Chapters Prologue: Letters To A Princess
Sunset finished writing in the magical journal her past mentor Princess Celestia had once given her, closing it and sighing with relief. She began thinking, "Things we're going to be different now, for the better. The students at Canterlot High have finally started to warm up to me and I owe it all to you, Twilight."
"You ready or what?" Rainbow Dash asked, cutting her train of thought. Signaling Sunset to come join the others as they prepared to play a new tune for the now, closer than ever Rainbooms.
"Ready!" Sunset replied happily.
Meanwhile on the Other Side of the Mirror.
Twilight stepped through the mirror, almost collapsing on the cold crystal floor.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to that,” Twilight told herself. The journey through the mirror was something she never experienced before, nor did anypony else for the matter. The feeling of being transformed into a completely different specie wasn't something you could just explain, it wasn't painful, it just felt weird. Shortly after, Spike appeared through the mirror. Colliding into Twilight's flank, then onto the floor.
“Talk about an adventure!” Spike exclaimed, cheerfully.
Twilight simply nodded with approval. She then trotted towards the crystal door, opening it with her magic to let her dragon companion out, “Come on Spike, we still got a castle to clean.”
Spike exasperated, dusting himself off, “And just when I thought I could catch a break.”
Twilight giggled. She let Spike walk out of the room and then proceeded to close the door, but before doing so, she looked back at the mirror which was still operating. The glowing portal, now the only light source of the room, made a small, calm, humming sound.
“Goodbye until next time,” Twilight whispered to herself. They we're the last words she told her friends on the other side of the mirror and she meant it. Troubled or not in the future, Twilight will make plans to visit them. They may not be her Ponyville friends she's known for more then a year now but they we're still her friends. She also had to keep an eye on Sunset, not out of suspicion but out of care. "There's something about about her..." Twilight thought to herself. She wasn't sure what, but Sunset had been a reliable source of comfort and information, not to mention the fact that she stood by them as they defeated the sirens. What was up with that anyway? She wanted to think more about it but informing her friends about her arrival was probably better to do first.
Twilight then proceeded to walk down the hall and called out, “Girls! Wait until you hear about my adventures this time.” She heard a faint call from her friends, somewhere in the new and ginormous castle. She still had to get used to that.
Later that Night.
Twilight proceeded walking down the castle halls with a lit candle. She was looking forward to some peace and quiet tonight. Although she does love Pinkie’s parties, they do drain every ounce of energy out of her, and a Welcome Back Home, Congratulations On Defeating The Sirens Party was no exception. After her adventures in the human world she could do with some relaxation, and what better way to relax then a good book. Upon arriving outside the library door, Twilight heard a familiar humming sound, like so, from her earlier arrival. Yet, another sound accompanied the portal, a vibrating like sound? Upon opening the crystal library door, she was met with a single glowing light within the room. The book that stood atop the portal was vibrating and glowing.
“Is the book vibrating? It is,” Answering her own question, Twilight walked towards the book and detached it from the stand and levitated it onto her desk. Sitting down, she opened the book and flipped numerous pages to find its newest entry.
Dear Princess Twilight,
Missing you already, and I hope you'll be back soon. Things are definitely looking up for me here at Canterlot High. But I know I still have a lot to learn about friendship. Hope you don't mind if I write to you for advice when I need it.
Your friend, Sunset Shimmer.
Twilight levitated a quill from her desk and began writing, all the while smiling as she wrote.
Dear Sunset Shimmer,
Meanwhile on the Other Side of the Mirror.
Sunset Shimmer was on her way to bed, closing the bathroom door and walking towards her bedroom, she just finished having a splendid soiree with her friends, as Rarity would put it. As she was approaching her bedroom she heard a vibrating-like sound coming from inside her room. Looking down, she noticed she had her cellphone in hand. The screen was closed and the noise Sunset heard was definitely not coming from it. She opened her bedroom door slowly, as suspicion had but her on alert mode. She found her backpack on the ground, hunched over her desk, glowing and vibrating. She proceeded to find out what was the source of light and sound. She grabbed her bag and emptied it, nothing but the book that Celestia had once given her fell out of her bag.
“Of course, what else could it have been?” Sunset asked herself sarcastically.
Sunset opened the book to find a new entry from... Twilight! She quickly grabbed a pencil from her desk and planted herself on top of her bed. Smiling all the while, she began reading the newest entry from the Princess.
Dear Sunset Shimmer,
Missing you as well and I'm glad to hear that. I would be honored if you wrote to me whenever you required any help. I know one thing for certain, whatever you may have done in your past, it clearly does not define you, because your past is not today. Always keep that in mind, Sunset.
Twilight Sparkle.
"My past does not define me? Because my past is not today?" Sunset thought about those last few words, and how much they mean to her. If her past had taught her anything, is that she had always been in the wrong, knowing that Twilight looked at her now as who she was today and not who she was before brightened her already cheerful mood even more. Tears started to form upon her eyes, she quickly swiped them away and began writing a response. Sunset was glad that she could have someone as amazing as Twilight to call a friend. At least... she hoped the pony princess felt the same way.
Dear Twilight,
Can I call you Twilight?
"Don't you think your stretching it there Sunset?" She thought to herself. She didn't know what to write next and clumsily forgot that the book sends messages as they are written down letter by letter. Words started to magically appear before her.
I would really appreciate it if you did.
"Huh, it's like she's glad I called her by her name and not her title," Sunset thought. She refocused her concentration on the journal which words we're still magically appearing from. It seems the conversation was now live.
To be honest, i'm not used to such a title and even then, I've only recently found out what my role is meant to be as a Princess of Equestria. It's all a bit overwhelming.
[i"]It seems that even the most prestigious ponies can go through troubles of their own," Sunset thought. She finally began writing a response back to the pony princess.
If you ever need a friend to talk to Twilight, always know that i'm only a few scribbles of a word away.
Sunset waited for a response and after a few moments with nothing new written in the journal, she began to worry. "Was I too direct? Should I have offered my help even when i'm still new to this friendship thing? Does she not think of me as a friend?" All these thoughts cluttered the fiery haired girl as she began to get nervous. Then finally, words began to appear before her once more.
It seems that friendship comes naturally to you Sunset. You know what to say when it's needed to be said. Thank you.
Eyes wide, Sunset was taken aback by that response. Was she really that fluent with friendship? All her life as a filly she had always disregarded friendship as something useless, something that only got in the way of her studies.
Memories started to flood her head.
"Personal relationships? Who needs anypony? The most important thing in life is to be the best."
She even disobeyed Celestia's orders at time's.
"I deserve to stand beside you and be your equal... if not your better. Make me a princess!"
When arriving in this world she eventually wen't to the extreme of dividing everyone at Canterlot High. Especially giving a hard time to the people she cared for the most now, back when she first wen't through the mirror.
"Well thank you again, Sunset. I hope you got enough for the story!" Rarity exclaimed, reaching out her hand and shaking Sunset's.
"Believe me... I've got everything I need to know about you," Sunset said, all the while grinning at her new found information. Plans on how to spoil the friendship of the 5 girls that stood in front of her started to form in the back of her mind.
"How can someone like me ever... be a good friend?" Sunset asked herself, saddened by her memories and doubting any logic she had obtained on friendship since the Fall Formal. She was snapped back into reality by new letters forming on the paper in front of her.
Don't ever doubt yourself, Sunset.
Sunset sighed, Twilight must have taken the silence as doubt or something. She began writing a response once more.
It's hard not to sometimes. After all the things I've done to the students here at CHS and all the pain I've possibly caused the ones I left back in Equestria, you start wondering if you could ever be a good friend, let alone a good person... or pony.
Sunset knew that Twilight couldn't relate. They we're opposites, at least that's the way Sunset viewed it. Although, expressing her feelings through the book let out a bit of the stress growing on the matter. She didn't know why but talking to Twilight about this was easier then to talk about it with anyone else. Perhaps, it was because the conversation was shared through what felt like instant messaging, but Sunset knew that messaging any one of the other girls about this wouldn't feel as comforting as messaging Twilight.
There is no denying your negative actions in the past Sunset, you may have hurt some people but what matters the most now is that you are trying to make amends for your past actions. That's what makes you a good person/ pony, and an even better friend.
Sunset smiled, the fact that Twilight stayed realistic but reassuring all the while speaking to Sunset through the journal was comforting, and as much as she wanted to fight what Twilight was saying, she was right. She did hurt people in the past but she was trying to make up for it, and that is something good, perhaps what a good friend does, redeem themselves, hope for forgiveness and make up for mistakes.
Thanks Twilight, you really are the best.
Sunset let out a small yawn, the Battle of the Bands and Pinkie's party took every ounce of energy out of her and sleep was starting to take over her. She rubbed her sleepy eyes to adjust her vision and looked back down to the journal.
What are friends for?
"We're friends? We're friends!" Sunset exclaimed! Even though at that point it felt obvious that they we're at least bonding, it reassured Sunset hearing Twilight say that. All her life she never had anyone to properly call a friend up until last Fall Formal. This felt different however, she felt more attached to Twilight then the others.
You're more than a friend, Twilight.
They wrote deep into the night.
Chapter One: The Friendship Games Aftermath
"And finally, this is the main library," Twilight said, waving her hoof in the air to emphasize the amount of books that stood on each shelves in a tidy and orderly manner. Twilight seemed really proud of the sight. She had been giving a newly reformed Starlight Glimmer a tour of the castle as it only felt necessary since she would be expecting visits from her every now and then after her reformation earlier that same day.
Starlight looked around the library to be caught by a particularly interesting sight. She walked towards what seemed to be a mirror connected to a large amount of mechanics. Something you wouldn't find in your average library.
Twilight smiled and trotted towards the mirror. An idea came to mind, although Twilight could supervise Starlight and monitor her growth on friendship, another mare might be a good fit to teach her the ropes, or perhaps, she may be able to teach many others the value of friendship.
"You may be wondering what this is-"
Before Twilight could finish however, she finally noticed that the portal was not functioning but in it's normal solid state. Twilight gasped in shock. She ran forward and placed her front hoof on the mirror to confirm the obvious. The familiar humming sound and glowing aura of the portal we're also not present.
"Oh no! What happened? Did the connection between the two worlds shut off? How? Why?!" Twilight asked herself as she quickly became panicked.
"Two worlds?" Starlight asked for confirmation, tilting the side of her head in a confused manner.
Then, all of a sudden, the magical journal that stood atop the portal shook violently. In a manner that looked like messages we're being spontaneously received all at once. Twilight and Starlight stood looking at the glowing journal.
"What's that?" Starlight questioned. Observing the book as Twilight quickly detached it. A rather worried look upon her face, she quickly began flipping the contents of the journal with her magic to find numerous unread messages. Relieved somewhat knowing that the connection was still active.
"This is a magical journal which connects to another world, a world where a close friend of mine lives in and by the amount of messages she's been sending me, something must be wrong," Twilight said looking concerned.
Starlight on the other hand, stood there amazed. Although she's learnt countless high level spells and has come in contact with ancient magical artifacts she has never witnessed anything of the sorts before. Flipping numerous pages, Twilight quickly scanned the entries and proceeded to levitate the book back onto it's stand.
"But, why are all these messages being sent now?" Twilight asked herself.
Starlight began thinking to herself before the obvious hit her, if the incident only happened recently then the numerous time travel incidents may have caused a magical imbalance between the two worlds or perhaps, the portal didn't operate like it did here in the other timelines. "It's because of me isn't it?" Starlight asked, although she knew the answer was written all over Twilight's face by then. Starlight was saddened by what her actions might cause in a long term if something bad we're to come of this situation.
Twilight looked nervous to say the least and Starlight noticed the expression on her face. "Don't worry Starlight, i'm more then certain that my friend can take care of herself, it's just..."
"You're worried?" Starlight questioned.
Twilight nodded in agreement. She refocused her attention to the portal which fortunately began re-operating, initiating it's start up process. Purple aura coursed around the many mechanics which eventually struck the mirror with a lightning bolt of magical energy. A loud irritating sound and a blinding white flash later, the portal was functioning as normal.
"Phew, I guess it just needed to boot up," Twilight smiled, relieved once more. Looking back at Starlight she began speaking once more. "I know you may have a lot of questions and i'll tell you everything about this once I return but right now-"
"It's okay, Twilight. However, are you sure you're alright to go right now? I know myself that numerous time travel spells and casting magical blasts at each other isn't exactly energy reserving," Starlight suggested. Small hints of fatigue showed across her face.
Twilight knew herself that she didn't feel at her best but the last thing she wanted was for something to happen to Sunset or any one of her Canterlot High friends. Rest could wait, her friends might need her. "I'm afraid I can't take the risk, Starlight. Just in case something has happened on the other side of the mirror, I need to leave now. It may be best if you get some rest yourself," Twilight suggested.
"I understand, good luck Twilight," Starlight said smiling. Some rest would do her good as adrenaline from her earlier adventures had toned down and she began feeling the effects of exhaustion take over her. The Sun would be setting in a couple of hours anyway, it wouldn't hurt getting to bed early.
Twilight nodded and entered the portal in a hurry. The process of transformation began and ended within a second, a bright flash of multi colored lights filled her sight as she swirled through the portal and before she knew it, she was on the school grounds of Canterlot High. She immediately noticed all her friends sitting on what seemed to be a traditional looking picnic blanket right in front of her.
"I'm so sorry I didn't get here sooner! I didn't get your messages until just now because I was caught in this time travel loop and, honestly, it was the strangest thing that's ever happened to me!" Twilight blurted out rather rapidly. She finally focused her uncontrollable gaze forward to see... herself? Twilight was familiar with the possibility of a doppelganger that resembled herself being present in this world, yet, other then her first encounter with human Pinkie Pie, she never gave it any thought. The living reflection of Twilight slowly waved to her. "Make that the second strangest." The pony turned human said as she was then met with a passionate hug from her left side. She turned to see no other than Sunset.
"You really took your time getting here, didn't you?" Sunset whispered, only being half serious. She was eager to see Twilight again, not only did she have various questions that only felt necessary to ask in person but she was glad to know that her best friend was alright. Concern grew each time she didn't receive a response. Twilight was then met with hugs from all her other 5 friends excluding her doppelganger who was still semi-shocked by the situation, sure she had turned into a she-demon earlier that day and almost destroyed the world she lived in to explore another dimension to do so but seeing a living reflection of herself still felt on another level.
“So what’s the problem?” Twilight asked as they all separated from the hug, Sunset holding on to her a little longer then the others. Twilight didn't protest, in fact, she liked the feeling of Sunset's arms around her, it felt comforting. “I didn’t get a chance to read the messages Sunset sent. Has another ancient villain from Equestria risen again and targeted Canterlot High for world domination?” Twilight asked again, but by the way things we're looking the answer felt more obvious.
“Huh… no. They we're more... personal problems,” Sunset said sheepishly, scratching the back of her head all the while blushing. She felt embarrassed as she literally spammed the princess with messages throughout the day, asking for help on how to maintain the once uncontrollable magic.
“Oh, then what’s the problem, Sunset?” Twilight asked, shifting her gaze to match Sunset’s.
“It’s been resolved, but you’re more then welcomed to stay and join us,” Sunset suggested. With that out of the way, the other girls we’re resuming their picnic outside of Canterlot High by the newly destroyed Wondercolt statue.
Twilight sighed heavily with relief, she was glad that whatever problems we're resolved. She had her fair share of adventures for a while now. “Thanks, I think after all that’s happened in the past couple of hours I would love to just relax,” Twilight stated as she sat herself down next to Sunset. It's then that she noticed her surroundings, or at least, what was missing. As she looked up she noticed a missing Wondercolt statue that usually occupied the top of the portal, from what Twilight could tell it wasn't stolen or removed but possibly blasted off it's usual spot as little as ten percent of the original statue still occupied the base and tiny remnants could be found across the floor near it's structure.
“So what happened? You make it sound like you just saved the world or something,” Rainbow Dash asked. Shooing away Rarity with a half annoyed look as she tried to continue assaulting Rainbow's hair, or at least, that's what Rainbow Dash would describe it as.
"I'd love to tell you all but... what happened here?" Twilight asked in return, turning her back and pointing to where the statue usually stood.
All of her friends shifted their heads to Twilight's doppelganger, who nervously tried to hide behind her folded legs. They proceeded to all look at each other, none of them knowing how to tackle the situation. As the silence grew, so did Twilight's curiosity. After some time Applejack was the one to finally break the growing silence.
"It's a might complicated, sugar cube."
Twilight was about to speak up again until an elevated Pinkie Pie who was dangling upside-down from the base of the once called Wondercolt statue poked her head into Twilight's view.
"Oh! Oh! Pick me! Pick me!" Pinkie asked enthusiastically, arms swinging in the air, defying the laws of physics.
"Um... Okay," Twilight said, wondering how Pinkie hadn't fallen over yet. Until she did. Crashing to the ground as if it we're nothing and quickly getting back up in inhuman speed. She took in a deep breath and no one, not even the author of this story, would have been able to make out the lightning fast words that would have escaped the pink haired menace's mouth. Everyone knew where this was going again after experiencing multiple incidents which resolved over Pinkie's interesting antics. Luckily, Rainbow Dash but her hand over Pinkie's mouth in an attempt to stop her from blurting out her usual shenanigans.
"We're not doing this again, Pinkie." An annoyed looking Rainbow Dash said.
"Aw! But Dashie!" Pinkie whined behind Rainbow Dash's hand.
"No, Pinkie," Rainbow Dash countered.
Pinkie didn't respond, she only exasperated, not pleased, she made her way back to her usual spot on top of the base of the long lost statue that Twilight still didn't get an answer for it's disappearance.
Sunset slid closer to Twilight and whispered, "I'll tell you later, it's sort of a delicate topic at the moment."
Twilight nodded and with that, it seemed that it was her turn to explain her adventures of the day. Before doing so, she felt an emptiness inside her stomach grow which was followed by a embarrassingly loud growl, it was easily described as hunger. After all, she did only have a small breakfast. She was so caught up preparing her morning class and practicing to perfect her speech that she didn't prioritize eating a full meal, and after the events of today, she only had time to herself now.
She felt someone poking her right shoulder and looked to see Fluttershy offering her a plate with a sandwich which she extracted from the group's picnic basket. From what Twilight could tell, It consisted of; cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, onions and cheese.
"Thanks, Fluttershy," Twilight said as she happily accepted it's contents and took a fast, aggressive, large, first bite, which filled her with delight. Upon realizing what just happened and seeing the mixed expressions of her friends, from shock to giggles, her face turned to the color of the tomato that stuck out of her mouth, a bright red. She then tried to cover her face with the sandwich to hide her embarrassment. Sunset couldn't help but giggle herself at the sight and felt her own face start to burn up at the sight of an awkward yet adorable looking Twilight.
Twilight let out a small embarrassed giggle, "S-Sorry, I didn't eat all that much today."
"So... you we're about to tell us what happened back in Equestria," Fluttershy said in her usual delicate and quite tone. Trying to break the awkward situation.
Twilight finished her bite and adjusted her posture, still semi-embarrassed by her actions. "To cut it short, a while ago my Ponyville friends and I met this mare named Starlight Glimmer. She had this ideology to revoke everyone's special talent to ensure everyone was truly equal. It may not sound as bad as it may have been but she forced everyone to believe this way. No one could have embraced their true talents, they weren't themselves. Let alone she forced everybody to be friends. She ultimately fled after everyone decided what they wanted themselves was to be unique like they formerly we're."
Twilight looked around to see that she had everyone of her friends attention, more importantly, a specific lookalike seemed to express great interest in her story. It's then that she noticed Spike's counterpart as well, laying on her lap. "Uncanny," Twilight thought. After reviewing her thoughts once more, Twilight began retelling her story.
"She returned recently with the sole intention to go back in time to reverse a single event which connected all of my friends." Twilight explained.
"I thought only Star Swirl the Bearded was powerful enough to travel back in time." Sunset said. Everyone but the two pony turned humans looked confused from Sunset's statement.
Twilight smiled, it's not everyday somepony or someone expressed the same knowledge in magic and history as herself. "I thought so to and he only achieved to go back 1 week, but by using the magic of the Elements of Harmony stored in my castle she was able to achieve full time travel."
Twilight's doppelganger was amazed by what her ears we're picking up. Who would have guessed a whole other world of vast knowledge, magic and time-traveling ponies was something other then fiction a few hours ago.
The pony turned human continued with her story. "After multiple attempts to stop Starlight Glimmer and a numerous amount of timelines I visited, each one of them looking more dreadful then the last, I was finally able to reason with her. She was too powerful of a unicorn to be sent away so we came to an agreement that I will be supervising and teaching her about the magic of friendship from now on."
Sunset flinched at those last few words.
"Well that sounds wonderful, darling. It's marvelous to hear everything worked out in the end for both of you," Rarity stated. All of their friends started to resume their own conversations after that, some discussing Twilight's story.
Sunset frowned. She felt uncertain about the situation. Twilight already wasn't responding to her messages as often as she would usually. Would this be the decline of their friendship? She always looked up to Twilight as a mentor, a role-model, someone of great importance. Would she only pay attention to this Starlight Glimmer now? "No, of course not. Stop being silly Sunset, Twilight isn't going to forget about you, but... why i'm I so scared?" Sunset asked herself. She looked over to her left to match Twilight's eyes already looking back at her, she had noticed Sunset's change in expression and had a concerned look upon her face.
"You okay, Sunset?" Twilight asked almost whispering.
"Yeah... it's nothing," Sunset said.
But it wasn't and Sunset knew it herself. She debated whether telling Twilight how she felt about the situation but she didn't wan't to come off as jealous or make it out like she's upset either.
"You sure?" Twilight asked again.
Was she jealous? She knew herself that she threw angry tantrums whenever she felt confused or out of place, but jealousy wasn't something Sunset resorted to, even the old Sunset. Twilight would definitely see Sunset differently after that, at least, that's the way Sunset thought about it. She had to make a good impression for Princess Twilight whenever came the opportunity to write to her or the luxury to see her once more. Luxury? Yes, that's what it started to feel like to Sunset. Before she could respond however, she was interrupted by Rainbow Dash announcing something to the group.
"C'mon you guys, let's show Princess Twilight what we've been up to," Rainbow Dash declared in an excited tone. Everyone got up from their spots and started to head towards the school doors. Sunset was relieved for a distraction, but knowing Twilight, she knew that the question would be brought up again. At least this would buy her some time.
As Sunset got up to catch up with her friends, Twilight gave a confused look. Sunset looked back at her fellow Equestrian still sitting down and extended her hand to help her get up.
"You remember our little group called the Rainbooms, right?" Sunset asked while Twilight took her hand.
"Oh yeah, is that what this is about?" Twilight asked in return.
Sunset nodded.
When being helped up by Sunset, a strange feeling of dé·jà vu occurred in Twilight. She gave a dumbfounded expression as she got up on her two legs. Sunset noticed the sudden change.
"What's up?" Sunset asked confused.
"I-It just feels like I've been in this situation before," Twilight said smiling, both of their eyes locked as the lavender skinned girl hands we're still being held by Sunset's own.
"You know, you helping me get up," Twilight said sheepishly. Her cheeks heating up for reasons she didn't know herself.
As Sunset evaluated the situation she found her self giggling in realization, "It seems some things don't change."
Twilight frowned at this, for awhile now Twilight had been thinking just of that and nothing more. Change. Things we're looking great back in Equestria. Twilight couldn't ask for more, but... there was this feeling that she could never get a chance to adjust and it seemed that it recently started to become problematic. Recent events showed her that now, more then ever, things back in Equestria we're going to be different whether she was ready for it or not. It may have started all the way back from her ascension to Alicornhood, to her recent teaching's at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.
Sunset noticed the sudden change in expression after her last statement and wondered if she had said anything wrong. Had she gotten Twilight upset over something she'd done? "Oh no, not even ten minutes since she's arrived and you've already upset her, great job Sunset," Mid-argument with herself she was snapped back into reality as Twilight called her name.
"Sunset, do you ever feel like-"
"Hey! You guys coming or what?" Rainbow Dash asked as she poked her head out of Canterlot High's front doors.
It's then that both, Twilight and Sunset realized that their friends we're expecting them to be in the music room. It's also when they finally realized that they still we're holding each other's hands.
Chapter Two: The Replacement
Now that Twilight's human equivalent was having a closer look at Canterlot High, the environment looked and felt welcoming. It may have had something to do with the fact that every student treated her like a friend earlier, even thought she now knew that those remarks were not directed to herself but a Pony Princess that lived in Equestria that looked just like her. Nevertheless she could see goodhearted students, something that Crystal Prep always seemed to lack in, as well as a welcoming environment, the students were never really the friendliest with her. If they didn't see her as competition then they saw nothing more then a girl with social anxiety, never a fellow colleague nor a friend. She did however, hear a fair share of apologies made by some of them after the events that unfolded earlier today, but it seemed the right decision was to ultimately transfer to Canterlot High.
She didn't feel a hundred percent comfortable leaving a school she's known inside and out for quite the time but it was easier knowing she would have 6 great friends and her dog, Spike, to be there by her side. It was also easier with the fact that they were really open to the idea of letting her join their group called the Rainboom's. Although Twilight never found any use in singing it was something she now found enjoyable. Sunset insisted her to join their little band, she mentioned something on the lines of knowing how it felt to be left out.
She waited patiently by the door for all her new formed friends to enter so they could all proceed to walk together towards the music room. As Rainbow Dash poked her head out to call to her missing equivalent and Sunset, a thought raced through her head, "Although I am leaving behind my investigations on Canterlot High, it wouldn't hurt to ask a couple questions. Would it?" The idea of asking herself or a copy of herself, more or less royalty, felt intimidating.
Sunset and Princess Twilight finally entered through the main doors of Canterlot High, both seemed to share similar expressions of slight distress. "Perhaps, this isn't the best time to ask," Twilight thought, her ever so miniature confidence fading. The last thing she wanted to do was to disturb nor annoy her equivalent.
In unison all of the 8 teenage girls and dog made way to The Rainboom's music room where all their instruments were held. Small conversations between pairs and trios formed on the way as she walked side by side with Fluttershy. She looked back towards her equal and noticed that her expression had changed once more and she now held a smile with amusement, she seemed to be socializing with Rarity about how life had been in Equestria since their last encounter. Excluding her recent adventure.
"Perfect, this is my chance," Twilight told herself as she moved closer towards the pony Princess, slowing her pace so her equivalent could catch up. She waited for a brief pause during their conversation in an attempt to include herself.
"Um, e-excuse me," Twilight said nervously.
The Equestrian equivalent turned towards her and smiled.
"Oh! Hello, i'm sorry, I never properly introduced myself. My name is Twilight Sparkle but... you... already knew that," Princess Twilight said as she chucked. Starting out confident and ending her introduction in an awkward state.
"Yeah, I don't think introductions are in order for this particular situation but out of goodwill. Hi, my name is Twilight Sparkle... too," Twilight said as both of them laughed in unison. It seemed that they got off on a good note. "Um- if you don't mind me asking, Princess, i'm really intrigued in the world you live in. Could you... perhaps... tell me what life is like in your world?" The human equivalent of said Princess asked.
Princess Twilight nodded with a small smile. "Of course, i'd be happy to tell you whatever you'd like to know. Though I do have to ask you for a favor."
Her human equivalent wondered what the Princess could possibly wan't from her, but she desired knowledge, and recent events showed that she would go to great lengths to achieve it, even if she was peer-pressured into it. "Of course, whatever you wan't, Princess Twilight."
"That right there, i'd be much more comfortable if you'd refer to me as a friend then a Princess." The equestrian counterpart quickly responded with a smile.
Sunset snickered as she heard her say that. It seemed that her pen-pal Twilight hadn't changed one bit since their last encounter at the Battle of the Bands. She liked that.
"So, what did you wan't to know?" Princess Twilight continued.
A million possible questions raced through her head, she was asking about a different universe after all. Although, she didn't want to overwhelm her fellow counterpart with multiple questions, so she settled with the most basics of questions. "What differences set our two worlds apart?"
Princess Twilight had to think about it for a moment, besides the obvious differences from hooves to arms, legs, the incredibly difficult to use fingers she still hadn't gotten use to and the whole human body. Both worlds were similar to certain extents but different all at the same time. "Hm... well first and foremost we're ponies where I come from." Twilight said giggling.
"Well... that's interesting, also explains some things I've seen," her counterpart said. Her earlier sightings of the world coming to thought.
Princess Twilight nodded and continued, "It also seems that technology in this world is a suitable replacement for magic from my world."
"Magic, yes! Please tell me more about this." Her counterpart quickly said as she beamed with excitement hearing those words. Bouncing ever so slightly while in an attempt to readjust her glasses. Princess Twilight noticed her excitement and could relate to the girl's desire for learning, she was another version of herself after all.
"In my world, magic has many uses. We even use it raise the-"
"-oof!" Both Twilight's said in unison as they both collided into something, or more specific somebody. They both fell to the ground as well, unaware of their surroundings as they were focused deep into the conversation. They looked up to see a particular blue haired guitar player.
"Sorry, I really do need to watch where- Whoa!" Screamed Flash Sentry as he finally focused his eyes forward to see Twilight, or two Twilight's to be precise. An expression that signified confusion and shock laid upon his face. Flash tried to speak multiple times but all he accomplished was to simply open and close his mouth repeatedly as he tried to comprehend the situation that unfolded in front of him.
Both Twilight's rubbed their backs in slight pain. Rainbow Dash came to Twilight's side to help her friend. The Equestrian equivalent having a seemingly harder time to get up, Sunset came to her side as she saw her struggle to stand on two feet. Twilight grabbed a hold of one of Sunset's hands and pulled her up once more, she now understood Twilight's earlier sense of déjà-vu.
"You okay? You seem a little sluggish," Sunset admitted.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little bit off after everything that's happened, that's all," Twilight said trying to reassure Sunset.
Sunset gave Twilight a concerned look, not completely convinced. The remainder refocused their attention back to the blue haired guitar player that stood in front of them. The look of slight shock still present upon his expression.
"I- uh... Hi," Is all Flash was able to spill out, as his face rose up at the sight of not one, but two Twilight's. All of their friends excluding a confused Twilight, an exasperated Princess equivalent, Sunset, and an annoyed Rainbow Dash that just wanted to play her guitar, gave a light giggle at his reaction.
"Hey, Flash," Princess Twilight said calmly while trying to readjust her balance. Much to everyone's surprise, she didn't seem to express her usual awkward attitude towards the blue haired guitar player.
"Hello," Her doppelganger said shortly after, dusting herself off.
"So, there's like... two of you now, what's up with that?" Flash asked as he scratched the back of his head. Trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
All 8 friends started to look at each other as they tried to understand the question, surely he didn't mean to ask why there was another Twilight? Wasn't it common knowledge by now that the Twilight they knew wasn't present at The Friendship Games. Sure, some of the few students left in the school gave the group certain looks of disbelief as they walked through the halls but what would anybody do in a state of having a lookalike.
"Really? Did no one tell Flash that it was a different Twilight we we're competing against this whole time?" Rainbow Dash asked as she face palmed in realization. Everyone then laughed in unison at the silly situation.
"Well, that makes more sense now, wow, I really feel left out of the loop," Flash said chuckling. He continued, "It was nice seeing you again Twilight and... Twilight," ending awkwardly, he then backpedaled into a locker with his signature smile and fled the scene almost tripping in the process.
"Smooth," Sunset said while shaking her head and smiling.
Princess Twilight turned to Sunset and giggled as her face rose up. Sunset didn't know why but as she met Twilight's gaze she felt an immense feeling of pleasure seeing Twilight smile the way she did, especially since it was towards her. Sunset looked away in an attempt to stop her own face from burning up as well to try to shrug this unfamiliar feeling off.
They all continued to make their way to the music room which now felt like an adventure itself to Princess Twilight. As they finally stopped both Twilight's only seemed to have now noticed the stares from the few students that still resided in the school's building. Seeing two versions of one of the most known girls at Canterlot High was probably a big factor.
The girls started to set up their respected instruments as Twilight made her way to sit on a chair in front of said peers. Spike's counterpart followed behind her, seeing this as the best time to introduce himself.
"Hi there," Spike said, smiling awkwardly.
Twilight flinched. "Huh? You can talk too?" Twilight asked shockingly. Looking down at the her assistant's counterpart. If she had remembered correctly, dogs in this world, just like Equestria, couldn't talk. With the exception of her own assistant when he traveled through the mirror... and the Diamond Dogs that she encountered with her Ponyville friends a while back... point is, she was still shocked.
"Oh, well... when one takes a magical blast to the face I guess anything can happen," Spike said grinning. He then made his way onto Twilight's lap who was surprised by the sudden action of affection but didn't protest.
All the while smiling she started to pet her assistant's counterpart's back as she observed her friends prepare themselves for whatever song they planned to play this time around.
"Do you know you're a dragon where I come from?" Twilight asked smiling. In an attempt to create small talk.
Spike's ears perked up in excitement. "Really? Cool! Can I like, breath fire and stuff?" He asked in amusement.
Twilight nodded as her eye's shifted to her doppelganger and then back to Sunset as she started to remember what Sunset had said earlier regarding the once named Wondercolt statue.
"I'll tell you later, it's sort of a delicate topic at the moment."
But of course, her curiosity had gotten the better of her and she had started to think once more before realizing that an excited Spike stood laying down in front of her. He was still reminiscing the news Twilight had just told him, seeing this as an opportunity to get some answers, Twilight nudged him slightly to get his attention.
"Hey, Spike. Could you possibly... fill me in on whatever happened to the Wondercolt statue?" Twilight asked whispering.
Spike looked back at her and then towards her counterpart nervously, unsure of how to handle the situation. "Um, well you see... You, or more precisely my Twilight, transformed into a raging she-demon and kind of tried to destroy this world to enter ponyland... or whatever you call it," Spike said raising his paw. "But because of your's truly and Sunset over there, she convinced her to stop along with the help of some lasers, wings and gates between parallel universes being ripped apart all at the same time."
"Huh, but what happened to the statue? Where does that come into play?" Twilight asked again.
"Oh... well that got blasted off during the battle," Spike answered awkwardly.
Before she could respond however, she was cut off by Rainbow Dash's alarmingly loud voice.
"Ready?" The rainbow haired girl asked her fellow band. Then in unison liked they practiced, Rainbow Dash began strumming her guitar ferociously signaling the start of the song. Twilight was then caught off guard when she heard her own singing voice lead the song.
"I spent so much time searchin'
Lookin' for somethin' more
Diggin' holes too deep
And opening every door-"
✶ ♥ ☀
The room wen't silent with the final strum of the guitar, signaling the end of the song. Twilight stood there in enjoyment but not surprised, her friends sounded great last time she visited them and today was no exception. She started clapping lightly with amusement, Spike joined her shortly after with the sound of his two paws making minimal noise.
"That sounded great guys! Especially you, Rarity," Spike exclaimed while he bounced off of Twilight's lap and walked forward to the group.
"So what did you think, Twilight?" Sunset asked smiling.
Twilight's immediate answer was yes but she began thinking, for what could be tossed aside as a catchy song and nothing more, Twilight always liked to thoroughly inspect everything, even if it was just a song. She noticed the words that were sung, the emotion that was put behind it and ultimately, what they meant.
"I liked it very much, especially for what it stood for." Princess Twilight responded while she smiled sheepishly back at Sunset.
"Thanks, me and your twin here wrote it ourselves." Sunset said as she wrapped an arm around Twilight's counterpart who also smiled back at Twilight.
Princess Twilight didn't know why but that statement, gesture and seeing Sunset being close to her counterpart gave her an uneasy feeling. "C'mon Twilight, what is wrong with you? Ever since you've entered that portal you've been acting weird, getting these strange feelings... unexplained emotions. Maybe it's best I go home as soon as I get the chance, I'm starting to feel light-headed anyways."
Mid-argument with herself, Rainbow Dash let out a loud yawn and did poorly to cover it up. "I say it's about time I go home, these Friendship Games ain't no picnic."
Rarity nodded in agreement, "I do say, darling, It is getting quite late. The sun should be setting in an hour or so and I do have an order to complete for tomorrow morning,"
"I should be heading back to the city, it takes quite the time to travel on the public bus," Twilight added.
"I better head to the shelter and see if they need some help tucking in any of the animals," Fluttershy continued.
"I reckon Granny Smith will be calling me any minute now and ask where i'm at. So I better be off as well," Applejack said.
"Oh my gosh! I almost forgot! I promised the Cake's I would help them with an order! I'm going to be late!" Pinkie Pie added. She sprinted towards a sitting Princess Twilight and locked her in a tight hug. "It was nice seeing you again, Twilight!" She let go almost a second later sending the princess to the ground, and with the same speed, Pinkie fled out of the door in a rush.
Princess Twilight shook her head as she felt dizzy, it seems that the floor was once again where she laid. She looked up to see Sunset holding out a hand to her once more.
"It seems that you picking me up is becoming an on going gag of some sorts," Twilight said, looking up at Sunset.
"Forget Déjà vu, this is becoming the new normal," Sunset agreed, giggling. She continued, "If you're feeling up to it, you wanna head towards Sugarcube Corner and grab something?" Sunset asked as she scratched the back of her head, her face burning up once more for reasons unknown to her.
Twilight looked away nervously, she was just ready to pack up and head home but Sunset, the one who might as well be causing her these weird feelings just asked if she wanted to go to Sugarcube Corner with her.
Sunset noticed the mixed expression Twilight held and sighed with sadness. "It's okay if you don't, I just thought it be nice if we caught up and-"
"It sounds like a wonderful Idea," Twilight said cutting Sunset off while smiling once more, catching up did sound like a good idea but even then, Twilight couldn't have said no to a sad looking Sunset Shimmer even if she wasn't feeling her best, she could tough it out for the sake of her friend.
"Well we're finished packing up, you guys heading out?" Applejack asked.
It's then that both, Twilight and Sunset realized that they were still holding each other's hands once again.
