It had taken longer than Luna would have liked to figure out. It had also taken the considerable combined knowledge and magical talent of Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, and herself to piece together. But Luna was confident that the end result was worth the effort. Finding as more personal, face to face way to communicate across the different realities certainly was at least. For her, and her companions in their new support group of former wrongdoers it will soon mean being able to hold gatherings that include members on the other side of the dimensional divide without the unforseen consequences that crossing envitably brings.
Twilight surveyed the scene in the large bedroom inside her Castle. In the far corner Twilight saw s Discord arranging his bed. It was a large, curtained, king sized bed. Each of the four posts had the head of a different beast. The base of each post was footed with a matching claw. The bed curtain was a subdued yellow color that reminded Twilight of Fluttershy's coat. “No mere coincidence,” Twilight thought to herself. It was not what she considered to be an attractive piece of furniture, but all the same, it made her smile. Twilight could not think of a bed more fitting to the embodiment of chaos and her good friend, Discord. Discord himself looked comfortable as he began to tuck himself in. Twilight continued to take in her surroundings. Luna was making final adjustments to the dimensional mirror and magical apparatus that she and Starlight Glimmer had worked hard to modify for this night. Luna shifted focus to her own bed and began to settle in herself. Nearest her, was Starlight Glimmer, already in bed ready for the evening to start. Twilight trotted to her bedside when she saw the nervous, worried expression on Starlight’s face. “ Relax, Starlight.” Twilight said.
Starlight replied, “but I am so nervous, what if the strain ends up being too great for Luna? What if we got the dimensional cross current calculations wrong?”
“We checked and quintuple checked each other's work on this” reassured Twilight. “Celestia herself and her top ponies all checked our work on getting this to work.” Twilight went on. “Everypony agrees that not only is this safe and it will work, it is safer than going there and risk further destabilizing their world.” Twilight insisted. “Besides, we built in a fail safe, remember? I will be near by just in case something goes wrong to intervene and end the dream.”
Starlight nodded in surrender to Twilight's reassurances. “I suppose you’re right,” she half sighed half yawned. “I am also nervous about what to say when we're there. I feel like everypony has more to say, more to share than I do.” Starlight confessed.
“I can't say I have ever been a part of something like what you three have started here,” said Twilight. “But, having something to share isn't necessarily the point,” Twilight offered with a kind smile,
“We are ready,” Princess Luna interjected. “. Twilight Sparkle, please inform Sunset Shimmer that we are about to begin.” Princess Luna requested.
Conveniently, Spike entered just then with claws full of Twilight's usual study materials.
Twilight took quill and ink from the top of the mound of stuff Spike was carrying with her magic leaving Spike standing there still holding stacks of books, Scrolls, and loose papers. Spike let a hint of annoyance cross his face as he waddled over to the couch where Twilight will be sitting and set the pile on the end table.
Twilight flew up to the top of the portal device and opened the book resting in the top of the mechanism. The magical book immediately glowed and vibrated with s reply.
“We're ready here,” it said in the familiar writing of Sunset Shimmer.
Twilight nodded to Luna and landed back at Spike’s side. She gave Spike a thankful hug and the pair sat on the couch with anticipation. Owlowicious gave a supportive, “whoo” from up above in the rafters.
The room fell silent as Discord and Starlight drifted to sleep. Starlight seemed to fidget in bed still nervous. Discord fell asleep straightaway letting out a soft, yet obnoxious snoring that made Twilight roll her eyes. When Starlight Glimmer finally seemed to be sound asleep, Luna began the spell to tie their dreams together. Twilight energized the portal with a powerful burst of magic. Once the dimensional mirror was fully charged and the portal appeared the white streams of magic shifted color to a more subdued bluish color and two more shot through the portal. Twilight grimaced with concentration as she once again zapped the portal and it shifted color to match Luna's magic.
After she finished, Twilight again took in the sight of the room. Everything seemed to be working just fine. She took a book from the stack Spike brought her and began to read it.
Spike yawned and asked, “Is there anything else I can get you before I turn in?”
“From my number 1 assistant, no. You have helped far more than your share today.” Twilight replied affectionately. “ If I need anything I will ask Owlowicious” she said. “Good night Spike, thanks for your help today”
“Good night Twilight, oh, and you too Owlowicious.” Spike said as he closed the Door behind him and waddled off to bed.
Meanwhile, the shared Dream was finally taking shape. Discord, Starlight Glimmer, and Princess Luna found themselves in the very same room they met in back in Canterlot the first time they met for their support group meeting. Discord immediately making himself at home by rearranging things to his liking. Starlight smiled watching her friend cause dishes and furniture to come alive as he set about preparing the same cucumber sandwiches he so loves to have with his tea.
Discord looked up from his sandwich making at Starlight and said, “You know, you have the same power in this world.”
Luna agreed saying, “Indeed, we each have a measure of control of this shared dream.” Her chair instantly becam a soft medow with a brilliant stary sky overhead.
Starlight Glimmer looked around and asked, “where is Sunset Shimmer and the other Twilight Sparkle? Did it not work?”
Luna comforted, “Fear not, my little pony, I can sense their presence. I believe their dreams are taking longer to manifest themselves than ours are.”
Sunset Shimmer found herself just inside the doorway. She walked in feeling awkward. Perhaps not as awkward as Twilight, who appeared just behind her. To her left sat a large, and regal looking alicorn, who Sunset realized must be Princess Luna.
Luna smiled and greeted the two, “Welcome, friends, to our support group for Reformed individuals. We're all so glad we could find a way for you to join us.”
Twilight Sparkle had never seen anything like any of this. Sunset had explained what was to happen and what to expect, but it still hadn't prepared her. There sitting around a large palacial room was two talking ponies, one was a unicorn with a light purple coat, a dark purple mane with turquoise streaks. The larger pony with both a horn and wings looked vaugly familiar. “Vice Principal Luna?”
“Not exactly” replied Luna. “I am the Luna from The other world. The same world the other Twilight you met is from, the world Sunset Shimmer originated.”
Sunset Shimmer turned to Twilight. “We talked about this. This is how I looked before I came here.” Sunset took a step back and before Twilight’s eyes she turned into a unicorn around the same size of the purple one in the corner.
Twilight stood amazed. She would be scared if she wasn't so curious about all of it.
Luna explained, “Remember, Twilight, I am using my magic to create a shared dream. The five of us are sharing a dream, and so her you can do all sorts of things.”
Twilight grinned thinking about the possibilities. She tried to do what Sunset had done. Twilight suddenly became a unicorn, an exact copy of the Equestrian Twilight before she became an alicorn.
All to soon Twilight reverted back to human form. Twilight shook her head, “that felt wierd.”
“I know” said Sunset Shimmer who had just then appeared human again and putting a hand on Twilight’s shoulder.
“We can all appear human to you if you think you'll be more comfortable.” offered the light purple pony in the corner.
“No, thanks” said Twilight, swallowing some trepidation. “I think I can manage.”she said with a forced smile.
“My name is Starlight Glimmer. I was the pony who was giving the other Twilight a hard time just before you met her.” She said sheepishly. “The strange being over there is our good friend Discord.” Starlight said pointing a hoof at Discord.
Discord, having finished his snack preparations was serving everyone tea and distributing sandwiches amongst everyone, all while riding a unicycle. A copy of Discord appeared in front of Twilight. “My dear, I know this is all a bit much for you to take in. Myself most of all. Please forgive me if I frighten you or boggle your mind over the course of our little get together. I am what one calls a Draconaquus. I am the embodiment of chaos in the pony world. I will explain more about myself as we get started, but please accept my apologies if you find me too disturbing, I can't help myself sometimes.” Discord said in the kindest tone he could muster while his doppelganger finished serving the tea and sandwiches. The two snap back into one and return to the chair where they were seated before Twilight and Sunset arrived. The chair instantly became a mismatched throne that only Luna would recognize.
All five settled in to their seats. Twilight, though clearly becoming more accustomed to her surroundings, still stuck close to Sunset.
Luna began by saying, “We are all here because we have hurt other ponies.” Luna paused looking at Twilight and Sunset, embarrassed corrected, “excuse me, others, in the past. Over 1000 years ago I tried to usurp my sister and plung all of Equestria into an eternal night. My sister did what she must to protect the ponies of Equestria from my jealousy and bitterness and banished me to the moon for the following millennium. Just a few years ago I broke free and once again tried to usurp Celestia and bring about eternal night. The Twilight Sparkle and her friends of our world used the elements of harmony and freed me from my the pain and resentment that plagued me. Since then I have resumed my duties of ruling beside my sister, raising and lowering the moon, and watching over the night. Twilight and her friends have helped me to accept what happened, but Discord, Starlight and I have found it easier to live with when we share our burdens with others who have made similar mistakes.”
“We are very glad you two decided to join us.” Said Starlight. “We want to make this a positive experience for everyone. We know this is a lot for you to take in Twilight, and we will do our best to help you understand.” Starlight Glimmer reassured.
“Thank you everyone. I too could have hurt many people when I recklessly unleashed magical energy upon the human world. Thankfully Sunset Shimmer saved me from myself and reversed what I had done before too much damage had been done.” Said Twilight.
Sunset Shimmer replied, “It wasn't the first time such a thing had happened at Canterlot High. I had done something similar in almost the very same spot. I too was saved from myself. Twilight from the pony world made sure our friends did what they could to help me see a better way.”
Starlight Glimmer sat with a quiet smile on her face. Princess Twilight said she and Sunset Shimmer had a lot in common. She didn't realize how much until now.
“ I suppose my journey has been quite different than you girls.” Discord mused. “My past misdeeds were not really driven by jealousy, hunger for power, or spite. Before my friendship with Fluttershy, I just did what came natural to me and amused me. I was never out to hurt anypony really.”
Luna gave Discord a stern and skeptical look. However let Discord continue.
Discord, sensing other's skepticism continued, “I know that it difficult for some to believe, but try to see things from my point of view. My powers are vast, and anything I do can be undone instantly” Discord demonstrated by snapping twice and turning his trone back to a regular chair and again info his throne. “Few things I ever did was really meant to be malicious, if I hurt ponies it wasn't intentional. I didn't really care then if I did, though.” Discord admitted. “In many ways that is the core of what I have to learn, is how to still be chaotic self and be more considerate about other ponies.” Discord said. “It isn't often easy for me, you know. I have to fight long ingrained habits and often time supress my true nature in order to be a good friend and a more considerate being in Equestria.” Concluded Discord a bit overdramatically.
Sunset Shimmer began, “I for one was completely consumed by the quest for power. I used to be one of Celstia’s top students. Being in that position, you can loose yourself in the drive to succeed. I know someone else who can relate.” Sunset said looking at Twilight.
Twilight sat nervously for a second. “I, uh… Yes, I can.” Twilight stammerd. Sunset put a supportive hand on Twilight's shoulder and Twilight took a deep breath. Twilight began, “Actually, I can say my fall was not due to ambition or jealousy. For me it was more out of reckless curiosity. I was so consumed by trying to understand the magic that Sunset had brought to our world, I was blind to the havoc it was causing.”
“It didn't help that your schoolmates and Dean were pressuring you to use the magic you captured.” Defended Sunset.
Twilight nodded reluctantly, “Yes, that is true. But that is not why I did it. I wanted to know all there was to know about everything. That desire consumed me. I lost sight of who I was and what was important. Despite everyone's comforting words, I must never forget ever again.” Twilight said with grim determination.
“Yes, I too lost myself once.” Added Luna. “I found myself in a spiral of longing, frustration and resentment. My sister Celestia was so beloved by so many, I longed for that kind of recognition. What I did not… no, could not understand then, is that it isn't about what other ponies think of you. Being a Princess in Equestria is about ensuring that our ponies can live safe and happy.” Luna went on. “ I realized that keeping ponies safe at night is why I do this in the first place. Instead I turned the night into the very danger my sister and I strive to sheild them from. I too must never forget. But our world’s Twilight taught me something not long ago.” Luna said focusing on the Twilight in the dream with her. “While we must be mindful of the mistakes that led each of us astray. We must forgive ourselves. We must trust our friends when they reasure us we aren't the same as we were. We must forgive ourselves and focus on doing better now and in the future.”
Twilight smiled at the inspirational words.
“Well, forgiving myself is not a problem I happen to share.” Discord said with poorly concealed impatience. He cleared the tea and sandwiches with a snap since everypony seemed done. Discord continued, “For me, the problem is convincing everypony else I have changed. Twilight…” Discord glanced at the Twilight with them and with a slight bow, “excuse me, the other Twilight, and her friends have finally started to trust and understand me a little. Part of that is that I finally learned my lesson the hard way from Tirek what being a true friend really means. But now that I am a part of life in Ponyville and in Equestria at large, I need to be able to interact with other ponies without causing them to be nervous or even flee.” Discord stated.
“I completely understand.” Said Sunset Shimmer. “I was in much the same position with our classmates at Canterlot High. I know this might not be what you want to hear, but I found the best thing you can do is keep trying. If you keep trying to do right by others others will begin to trust you. Maybe not as soon as you want, but be trustworthy, and others will begin to trust you.” Sunset prescribed.
“I suppose that makes sense” sighed Discord not bothering to hide the dread of the work the suggestion entailed.
Starlight, who had quietly absorbed the discussion up to this point, suddenly felt Twilight's curious gaze.
“What about you Starlight? What do you struggle with since you changed your ways?” Twilight asked, clearly over the strangeness of her surroundings now.
Starlight sensing such a question coming thought a moment and then said, “I suppose, unlike Sunset and Discord, my problem is not other ponies trusting me, but me trusting other ponies.” Starlight shifted in her seat and continued, “You see for me it all began with my fillyhood friendship with a young Colt nammed Sunburst. We were as close as friends could be in those days. After he received his cutiemark, he was wisked off to Canterlot to further his magical studies and I never saw him again. From that day on I never trusted cutiemarks nor other ponies. So you see afer the other Twilight help me to see the light, my struggle has more been with getting myself to trust again. I fought so hard and so long against trusting other ponies, I am not sure how anymore. I still struggle with it, despite Twilight and the others making me feel so welcome. My friendship with Discord here, gives me hope, though. The two of us just get along so well, I don't know how I’d be doing without him.”
Discord blushed at this.
Starlight added, “By the way, I apologize, Twilight, if it seems as if we are all gushing about your doppelganger. We certainly do not mean to be making comparisons or casting her shadow upon you.”
Twilight smiled, looked sideways at Sunset and said, “Its fine, I am used to it.”
Luna stood and said, “I think our time grows short and I like to say one last thing. Let us all thank Discord for coming up with the idea of these little get togethers, and Starlight Glimmer for working so hard to make all of this happen.”
Luna, Sunset, and Twilight all stood and gave Starlight and Discord each thankful hugs.
Twilight said, “I must say I wasn't sure what to expect when Sunset first approached me about doing this. I am so glad I did. Thank you all so much for having me.”
Sunset Shimmer added, “I can't wait to do this again let us know won't you?”
Luna replied, “Of course, This dream sharing technique may become our primary means of communication between our world's in all matters, so you might share with your friends what to expect.”
Sunset and Twilight nodded and walked through the door and into the waking world. Discord and Starlight followed after a moment or two.
Discord awoke first with a loud yawn as he sat up and rubbed his red and yellow eyes. Starlight sat up with a contented smile. Princess Twilight looked up from her book as Princess Luna stirred and stood.
“How did it go?” Twilight asked.
“Wonderfully” the three replied
Author's Note
Once again, special thanks to Falken35