’d come back!”

“W-what the hay..!?” Twilight exclaimed trying to look up at who tackled her… It was herself. She screamed and stood up. “I thought I accepted you already!!”

“What…?? What the hell are you talking about you little imposter!?” The other Twilight with glasses exclaimed.

“Wait huh…?” Twilight looked thoroughly at the other Twilight and widened her eyes in realization, letting out a scream. “What are you doing here!? You never attended this school before!”

“Exactly my point! Why the hell are there pictures and videos of me plastered over the internet!?”

“Because that wasn’t you, that was me!”

“You sick twisted little-- Why were you pretending to be me!?” This worlds Twilight exclaimed.

“I wasn’t pretending, I am you!” Twilight exclaimed. “I’m just from a different world!”

“You say that to me like it’s completely normal!”

“If you knew that magic existed, then it would be normal to you too!”

“Oh my effing god, not this again! NO! I don’t believe in magic! It doesn’t exist! If anything, it can only be explained with science!”

“And has ‘science’ helped you figured it out yet??”

The other Twilight was about to speak until she closed her mouth again, holding her arm. “No, it hasn’t… But come on. Magic?? That sounds like something a 5 year old made up…”

Twilight sighed and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Look, I know it’s confusing but right now, we’re doing an investigation.”

“Investigation?” The other Twilight asked fixing her glasses. “About what?”

“Has anything strange happened lately here?” Narukami asked.

“Strange how?” The other Twilight asked.

“Like… any disappearances?” Twilight asked.

The other Twilight placed a hand on her head trying to think. “Now that you mention it, there was that disappearance of a student from this school a couple days ago. Her name was Carrot Top I believe.”

“And was she found?” Twilight asked getting a little nervous.

“Yes but…” The other Twilight choked a bit. “She was found dead unfortunately… So nobody could question her.”

“Just like in Equestria…” Twilight sighed. “The people in this world really are in danger…” Suddenly a loud clap of thunder could be heard. The three looked outside the window to see that it had started raining.

“Looks like it’s going to be raining all night…” The other Twilight sighed.

“Twilight, have you heard of something called the Midnight Channel?”

“You mean that show that comes on at midnight when it rains and the T.V. is off, right?” The other Twilight asked. “Please, just another rumor.”

“Well actually I think that--” Twilight stopped mid sentence. “Wait, did you just say ‘another’?”

“You and magic being the first one.”

“You still don’t believe me!?”

“And I’m not going to believe you until I see scientific proof.”

Twilight thought for a moment to think of a way to prove it. “Well I don’t think it’s really scientific but…” Twilight then grabbed the other Twilight’s hand and dragged her. “Come with me.”

“H-hey!”

This worlds Twilight was then dragged to the statue that Twilight and Narukami entered through. “Yes, I’ve studied the statue. There is no portal.”

“Well I don’t always keep the portal open!” Twilight exclaimed letting go of this worlds Twilight. “Now… try not to freak out.”

The other Twilight raised an eyebrow and took out a notepad ready to take notes. Twilight sighed and slowly put her hand through the portal with ease… which caused this worlds Twilight to drop her notepad slack jawed. “What…..??” Twilight then took her hand out again, letting the other Twilight put her hand through herself. “How.. can this be…?” she pulled her hand back out as well.

“I know it’s hard to believe Twilight, but everything I’m telling you is the honest truth.” Twilight said placing a hand on her Canterlot high counterpart.

The other Twilight just stared and finally nodded. “Alright, I believe you…” The three just walked back into the building while this world’s Twilight was lost in thought. “You told me that it was the something in your world… does that mean that someone died there too?”

“Yeah, and her name was Carrot Top as well.” Twilight nodded.

“I’m starting to think that the source of the problems is from this world.” Narukami finally said with the two Twilights looking at him. “Sunset Shimmer told me that she met a certain person with similar characteristics as the one who gave me my power.”

Twilight thought for a moment. “So what do you think we should do?”

“I think for now, we’re going to need to spend the night in this world. And look at the midnight channel.” Narukami answered.

“I might as well check that out too.” The other Twilight nodded. “Hell, if a portal to another world exists, this might actually be true too. If you’d like, you’re welcome to join me in my research lab.”

“You’re not going to be doing this from home?” Twilight asked.

“If I find any strange anomaly, I’m going to record it.”

“Alright we’ll join you.”

“And one more thing.” the other Twilight said. “I realize you made friends with those girls in this world, but I suggest you don’t mention this to them.”

“Why not?”

“As far as we know, they aren’t involved with this case. Then again I shouldn’t be either but-- look! the point is, it’ll be a lot hard if more people are involved.”

“Alright…”

“Come on, let’s at least go out to investigate more.”

“You both go ahead, I’m going to check something myself.” Narukami said walking off without another word.

Narukami walked around the town until he found the closest gas station to the school. “You look lost.” A voice familiar to Narukami said.

“What are you doing here?” Yu asked bluntly.

“Same as always Narukami.” Izanami smirked using her real voice this time, but still hiding her true form. “I should be asking you the same question.”

“I thought you learned from my world that people don’t need the fog to be happy.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’ve seen what has been happening in these worlds. Chaos. Disharmony in both this world and in Equestria.”

“It’s how life is. It isn’t always perfect. Why can’t you see that?” he turned to face Izanami. “And this time, Sunset Shimmer will be the one to prove it to you.”

“You seem overconfident, don’t you think?” She grabbed his hand showing him visions he had never seen before. Visions of Sunset Shimmer as a demon-like creature.

“What.. what was all that?”

“Sunset Shimmer. When she tried to kill Twilight and her friends here.” Narukami held his head in disbelief. “I can see it in your eyes already. You don’t want this to be the truth.”

“Shut up! I know it’s the truth but the Sunset Shimmer I’ve seen now is nothing like that!”

She smirked letting go of his hand. “We’ll see about that…”

Social Links

Sunset Shimmer woke up, her eyes slowly going back into focus as she could see she was in some sort of limo that was velvet inside. On closer inspection, she could also see that she was human once again. “Ah… It seems we have a guest with an intriguing destiny... “ The voice chuckled. Sunset Shimmer to see a man and a woman sitting next to eachother. The Woman with the blue clothes and yellow eyes, while the man had an unusually large nose. “My name is Igor… I am delighted to make your acquaintance. This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter… It is a room that only those who are bound by a ‘contract’ may enter… It appears that you are bound by such a contract. Now then… why don’t you introduce yourself?”

Sunset Shimmer just stared at the man not really knowing what to think of the situation. “Um… I’m Sunset Shimmer.”

“Hm… I see.” Igor responded. “Now, let’s take a look into your future, shall we?” he said as some cards appeared on the table in front of him. “Do you believe in fortune telling?”

“Not really…” Sunset responded quietly.

Igor chuckled at the response. “Well… each reading is done with the same cards, yet the result is always different… Life itself follows the same principles, doesn’t it?” Sunset Shimmer just sat down and listened as Igor flipped over one of the cards. “Hm… The Tower in the upright position represents the immediate future. It seems a terrible catastrophe is imminent. The card indicating the future beyond that is…” he pauses flipping the card. “The moon, in the upright position. This card represents ‘hesitation’ and ‘mystery’... very interesting indeed. It seems as though your destiny has been intertwined with another guest of the velvet room. You know him as Narukami I take it? He will be an important part of your journey, and he will help you control your power. The coming year is a turning point in your destiny… if the mystery goes unsolved, your future may be forever lost.” Sunset Shimmer’s eyes widened at that remark. “But do not be alarmed… My duty is to provide assistance to our guests to ensure that does not happen.” he said as the cads vanished before him. “Ah! I have neglected to introduce my assistant to you.” he turned to the girl to his side. “This is Margaret. she is a resident of this place, like myself.”

“My name is Margaret.” She repeated. “I am here to accompany you through your journey.”

Igor then turned back to me. “We shall attend to the details another time. For now, please, take this with you.” Sunset Shimmer was given the Velvet Key from Margaret. “From this night forth, you are our guest in this Velvet room. Until we meet again… farewell.” There was a bright light before everything faded.

As Sunset Shimmer’s eyes went back into focus, she could see that she was back in Twilight’s castle as her former pony self. “The Velvet room… Igor… wait a sec, his voice actually sounded familiar…” she then recalled the words she heard before.

“The Persona ability is the power to control one’s own heart… And the heart is strengthened through bonds. As you form bonds by becoming involved with others, your own Social Links will gradually develop. The power of these Social Links is what will determine your Persona’s abilities.”

“That was Igor… wasn’t it…?” she started walking. “And Narukami is going to be a big part…?” she continued talking to herself as she walked. She stopped and thought for a minute. “He said something about Social Links and Bonds… maybe it’s time I started getting to know ponies better here in Ponyville.” She headed for the door and went outside. She sighed as she looked around. “This is so weird… but if it’s for the sake of this mystery, I have to.” She stopped and saw Rarity headed toward her house with a younger filly walking next to her. “Oh, Rarity!” Sunset ran up to the white unicorn. “It’s good to see you this morning.”

Rarity turned to see Sunset Shimmer with a kind of look of confusion. “Oh, uh… it’s good to see you too?”

Sunset’s smile started to change into a nervous and awkward one. “Oh! uh… so what do you have planned today?” She asked smiling sheepishly.

“Well… Today I was planning on going to the spa with Sweetie Belle… my sister.”

“I thought she looked familiar…” Sunset said referring to the Sweetie Belle in Canterlot high.

“I beg your pardon?”

“N-nothing! It’s nothing…” She said trying to regain her composure. “You think maybe I could join you?”

Rarity smiled in surprise. “I don’t see why not. As a matter of fact, why don’t we invite those other girls?”

“You mean… Chie, Yukiko, and Rise?”

“Isn’t Naoto a girl too?”

“Huh? Oh, r-right…” Sunset cleared her throat. “What about the guys?”

“I don’t really know… from what Chie told me, the boys can be pretty perverted. Especially Teddie…”

“I guess they can go a different day then… I’ll go let them know. You and Sweetie Belle go on ahead, we’ll meet you there.”

“Very well darling…” Rarity answered with a bit of confusion as Sunset Shimmer ran back inside.

Sunset Shimmer walked inside to see everyone just lying around doing nothing. “I wonder where Narukami went… it’s not like him to just leave like that.” Naoto said finally.

“Oh, uh, him and Twilight went somewhere.” Sunset answered.

“Oh, you saw him?” Yosuke asked.

“Yeah, Twilight said she needed to get something from my school, and Narukami decided to go wit her.” She smiled with a squee.

“Uh… alright.” Kanji replied. “Senpai’s always helping the chicks isn’t he.”

“Yeah I’ve noticed… dude’s chick magnet.” Yosuke says with a hint of jealousy.

“Uh… anyways.” Sunset Shimmer interrupted. “Rarity and I were wondering if the girls would like to go to the spa with us?”

“You have a spa??” Chie exclaimed.

“That sounds lovely.” Yukiko nodded.

“I wouldn’t mind a little relaxation.” Rise smiled.

“I suppose it could do us some good.” Naoto smiled as well. “Walking around in a pony body… I’m still getting used to it.”

“I’m all for it!” Teddie exclaimed. “This bear could use some relaxation with his favorite teddy bears!” he says about to hug Sunset.

“Not gonna happen!” She said putting a hoof to his face. “Besides, it’s girls only.”

“What??” Kanji exclaimed. “Oh that’s complete BS!”

“I’m sorry but Rarity and I kind of feel uncomfortable with guys and girls in the same room.”

“Isn’t there some separate rooms or something?” Yosuke asked.

“I don’t know, honestly. I’m still kinda new to Ponyville myself.” Sunset Answered. “Look if there are different rooms, you can come with us next time, ok?”

“This seriously blows…” Yosuke groaned. “What else is there to do!?”

“I don’t know… get to know the other ponies here I guess. We’ll see you later.” She began to walk out with the girls from Inaba.

“Wait, I just remembered!” Chie said as they walked out. “We don’t have any clothes to change into!”

“Uh…” Sunset Shimmer just giggled. “You don’t need them. You’re ponies right now, remember? There’s nothing up here.” she said placing a hoof on her chest.

“Oh right… guess I’m still getting used to this body too.” Chie chuckled.

“Although they are in a different pla--”

“Don’t need to know!” Chie barked.

Everyone just started laughing on their way to the spa.

At the Spa, Rarity and Sweetie Belle were met with the girls. “Oh thank goodness you all could make it!”

“Wow, this place looks fancy…” Chie said looking around.

“Oh when it comes to this place, Aloe and Lotus do not joke around.” Rarity giggled. “Now then, why we start with the sauna?”

“Rarity…” Sweetie Belle spoke out with a disappointed look on her face.

“Oh dear, that’s right… Sweetie Belle isn’t old enough to go in there.”

Sunset Shimmer looked down at Sweetie Belle who was starting to look more sad. “I can go with her somewhere else here.”

“Oh but I couldn’t possibly let you do that…”

“It’s no trouble really.” Sunset Smiled. “Is she old enough for the mud baths?”

“Actually, she can go there as long as she’s supervised. But do you really want to--”

“I’d love to. It’ll give me a chance to get to know her.”

“Well, I suppose that’s alright…” Rarity sighed.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Chie smiled trying to reassure her.

“Very well…” Rarity turned to Sweetie. “Sweetie Belle, please do your best to be on your best behavior…”

Sweetie Belle smiled slightly and noded. “Don’t worry Rarity. Everything will be just fine.”

“Very well then… everyone else, to the sauna!” Rarity exclaimed as she lead the others to follow her.

Sunset smiled and looked down at Sweetie Belle. “You know where the mud baths are?”

“Mhm!” Sweetie beamed. “Follow me!” she exclaimed running toward the room.

“H-hey! wait up!” Sunset exclaimed running after her. After a bit of running, they managed to find the mud bath room. “Oh man… it looks like there’s only one bath available for use.”

“We can share it.” Sweetie Belle smiled, slowly putting her hooves inside the bath. “Rarity and I usually do that…” she sighed.

“Something the matter?” Sunset asked getting in the bath with her.

“It’s nothing… not important.” she smiled at Sunset with a face obviously showing she’s trying to keep something to herself.

“Are you sure?” Sunset asked catching Sweetie by surprise a bit. “If it’s anything, I’m here to listen to you if you wanna talk about it.”

Sweetie Belle was silent for a second and looked down sighing. “It’s just that whenever I come to Ponyville to visit my sister, it always seems like she’s too busy to do anything with me…”

“But she took you to the spa today, didn’t she?”

“Yeah, but things like that is rare. Besides, she’s still not even with me!” she exclaimed catching Sunset Shimmer by surprise as well. “You saw what she did right?? she just let other ponies get in the way of us hanging out for once… Sometimes I feel like she does this kind of stuff on purpose.”

Sunset looked down and sighed. “I guess that was partially my fault… I shouldn’t have asked to join you two when you already had plans.”

Sweetie Belle smiled at Sunset sweetly. “It’s not your fault… It’s not like you knew about it.”

“Yeah but still…”

“Rarity was wrong…”

“Huh?”

“She said that she had doubts about you. I don’t know what you did before but… I don’t think you’re like what she says. I think you’re really nice.” Hearing this, Sunset couldn’t help but smile as a tear escaped, going down her face. “Are you okay…?”

Sunset wiped the tear away and smiled. “Yeah, I’m okay Sweetie Belle… Say, how about we get together like this more often?”

“Yeah!” Sweetie Belle smiled brightly. “I could even show you my friends! Oh! and our club house!”

“Club house?”

“It’s the Cutie Mark Crusaders club house! A group of ponies who work hard to find another pony’s special talent and help them get their cutie marks!” Sweetie Blushed. “Right now it’s only me and my two best friends though… oh! and Appleblooms cousin from Manehatten.” Sweetie Belle stopped for a second. “Do you want to be a crusader too?”

“Huh? But I already have my cutie mark…”

“That’s why I think it would be a great idea! You could give advice to other crusaders and help them also!”

Sunset smiled and nodded. “I’d love to then…”

Sweetie Belle smiled back. She could feel her understanding raise a bit. Sunset could also feel a faint bond forming with Sweetie Belle… Suddenly, she heard those words again. Thou art I… And I am thou… Thou has established a new bond… It brings thee closer to the truth… Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Justice Arcana… Sunset smiled. “Come on, let’s enjoy ourselves here.”

Sweetie Belle Smiled brightly and nodded.

Rarity

July 11th, 2012
Midnight
Rain

Twilight from Equestria and Twilight from Canterlot High were both getting things prepared for the midnight Channel. “Are you sure the midnight channel will appear here?” Twilight asked.

“I’m almost positive.” Narukami answered.

“This seriously defies all scientific logic…” This world’s Twilight sighed. “But so is magical talking ponies from another world.”

“Quiet… it’s about to come on.” Narukami said sternly. The three of them waited with the T.V. off as midnight finally struck. Eventually the screen started to flash and a shadowy figure could be seen from the screen. It was difficult to make out however. The figure was female, that much they could tell. Another thing that looked familiar though was her hair.

“Wait a second… that looked like…” Twilight started slowly going wide-eyed. She tried to put her hand in the T.V. screen to see if she could reach the figure. But the image soon disappeared and she pulled her hand back out. “Rarity… RARITY!!” she exclaimed running toward the nearest phone she could find.

“Twilight, wait a second!” Narukami exclaimed.

“No! I have to!” She quickly grabbed the cordless phone and dialed Rarity’s cell phone number that she had memorized by heart since the last time she arrived at Canterlot high. The phone rang multiple times waiting for someone to answer. “Please… please…”

Eventually, to her surprise, she heard someone answer the phone. “Hello…?” a groggy yet familiar voice answered.

“Oh thank goodness… you’re still there…” Twilight sighed in relief.

“Uh… is this Twilight from class?... I’m sorry but, how did you get this number and… for that matter, what in the world are you doing calling me at midnight?”

“Rarity it’s me! Princess Twilight!”

“W-what!?” Rarity could be heard from everyone in the room. “Oh my goodness, is it really you!?”

“Yeah, it’s me…”

“Oh goodness! I have to tell all the girls about this! Sunset Shimmer--” Rarity paused. “Wait, have you seen Sunset Shimmer!? All she left was a note telling us that she was going back to Equestria and we got worried!”

Twilight smiled. “Don’t worry, she’s fine… She’s in Equestria right now.”

“Oh thank god…” Rarity let out a sigh of relief. “Uh darling, forgive me for asking but where are you calling me from?”

“Oh uh… well funny story. You see I actually met the Twilight of this world…”

There was a pause.

“You’re in her house right now?” she asked.

“Well, actually her lab.”

“Why…??”

“Listen to me Rarity. Bad things have been happening between this world and Equestria. You know about the murder of Carrot Top right?”

“Yes, but she went missing first… Wait, you heard about that??”

“I didn’t just hear about it. A Carrot Top in Equestria was murdered as well. We think that these two cases are linked somehow.”

“Am I the first you’re telling about this?”

“Yes because… we feel like you might be in danger Rarity.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Whatever you do, you have to be careful no matter what. Don’t trust anyone!”

Rarity sighed not knowing how to really respond. “I’ll try to warn the others about this… meet us in front of the school, in the afternoon Twilight.”

“Understood.” Twilight hung up the phone.

“Twilight remember...” Narukami started. “When the image on the midnight channel is fuzzy like that, it means that that person isn’t in that world yet. If the image was clear, that would be a different story.”

“R-right...” Twilight sighed. “I’m sorry for jumping the gun like that, I just got really worried!”

“I understand Twilight. I know how you feel.” They both looked at the other Twilight who was just taking down many notes from her laptop. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing?” the other Twilight asked with a tone of annoyance.

Narukami sighed. “Tomorrow, let’s get some more practice in Twilight.”

Twilight nodded.

“Practice? With what exactly...?” The other Twilight asked.

“You’ll see.”

July 12th, 2012 (Saturday)
Morning
Cloudy

Both Twilights and Narukami were all getting ready to go into the T.V. for Twilight to get some more practice. “Um, is all of this really necessary?” The other Twilight asked.

“If you want to stay alive, then yes.” Narukami answered and turned to Twilight. “Here.” he said handing one of his swords to her. “You won’t have your magic, so you’ll need this for physical attacks.”

“R-right…” Twilight said hesitantly.

Narukami held out another one of his blades out to the other Twilight. “Wait, you expect ME to fight??”

“You’re our back up, alright? Besides, you need to at least have something to protect yourself with.” Narukami said sternly.

The other Twilight sighed and grabbed the blade. “What the hell did I get myself into…?”

“Oh, and you’ll need these.” Twilight said handing the other Twilight a pair of glasses.

“How did you get those?” Narukami asked.

“Oh, Teddie made an extra for me. I guess he thought something might happen to my pair.” She said putting on her glasses.

“Forgive me but, What good do glasses do? Plus I already have a working pair.” The other Twilight said still lost in confusion.

“They’ll help you see better in the other world.” Narukami answered grabbing the other Twilight’s hand. “Now let’s go.”

“W-wait a--” she was cut off as both her and Narukami went through.

Twilight just sighed putting her hand to her face following them.

They all entered falling to the ground; all of them slowly getting back up. “What. Is. This. Place!?!” the other Twilight exclaimed looking around.

“Calm down.” Narukami said. “Let’s go Twilight.”

Twilight nodded and followed Narukami. “Hey wait! Don’t leave me standing here…!” The other Twilight exclaimed quickly following them, but was quickly stopped by Narukami’s hand.

“Stay back.” he turned back to Twilight. “One on One like last time?”

Twilight nodded as a card appeared floating above her hand. “Persona!”

She exclaimed crushing the card in her hand, releasing her persona in front of her. It looked exactly the same as when they were in Equestria.

“Izanagi!”

Narukami exclaimed doing the same thing summoning his own persona. The other Twilight just looked at both persona’s in awe. “Let’s do a little test. How do you counteract a status increase?” He said as his persona used Tarukaja on himself, raising his attack.

“Persona!” Twilight exclaimed as her persona used Dekaja, nullifying the stat change.

Narukami smiled at her. “Good. Now, lower my defense.”

Twilight nodded and had her persona use Tarunda on Narukami. “Persona!” she exclaimed extending her arm, unleashing Agidyne on Narukami as well, causing him to fall back a bit. “How was that?”

“Very good…” he groaned getting to his feet. “You remembered to act quickly when it comes to using stat decreases on your enemy. Stat increases on yourself at the same time might be a little more work, but it’s enough to drive your enemy down. Don’t forget that.” Twilight nodded with a smile. Narukami used Dekunda, nullifying the stat decrease. “How about we test you with a real battle.”

“Huh? A real battle…?”

“Based on what you learned so far, you’re going to fight me for real.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea…?”

“Don’t worry, I have some medicine with me in case we really need it.”

“Alright… then I’m ready.” Twilight said getting into fighting position.

“Then let’s begin.” Yu said doing the same. “Persona!” He exclaimed using Tarukaja on himself.

“Persona!” Twilight exclaimed following with Rakukaja, increasing her own defense. “I won’t hold back just because you’re my friend Yu!” she exclaimed as her persona used Bufudyne, pushing both Izanagi and Narukami back a bit.

“Then I won’t either.” Yu smirked using Tarunda, lowering Twilight’s defense, following it up with a Ziodyne, causing great damage to Twilight knocking her back as well.

Twilight groaned getting back up. “Persona!” She exclaimed using Garudyne against Izanagi, making them both fall back hard. Without hesitation, she then used Dekaja, nullifying Narukami’s attack like when they practiced.

“Change!” Narukami exclaimed as Izanagi disappeared from sight, and a different persona took its place: Black Frost.

“I remember this one.” Twilight said with a determined look on her face. “Persona!” She exclaimed having her persona use Ziodyne on Black frost, knowing full well what would happen if she used an ice or fire attack. They continued fighting, going all out in their battle. Until finally… Twilight fell to the ground panting heavily. “N-no more…” She looked up to see Yu extending his hand to help her up. Still panting heavily, she grabbed his hand, getting back to her feet. “Thanks…”

“You did great. You really are improving quickly.”

“Yeah but you still beat me…”

“Don’t feel so bad, Twilight. I’ve used personas longer than you. I just have more experience that’s all.” he said handing Twilight a medicine.

“Thanks…” she sighed and took it. “I need to get better… I can’t let everyone down if I’m not strong enough to beat this threat…”

“Then let’s start practicing with shadows. And don’t worry, I’ll have your back.”

Twilight nodded. “Alright, I trust you.”

Back in Equestria…

Sunset Shimmer sighed as she stood before the two big doors in front of her.

“Are you alright darling…?” Rarity asked standing next to her.

“No… I’m not alright…!” Sunset let out. “What if she doesn’t forgive me!?”

“I doubt she would be like that dear… after all you’ve changed for the better now.”

“But I never came back. I stole her students crown and element of harmony…!” Sunset felt a hoof on top of her.

“You were her student as well you know…”

“Yeah, and a horrible one…” Sunset started letting tears of guilt and anguish fall.

“I’m here with you, alright…?”

Sunset smiled at Rarity slightly. “Thanks Rarity…” she sighed and looked back at the door. “I came here to make things right again… and that’s just what I’m going to do. But Rarity?”

“Yes dear?”

“Do you think maybe you could go in first? I’m still feeling nervous…”

Rarity nodded and slowly opened the door to Princess Celestia’s room with her magic. Sunset stayed behind her to stay hidden at first, out of fear. Princess Celestia looked a bit surprised to see Rarity. “Rarity? Is something the matter?”

“Well… um…” Rarity stammered. “There’s somepony who would like to see you.”

“Is it the pony standing behind you…?”

“Y-yes…” Rarity answered starting to feel worried herself.

“Who--”

“P-Princess Celestia…” a voice hesitantly said. A voice that rung in Celestia’s head, bringing back many memories. Sunset Shimmer walked up from behind Rarity, keeping her head down.

Celestia’s eyes widened as the sound of a dropped scroll and quill could be heard in the room. “S...Sunset Shimmer…”

“I know that you must have mixed feelings about seeing me here…”

“You could say that…”

“And I know that sorry isn’t even close to enough for you to forgive me for what I’ve done…” Sunset said as the floodgates holding her tears finally burst letting down streams on her face. “But I swear, I want to change for you…” Sunset choked. “I’ve been the absolute worst student you have ever taught, and Twilight really was the better choice… I’m so sorry for hurting so many other ponies… and more importantly, I’m sorry for hurting you…” she closed her eyes hanging her head down again. But quickly opened her eyes feeling the embrace of somepony… she looked to see that it was Celestia holding on to her tight, also in tears.

“Sunset Shimmer… Of course I forgive you…” Celestia sniffled. “I’ve just been waiting so long for you to say those words, I started to lose hope… And it was my fault as well, you can’t take all the blame.”

That was the time to respond. Sunset Shimmer immediately returned the embrace crying more heavily. “No Princess, I was being selfish… All I did was think about gaining more power and I never even focused on friendship at the time…” she sobbed. "All I did in that other world, before Twilight came, was tear everyone else's friendships apart..."

“Yet here you are… asking for a friend to help you.”

Sunset Shimmer looked back to see her friend. “Wait a second… where’d she go?”

“What?” Celestia asked looking around. She let go of Sunset. “Rarity??” They both ran out together to look for the white unicorn. “Where could she have gone?”

“HALT!!” The voice of a guard exclaimed.

“This way!” Sunset Exclaimed running toward the source of the voice, as Celestia followed. Eventually, they spotted one of Celestia’s guards on the ground. “What happened??”

“T-there was a cloaked pony… he was carrying one of Princess Twilight’s friends on his back. I think she was unconscious…”

“Where did he run off to!?” Celestia exclaimed. The guard slowly pointed toward the direction with little strength. “Let’s go!” Sunset nodded and followed. As they ran, they then saw the cloaked pony running as well. “HALT!!”

Of course, he kept on going but at a faster pace. “Get back here you son of a bitch!!” Sunset exclaimed. “Where the hell is he even going??”

“It looks like he’s headed towards the private… No!!”

“What!? What is it!?”

“He’s headed towards the private theater room! How could he possibly know about it though!?”

“Damn it, he’s going to escape through the screen!!”

“Escape through the screen…?” Celestia asked. “You know about what happened??” They ran into the room panting, and he was already gone.

“It’s more complicated than that…” Sunset said still panting, slowly sticking her hoof into the theater screen.

Celestia looked at Sunset wide-eyed. “H-how…?”

“Look, it’s hard to explain, but right now I need to call Twilight and Narukami for help.” Sunset Shimmer started. “Do you think you can teleport both of us to Twilight’s castle?”

“Of course.” Celestia nodded as her horn quickly glowed brightly and in an instant, they were both gone.

Author's Note

College.. College... College... I'M GOING INSANE HERE!!! :flutterrage:

Help... me... :fluttercry: