What Hurts More

Chapters

Relentless Dreams
Swapping the Focus
What Hurts More
Humility
Memory in the Locker
Nervouscitedness
Alone in the Chamber
Her Story

Relentless Dreams

What Hurts More

Ch. 1

I couldn’t believe my eyes. After months of her absence, Twilight Sparkle came through the mirror. She’s finally back!

“Flash.” Her voice echoed through the air as she spoke. Why did she sound so far away? Twilight was right in front of me, right in front of the portal between her world and mine. She lifts her light-purple arm and her fingers she so awkwardly uses unravel in hopes that I take her hand. But before I get the chance to react, Twilight falls backwards into the mirror. Not taking the chance of losing her again, I reach out to grab her. But I miss.

My hands touch the now sealed portal, unable to reach the one I care about. I pound hard on the glass, practically begging for it to open. In a fit of anger, my shoulder rams hard against the surface. It shatters. And I fall into a black abyss.

A yell escapes my throat before I notice myself sitting upright in my bed.

Another dream.

Another nightmare.

The dim light from the moon lights my small room. A quick glance at the clock tells me the time: 2:47am. Geeze, can’t it be at least 5? Naturally, I begin cracking my knuckles. A habit I do whenever I wake up. I don’t know why I do it but it’s done anyways.

Thinking a late-night snack will do me some good, my legs move from my bed and to the door. The moment I open the door to the hallway, a figure stood at my door. I would be surprised if I didn’t expect it, but this isn’t the first time my mother checked up on me when I woke up screaming from a nightmare. I mean, at least this night I just woke up with a shout.

“Flash,” my mother mumbled, still half asleep, “is everything was okay? I heard you yell.”

“I am fine,” I speak with a smile she can’t see. I wish she would not do this every time I was upset over something. But I guess a mother’s job doesn’t stop, even when I could stand on my own.

“Was it another dream about the girl?”

My mother’s words made me turn my head so I could hide my frown. But the moon’s light was out to get me and shined on my upset face. And when my mom knew something was wrong, she made sure everything was okay before leaving me.

I know she cares. I just hate sharing my feelings sometimes. Sometimes I wish to keep my hurt to myself, like a dog left to lick his wounds.

“Come downstairs with me Flash.” Her words were comforting. She also spoke with a tone that you should not go against. I hesitated, but I still followed my mother downstairs and into the kitchen.

The kitchen switch clicked before the light shooed the darkness away. The brightness stabbed at my eyes for a minute before I could open them comfortably. Once I could see clearly, a plate is presented to me. “I made you your favorite sandwich: peanut butter and banana.”

Mother knows best. Heavy on the stomach and a sweet flavor to compliment. How she made it so quickly I have no idea. But at least I didn’t have to make it this time. Still feeling a slight bit of drowsy in my eyes, I sit down at the round table we have and take a big bite out of my snack.

“So was your dream about that Twilight girl again?”

If there is one thing that is annoys me is when I take a bite of food and then someone asks me a question, expecting an immediate reply. Once I do swallow, I answer a simple, “yes.”

A disappointing sigh escapes my mother. I am not surprised. Every time Twilight is mentioned in my mom’s presence, I expect the same response. “You need to move on from her Flash.” And there it is. And it is not the first time someone said that. Sunset Shimmer at the summer camp we went to a few months back told me to stop asking about Twilight Sparkle. I did tell Sunset that I did move on, but it was an easy lie.

“It’s not that easy Mom,” I mutter before taking another bite.

“You think I don’t know that? I went through many crushes and breakups before I met your father.” Again, something I have heard so many times over. “You will find the right one when the time comes.”

Frustrated, I run my hands through my hair. “Mom, do you know what it is like to have a girl who wears the same face as Twilight, not be the real one you really care about?” I get no response from mom. I know in her lifetime of relationships she didn’t have to deal with two of the same individual. “The Twilight Sparkle I know is in another dimension. The Twilight Sparkle in this world is not the one I… really like…”

I hate to argue with my mother. Usually it involves Dad, and I would not like to have him angry at this hour. “Mom, just… understand that it will take some time to get over her. Please let me sort it out on my own.”

“Alright sweetie.” I am glad Mom is not cutting into the subject too deep. A small kiss meets my cheek before she walks out of the kitchen. “Turn off the lights when you are done. Good night Flash.”

“Goodnight Mom.”

Finally some time alone to myself. But the moment my mother leaves, I realize that I am alone.

Alone…

With no one…

I look at my nearly consumed sandwich with a frown, knowing why I am awake at this time. Why must two Twilights exist?

***

My pestering sister kept bothering me all morning, knowing I was dreaming about Twilight Sparkle. I think my mother told her.

“Haha, Flash can’t get over the magical girl,” she bit at my heels as I made my way to the door with my backpack in hand.

I would argue with Leap Year, but she doesn’t know what heartache is like. Nor would I like her to know what it feels like either. “I am off to school!” I call out into the house. Leap Year covers her ears over my booming voice. Perhaps the most innocent way to get back at my annoying sibling. I look down to her with a smile despite her morning shenanigans. “Have fun today kiddo.” Feeling a little mean, my hand reached for Leap Year’s already made hair and mess it up a little.

“Hey!” she rebels. But it was too late for her to strike back. I was already running.

***

It is a good three miles until I finally arrive to school. Most of the time I get a ride from Mom, but I have been doing this more recently. Mostly to get away from Leap Year and her pestering questions about Twilight Sparkle. But just the thought about the other worldly girl makes me want to be on my own. I like to think about her alone. Even if it poisons my heart.

Such a nice person she is. I miss her. And I do hope she does miss me too.

After an hour of walking, the school was in the clearing. Sun shining brightly in my face, but I don’t mind. It’s giving me something to focus on. I don’t always think about Twilight-

“OOF!”

“AGH!”

Though I should watch where I walk. The blinding light didn’t help me see who was in front of me and I knocked a girl down.

“Sorry, I couldn’t see because of the sun,” I say apologetically, reaching down to help her up.

“It’s fine. I shouldn’t stop in front of people.”

I know that voice. But I know it is not the one that I am fond of. Shading my face from the sun, I see who I knocked down. It was Twilight Sparkle. Her hand gently slides onto mine. With a pull of my arm, Twilight now stands on her own. I watch her brush herself off of anything that may have clung to her clothing. Her neatly done bun seems unharmed in her fall but she adjusts it anyways. “Oh, hey Flash Sentry,” she smiles as she pushes her glasses up with a finger. “Our usual bumping into each other routine has been fulfilled as usual.” Sometimes I think fate has a way of toying with my mind. The other Twilight Sparkle seems to always bump into me when she is around. And now this one does the same thing.

But again, this was not the one I know.

Twilight Sparkle looked around to see if anything she was carrying fell to the ground, but didn’t think so after a few moments. “How are you doing this morning?” I ask.

“Very well,” she replies with a smile. “Though it can be a bit difficult when your glasses cause the sun’s light to glare into your eyes.” Her glasses. A defining feature about this world’s Twilight. Helps remind me not to overreact and think it is other Twilight. “Yourself? You seem a bit tired?”

“Oh, just having a hard time sleeping.”

“What do you do before you go to sleep?” Without asking each other, Twilight and I begin to walk toward the school entrance.

“Well, normally I go to bed right after I eat.”

“And what do you eat?”

“Normally my Mom makes a delicious dinner that is normally fried or spicy.”

“If you are eating greasy or spicy foods before bed, it can not only cause indigestion, but summon up bad thoughts. Even nightmares.”

I guess that is one step to stopping my constant dreaming about Twilight. “Hmm, never knew that.” I shrug with a smile.

“Think of spicy and fatty foods as a metaphor.” Twilight lifts up her finger, now in lecture mode. “Fatty foods can clog up arteries, as they may also clog up your happy thoughts. And the spicy foods, that may cause heartburn in the process, may cause some discomfort as you rest.”

Sometimes, I’ll admit I can be a bit harsh toward my world Twilight. Perhaps my frustration is directed more at fate and not this one. Both Twilight’s are charming in their own way. Probably a lot more than I would like. I laugh a little, adoring Twilight’s insight on foods leading to nightmares. “Thanks for the tip. I’m feeling smarter already. Maybe you should be teaching this school.”

“But before I do that,” Twilight countered, “I need to work on my social skills by learning about friendship. Funny how someone as smart as I am knows nothing about interacting much with people.”

“As far as I can see, you socializing with me with your knowledge of nightmare causing foods is good enough for me.” I wiggled my fingers in front of me, as if what she was saying before was just some ridiculous brain talk.

The light-violet girl let out a giggle, letting me know I have some funny in me. “Thanks. You sure are humorous.”

Just before I reached out an arm to pull her in, my body tenses up. It happens every time we talk. We greet, we discuss, she smiles. She smiles just like her. But this Twilight’s grin is more of a sneer, reminding me again and again who is before me.

The two of us reach the rectangular pillar where the Wonder Colt statue used to be. Now the school just calls it Colt Pillar. This was the place Twilight Sparkle waits for her friends before the bell rings.

Twilight leans against a mirror not facing the sun to hide from it and faces me. “So are you having nightmares after you eat your mother’s food?”

“Sometimes.” Rather not tell her that it is an every night thing.

“And what are your dreams about?”

“Personal matters,” I spit out. I’d rather not start my day by talking about a girl with another girl who happens to be the same girl, but is not really that same girl. “I’d rather not talk about it.”

“Oh, sorry… I didn’t mean to-”

“No no,” I waved a reassuring hand. “You’re just being a good friend is all.” Despite the fact we don’t hang out often. But I don’t think she would argue that we are not. “Remember, you are working on your social skills and friendship abilities.”

Another laugh escaped from Twilight. Even if it is not Twilight, it’s still… Twilight.

Twilight Sparkle let out a depressed sigh. “You are not the only one having a hard time sleeping.”

“Hmm?” Didn’t expect that. “How so? Not eating anything greasy before bed right?”

“No,” she laughed before losing her smile. Taking a gander upwards, Twilight jabbed her finger into the air to where the statue used to be. “My nightmares consist of that.”

“When you destroyed the Wonder Colt statue?”

Invisible weights pull Twilight down and she slumped to the ground. She brought her knees close to her body and wrapped her arms around her legs. I watched with a frown as the girl rested her back against what is now Colt Pillar.

Wanting to help, I take a knee beside her and ask, “Twilight, what’s the matter?” Somehow, helping her now reminds me of the time I prevented other Twilight from being unable to be a candidate for the Fall Formal Princess. Now that I think about it, I do think about her an awful lot… However, she is not important right now. The Twilight before you is in need of some company.

“It’s just… Everytime I come to the school, I wait for my friends here by Colt Pillar here...” Twilight jabbed her thumb at her back support. “...I am reminded of what I have done. How I destroyed the Wonder Colt statue.” I nodded to comply that I was listening. “Everyday is a constant reminder of my wrong doing. And almost every night I sleep, I see… her.”

My brows creased by the vagueness of Twilight’s statement. “Who is ‘her?’” I ask. I know it’s not about other Twilight.

She looked a bit unsure, as if she didn’t want to resume her venting. But I saw determination flare up in her eyes so she can get whatever is on her mind off her chest. “Midnight Sparkle. My dark persona.”

“So it’s evil Twilight Sparkle that worries you, yes?”

“Correct.”

Great, now there are three Twilight Sparkles to think about… “Why does Midnight Sparkle worry you so much?” I ask calmly. “She isn’t real. All she is is a nasty thought.”

Twilight Sparkle’s eyes turned angry at me suddenly. “Oh, she is very real. An evil spirit resonates within me, and I fear she may take over.” Her fingers fiddle with her necklace wrapped around her neck. A small medallion rested at the base of her neck that had a star embedded in it. I remember where she got it. Back at summer camp, one of our camp proctors became consumed by dangerous magic. Thankfully, Twilight and her friends were able to stop her by using their medallions. How they got it, I have no clue.

“I have conquered my fear in using magic,” Twilight resumed. “But my biggest worry is her. The evil Twilight Sparkle. I am worried that she may consume me suddenly and take over.”

Twilight squeezes her legs within her arms grasp, frustrated with her ordeal. And here I thought I had it bad with my nightmares. Apparently I don’t know the meaning of word nightmare. One seems to live inside Twilight.

I try to make an input, but the girl in distress raises a hand to stop any sound that may come from my mouth. She isn’t done talking. Not yet. “Which brings me back to Colt Pillar.” I feel my voice build in my chest, but my lips are shut tight. Only my ears are wide open ready to listen. “Every day! I see the absence of this school’s cherished statue. And I know why. It was me. Every day is a reminder of my act of wrath, power, and the birth of my nightmare.” A massive weight pulled at Twilight’s neck as she looked down to the ground. “You don’t know what it is like to have something you see everyday remind you of your past wrongdoings... What it is like to be reminded of an evil that resonates within you...”

There is a pause in the conversation. Perhaps now I can give my two cents. “You are right. I don’t know what it is like to have a negative past haunt me. But…” I hesitate by going too deep into my own personal problems. I don’t think Twilight would appreciate me telling her that every time I see her, I am filled with some amount of pain because I’m reminded of other Twilight. However, she was down to earth and personal with me. Perhaps I can tell her my nightmares and daily struggles.

“I can relate to you however.” My heart speaks on its own. Maybe now is the time to uproot my problem by talking to the actual root.

“What do you mean?” Twilight’s sadness was quickly replaced with curiosity.

“Hey Twilight! Hey Flash!” A cheery voice interrupted our talk and we both looked up to see Pinkie Pie gazing down at us. “Why the long faces?” Most people would have been bothered by being rudely interrupted by someone. But Pinkie Pie has some type of aura that makes me smile for some reason.

“Oh, just talking about things.” Twilight answered for us both and quickly gathered herself, taking a stand. I do the same. “Sad things- but we are fine now! Hehe.”

“Yeah,” is all I could do to reply. “We wouldn’t want to upset you with our… sad conversation… that is no longer sad now that you are here.”

Pinkie Pie smiled at my compliment, but didn’t shake off the idea that everything was all fine and dandy. “I still think something may be bothering you too,” she spoke suspiciously. “But lucky for you two I have made frownies! Just in case somebody needs one or two.” Reaching into her backpack, Pinkie Pie held a large plastic bag filled with brownies and dangled them before us. “But if you want one,” she sang, “you have to tell me what is wrong. That is the rule of frownies.” Pinkie Pie held up one finger as she spoke this rule. Twilight and I glanced at each other with a strange smile but amused by the fluffy-haired girl.

“So… who want’s some frownies?” Somehow I wasn’t so sure talking about my nightmares with a bystander nearby. I’d rather it be alone with Twilight.

“I’ll have some another time,” I speak up. “I would like to talk to Twilight alone about… our personal matters.” Twilight nodded, still looking interested as to why my troubles relate to her own.

“Alright,” Pinkie Pie sang again, tossing the sweet treat into her bag. “I will be nearby if you want one. But your troubles better not be related to Twilight and you wanting to ask her out.” Pinkie Pie looked at me suspiciously with a smirk, as if to mock me. She did not just say that.

“Pinkie!” Twilight flushed with a glare. “We weren’t talking about that! Remember, we were talking about sad things.”

“But your ‘sad things’ can be related to how Flash Sentry here can likes other Twilight and Sunset Shimmer always tells me that he always asks about other Twilight and she has a hunch that he really really likes her and even though you are this world’s Twilight Sparkle, he can’t like you because you are already in a relationship with-”

I had heard enough. “Hey! Stop while you are ahead Pinkie Pie!” My head lurched forward to the pink rambler and I could feel my fists quiver with frustration as I leer at her. I was probably red in the face in both anger and embarrassment. Suddenly, I realize everyone who heard me was staring with stabbing eyes. Both Twilight and Pinkie Pie looked at me with shock, as if they couldn’t believe that I shouted.

To my horror, I could feel my eyes begin to water. I needed to leave. Quickly. Without another word I walk to the school doors. I heard a voice call for me. It was probably Twilight. But I didn’t care. I needed to hide my face. The doors easily move as I force my way in. I could still feel others looking at my back, wondering what had just happened. Thankfully, there was a crowd of students I can lose myself in. And if nobody cares to follow me, my locker- no! The bathroom! That is a safe place to be.

Weaving through the body of classmates, I manage to get into the nearest bathroom. I nearly slip on the tile floors as I briskly walk through the smelly room. I grab the handle of the nearest stall and I quickly pull. The entire stall shakes and does not grant me access. It’s locked.

“Hey man,” a voice from behind the door. “If ya gotta go, go in the stall next to me man.”

I didn't skip a beat. I moved over to the next stall and the door swung open as I pulled it open. Vacant, my feet pull me inside. I lock the stall before I sit on the toilet seat. Thankfully my pants are not greeted with any liquid residue that may be resting on the surface of my hiding place.

Safe from wandering eyes I let out what I can't hold in. I never knew I could cry in frustration as well as being sad in unison. And with my frustration getting the better of me, my fist swings hard at the stall wall and makes a terrible thud. The stall door rattles as the lock attempts to keep it closed. It does its job well.

“Hey man,” the voice in the other stall speaks again, “havin’ a rough one in there?”

Might as well not leave him hanging. “Yeah,” I choke, straining my emotions so it does not sound like I am crying.

Pinkie Pie, you had to bring that up!

To think she would mention me asking her out! It was an insult. Not to say this Twilight was bad or unattractive. If I could, I might. At the moment, however, Twilight is taken. She now dates that summer camp proctor guy. What was his name..? Why do I care?!

Pinkie Pie and her other friends know I am fond of other Twilight. And she practically mocked me by telling me not to ask Twilight, this world’s Twilight, out. It's as if she is saying other Twilight is out of my reach.

RIIIIIIIIING!

The school bell chimes loudly, indicating school has begun. However, I have not finished my sobbing. Guess I am going to be late for class today...

Swapping the Focus

What Hurts More

Ch. 2

RIIIIIIIIING!

If there is one thing that stresses me more than complicated numbers in math class, it would be the bell to lunch. Because it is a school rule, running indoors is a quick way to get a detention slip. So by obeying this golden rule, I briskly walk to the door before it becomes congested with bodies. Thankfully, the sea of classmates push me out the door almost faster than I would like.

My algebra class is not too far from the kafeteria, but I still envy those whose rooms are practically right next to the place; that always guaranties me the fate of waiting in line. But as I briskly make my way through the halls, there are less students in the way. That made things alot easier. As I see the kafeteria doors wide open, there is a short line that has formed. I almost break into a run so that the snake of people doesn't grow too long before I become apart of it.

Once inside and in line, I can relax and look at what is available. The usual Spanish rice, mashed potato sides are prepared. Some apples, oranges and bananas sit in their own container together; an unmade fruit salad perhaps. However, the special today was fried chicken, and they were looking nice and tasty. Sadly, me and the other students couldn't help ourselves to the lovely meat and can only have two pieces; a lousy amount if you ask me.

After several minutes of waiting, I grab my tray and ask for some fried chicken, a helping of French fries, a banana, and an orange.

As I pay for my food, the smell makes me even hungrier. All the better for me.

Finding a nice seat close to the entrance of the kafeteria, I can now relax. Normally I would hang out with my gang of friends, but there was more of a reason to hustle this lunch: I wanted to make sure Twilight was alright.

Even though our talk this morning ended up with me leaving in a fit, I'm sure she would hope the same for me. Now with my emotions in check, I think I can speak to Twilight about my troubles as well as her own. I just hope Pinkie Pie doesn't make any interjections this time… Her input last time was not necessary.

Five minutes pass. No sign of the girl with a pink stripe in her hair. But the one person who did have pink in her hair, who I also did not want to see, comes into the cafeteria. And to my distaste, she comes my way.

“Hey,” she waved as she sat on the opposite side of me.

I bite hard into my apple and tear with my mouth to indicate I am not happy with her. “Sup,” I mumble with food in my mouth.

Pinkie Pie awkwardly adjusts herself as if she is holding something in. Normally she a smiling, happy girl. But instead, a frown grows on her face. She then takes off her backpack and reaches into it, pulling out her bag “frownies” from earlier. Just as she opens the plastic seal, she speaks, “Sorry about this morning…”

At least she realized what she did was rude. As I swallow my food, Pinkie Pie takes a brownie and bites into it. I noticed the bag was still full from this morning; guess she followed her own rule and had to apologize before enjoying one. “Sometimes I can let my mouth run a little too much,” she continued with her mouth full. Bits of breaded chocolate flung from her lips and I had to shield my food and myself with an arm.

“In more ways than one,” I add before grabbing some fries for myself.

“I just couldn't go the whole day without telling you I was sorry. I can't hold in guilty emotions. It just eats away at me.” Clearly this morning’s event really affected her more than I thought it would. Normally a simple, “sorry, I didn't mean to say that,” would have been fine. Perhaps Pinkie Pie wanted to be sure I knew she was sorry. And the presence of the frownies was a big indicator of that.

“It's all good Pinkie Pie. I forgive you.” What else could I say? I believed her.

A small smile grew on the girl’s face. “Thanks.” Pinkie Pie placed the sack of sweet treats on the table and pushed them in my direction. Our eyes met, knowing exactly what was being implied. “Is there anything on your mind?” the girl asked. “As I remember from this morning, you and Twilight said you were talking about sad things.”

Swallowing what I was chewing on, my arms rest on the table and I look at Pinkie Pie with a neutral stare. I know she is wanting to help, but I couldn’t tell her about Twilight and how I feel when I see her. “Sorry, but this is something I want to speak to Twilight alone about this.”

Thankfully, Pinkie Pie nodded with a smile, understanding how personal my situation is. But what she did next was interesting. She reached into the bag of frownies, took a good amount out of it, and placed them on my tray. “You will need these for later.”

My brow raises with curiosity. “What makes you say that?”

“If you are going to talk to Twilight about sad things, frownies will help make the situation better. Just make sure you eat one when you tell someone what is bothering you.” A dark shadow fell across the pink girl’s face. “Just remember this: I will know if you ate one out of leisure...” In a quick blink, the happy attitude of Pinkie Pie returned. With her business now taken care of, she took the remainder of her chocolate snack and took a stand. “Tell Twilight I said ‘hi!’”

Quickly, Pinkie Pie left skipping away with a happy grin. “Wait! How is she? Is she okay?” But no response was received.

Now that I am left alone to my lunch, I decide to eat quickly. Normally, I would want to enjoy my lunch, but I needed to find Twilight before next class period. As I eat, I realise how concerned for Twilight I am; this world’s Twilight. It’s probably because her face, skin, hair, and probably everything else mimics other Twilight. My gaze looks up, lost in thought about the two. I hated how much I cared about them. And worse…

How I hate seeing my world’s Twilight. She has done nothing wrong to me personally. The girl is sweet, smart, friendly. She is a lot of things some girls at this school are not. But what she does do is physically remind me again and again: I am not the one you cherish. I am not the magical girl you met first. I am not your Twilight Sparkle.

My eyes fall back on my food. Remembering it is there, I continue eating. I wonder how Twilight will take me telling her that just seeing her is the cause of my dreams… I don’t want to hurt her. Why would I?

But she was open to me this morning and trusted me with her thoughts. Perhaps I will tell Twilight she is not personally effecting me. Maybe she will help me cope with the distance between me and the Twilight I miss so much.

Before I know it, my lunch is finished. Everything but the snack Pinkie Pie left for me. Perhaps I should break the rule of frownies just this once. But just as my hand touches one of the chocolate squares, something pecks me in the back of the head. Looking back, the pink girl was sitting by her usual friends. But she was leering at me. Perhaps she does know when the rule of a frownie is about to be broken and must prevent that from happening. A chuckle escapes me and I somehow admire Pinkie Pie’s random attitude. As I remember how Twilight Sparkle is friends with Pinkie Pie, I look to see if she is among her friends.

There is Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, of course, Sunset Shimmer. But no Twilight. Where is she?

Not wanting to just sit around, I stand up with my tray in my hands; wouldn’t want to leave my frownies behind. I might as well ask them where Twilight is and if she is alright. But of course, I wouldn’t want Sunset Shimmer assuming I was talking about her world’s Twilight. I did tell her I was getting over Twilight, but she might think I am regressing. What is worse about Sunset now is her new abilities; she can read minds by simply touching someone.

When we were back at summer camp, I asked her if she got magical powers just like her other friends. Sunset told me she could read minds. Not as amazing as Rainbow Dash’s lightning fast speed or Applejack’s super-human strength. But in a one-on-one conversation, Sunset can easily get the truth out of someone. That is something I didn’t want to happen.

Still, I needed to be a man and face her and her friends to get what I want. Once I did approach them, six pair of eyes met with mine. “Hey Flash,” Rainbow Dash waved at me. “What’s up?”

“Hey everyone,” I spoke to no one in particular. “I noticed Twilight isn’t around.”

“She said she has to do some project for chemistry,” Applejack spoke from the group. “Why do you ask?”

“Probably has to do with what happened this morning,” Rarity assumed and assumed correctly. I could guess Twilight and Pinkie Pie told their friends about my spiel before school. “You left in quite a huff from what I heard.”

“It was something I said…” Pinkie Pie confessed right away. “Though I did say I was sorry and you forgave me.”

“What did you say to Flash?” Sunset Shimmer asked, bringing all the attention to Pinkie Pie. “You obviously said something that upset him.”

“It’s fine now!” I blurt out, not wanting the conversation to get any deeper. “Pinkie Pie and I got it all handled.”

“That’s good at least,” Fluttershy smiled. “I wouldn’t want any of my friends in an argument with each other.”

At the corner of my eye, Pinkie Pie winked at me. Probably glad I got the attention off of her. However, Rainbow Dash was not going to let go of the subject of this morning that easily. “Twilight didn’t tell us much about what you two were talking about.”

“Yeah…” Sunset Shimmer looked at me with curious eyes. “What were you to talking about?”

“Sad things,” Pinkie Pie answered for me; I am glad that she did.

Now I can ask my question. “How is Twilight Sparkle?”

“Which one?” all the girls ask in unison.

I could feel my cheeks go red and I feel ashamed of my own question.

“Oh darling,” Rarity giggled, “you seem to be blushing.” You don’t need to point that out. All the other girls except for Pinkie Pie was looking at me with suspicion. Some of my embarrassment left me as I wondered why Pinkie Pie had a different expression than her friends; she looked like she was thinking.

“So, which one is it?” Sunset Shimmer had her arms folded. But my eyes fell on one of her hand’s exposed fingers. I feared those hands. I used to hold them before with care when I dated her. Now they hold a power that can read my vulnerable thoughts.

“He is wondering if our world’s Twilight is doing okay,” Pinkie Pie blurted out. “Remember, I just said they were talking about sad things.” You are a lifesaver.

“What kind of sad things?” Fluttershy asked with a frown.

“Has Twilight not told you girls anything about her dreams?” I ask. Surely they know their friend has told them about her nightmares. How the absence of the Wondercolt Statue reminded Twilight of her evil “persona.” But all I got was confused stares. Apparently I was wrong.

“Twilight has never told us about her dreams,” Applejack replied as she looked around at her friends, perhaps hoping someone does know of the situation. “Be honest with me Flash.” All eyes were brought to me when Applejack said her statement. “What were you two talkin’ about?”

My eyes quickly glance to Pinkie Pie to see if she had some way of helping me. But even she didn’t know what conversation Twilight and I were having. All she did was stare at me with curious eyes just as the rest of her friends. I’ll try to be vague as possible to prevent them from knowing the truth about how I feel about both Twilights.

And I am sure Twilight wouldn’t mind me talking to her friends about her issue. They are her friends after all.

“We were talking about nightmares.”

“And what prompted that?” Rarity asked.

“Well…” As long as I don’t go into too much detail, I won’t have to worry. “...I have been having nightmares recently and Twilight was giving me advice on how to stop them.” A small chuckle escapes me. “Who knew greasy and spicy foods could cause it.”

Sunset Shimmer faced me with her eyes filled with concern. “What are your dreams about?”

“I… umm…” I can’t say what they were to her. To the others maybe. But not Sunset. “It’s personal.”

“You were probably talking to Twilight about your dream, right?” Rainbow Dash poked, trying to unearth my deep thoughts. But even Twilight doesn’t know what my dreams were about.

“No,” I shook my head honestly. I knew I was not lying to the girls before me, so my conscious won’t take a stab at me for it. Though I was beginning to think that if I stayed here for too long, I might say something I don’t want them knowing. And I know exactly what. “Basically what happened was this morning was that Twilight noticed I was having a hard time sleeping. I told her I was having constant nightmares and she gave me advice as to how to stop them.” All of the girls nodded except for Sunset. She only frowned at me and that was not a good thing. I need to switch the focus on Twilight. “Then she told me about how she was having a hard time sleeping. Twilight Sparkle is having terrible nightmares.”

“What?” Applejack blerted out. “What about?!”

“Dear goodness!” Rarity gasped with a hand at her mouth.

“Oh no!” Fluttershy muttered. “Is she okay?”
“Why has she not told us?!” Rainbow Dash barked at the group.

“So that is the sad stuff you two were talking about,” Pinkie Pie commented as she scratched her chin.

I looked at Sunset Shimmer who seemed to switch her attention to Twilight Sparkle. “That’s… awful…” Sunset frowned and glanced down at her hands. Perhaps the use of the words “terrible nightmares” was a good combination and got the attention off of my shoulders. “What are her nightmares about?”

“I think she needs to tell you all personally,” I say, not thinking I am wrong.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Rainbow Dash spoke in a rallying voice. “Let’s go check on our friend!” The six girls looked like they were ready to move. Perhaps I brought too much attention to Twilight. And as much as I didn’t want to, I needed to shed some light upon myself.

“You shouldn’t do that,” I speak out.

“Why not?” Rainbow Dash argues. “Twilight is our friend, and we will do anything to help her. Wouldn’t you do the same if the other Twilight from Equestria came here and needed help?”

“Yes but…” Rainbow Dash had to bring her up.My heart cramped at the thought of Twilight coming through the mirror in tears in distraught about something. “Of course I would. But this is something Twilight and I started talking about and... “ Think on your feet Flash! “...and I want to be sure she is okay before Twilight decides to be open with you six. I need to see her personally first.”

My words seemed to have gotten to the eager girls and they looked a lot less likely to leave. “Alright,” Applejack spoke for the group. “You go on and check up on our friend.”

“Thanks.” Relieved, I let out a quiet sigh. But Sunset still had her eyes on me, and I could tell she was holding something in. After all, I did date her. I can tell when something is on her mind. But I have to ignore her for and make a move on. I am glad our school has an hour lunch break, which gives me plenty of time to talk to Twilight. Looking to the tray I am still holding onto, I see my frownies. Perhaps Twilight would like some of these.

“Hey Pinkie Pie, do you have a spare plastic bag I can have for these frownies you gave me?”

“Sure!” In one quick motion, she hands me a clear baggie. I place the tray down on the table and start placing the sweet treats in the small bag with haste.

“Hey Flash,” Sunset spoke.

“What’s up?” I ask with a small smile.

“Before you go, I want to ask you something.”

“Sure.” I close the seal on the baggie and hold it in my left hand.

“What were your dreams about?”

“It’s… something I don’t want to talk about…” Not with you. No hard feelings.

Then too my horror, Sunset stood up and reached her hand toward mine. “You can tell me, right?” Suddenly I quickly step back from her grip. No way is she going to read my mind.

Sunset looks at me as if I insulted her. “You do know I care about you, right?” Her words spoke kindness, but her brows creased; something I have not seen for a very long time. And when I see that look, I know exactly what is coming next.

“Yeah, I do know that. But like I said, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“You seem very eager to talk to Twilight about nightmares,” Sunset grumbled with her arms folded. “I am sure you will tell her about yours.”

“Don’t act like I don’t care!” I could tell I was getting loud. In my peripheral, I could tell others were beginning to took at us as Sunset and I argued, her friends included.

“Then let me care about you! Geez, everytime I tried to get a word out of you, you act like this.”

“Because you are trying to force it out of me!”

“Because I care!” Her voice echoed throughout the cafeteria. A voice everyone remembers. Sound was now void.

I knew everyone was now staring at us both, but that didn’t mean anything to me. I need to leave before she tried to get anything out of me. In a quick turn, I make for the door. I almost crush the frownies in my hands in frustration as I walk. But heavy boots thump after me; Sunset was following after me.

“Don’t think you can walk out on me!”

“You wanna bet? I did it once before.” I heard some students snicker while others let out an “ooo” as my words bit hard into Sunset Shimmer. I went a little too far with that one…

“I won’t let you this time!” she shouts back, her voice cracking slightly. I hit a nerve with her and I immediately regret it.

After exiting, I make an immediate left. I can still hear her heavy boots thumping even louder behind me.

I keep turning corners, still hearing Sunset’s steps. After a short while, I reach a hall with a dead end. But that does not stop me from walking to the end of it. Once I reach the wall, I have sealed my fate. My body turns around on its own to face Sunset Shimmer. Her eyes were filled with anger, perhaps because of my quip.

“It’s been a long time since we have been here alone together,” she spoke with her arms crossed. The light above our heads flickers. When Sunset and I were dating, we would always come here if we needed to talk about something. Whether it was an argument or a shoulder was needed to cry on, this was the place to do it. No one came down this way; except those who needed to access their lockers of course.

“Sunset, I’m sorry…” is all I could muster up.

“Geeze, what for?” A lot of things actually. “Are you sorry for not telling me what is wrong? Or for insulting me right before we left the cafeteria?” More than that.

“Sunset, are you sure you want to know about my nightmares?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because they are about Twilight Sparkle. The other Twilight Sparkle.”

I opened the bag of frownies. Never did I think I could eat a sweet snack when I am upset. This won’t end well… I can tell that it won’t

What Hurts More

Ch. 3

A rough sigh escapes Sunset Shimmer as I take a bite out of my frownie. I take a gander around her shoulder to see if Pinkie Pie was nearby to ensure the rule of the frownies has been implemented. But I didn’t see the pink-haired girl around.

“I could have guessed you were thinking about her,” Sunset speaks with disappointment in her voice. I know that is not true, but given that I said I was dreaming of the otherworldly girl, it still bothered Sunset Shimmer no less. After all, I did tell her I was over Twilight. Now I tell her I am dreaming about her. “So what made you relapse? Can’t move on?”

There is no reason for me to be angry with Sunset anymore. It is not because I am giving in to her constant pestering on trying to get me to open up. It’s because I didn’t have a chance to relapse; I never got over Twilight. And I lied to Sunset.

“I can explain why I have not.”

“Really now?” Her brow raised suspiciously as she examined me as I looked at my half-eaten sweet.

My back finds its way to a locker door so I can at least remove some strain from my legs; I have been standing for a while. But I hesitate to speak the truth, yet it must come out. “It’s because… Twilight is here. My dreams are because of her.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that Twilight, the one that goes here…” Pain grips my throat and my heart. I know how close Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer are. How could I tell Sunset that her friend is the cause of my pain?

Easily.

By telling her anyways.

“Everyday...” I start slowly, not wanting to resume. But I still press on, pushing aside my emotions and allowing my mind speak for once. “...I come here, I see Twilight Sparkle. But… she is not the one I know. She is not the first one I met before. I just miss Twilight; the Twilight from your world.” I take the final bite of my frownie, enjoying it with each and every chew.

A finger from Sunset is stabbed at my direction. “You think I don’t miss her?” Less anger was in her eyes and she seemed more calm from before. “Flash, Twilight Sparkle is the one who helped me be the way I am.” Sunset held her right hand on her chest to emphasize how much Twilight meant to her. “No longer am I the hurtful person from before. I admire her! I strive to be more like her.”

“Then why have you told me before to get over her?” I argue. “I like her for what she did to help you and more.”

“Because she has not gotten back to me in so long. Twilight Sparkle is a princess, and a princess obviously has duties to attend to. Even I cannot rely on her presence to make me happy and neither should you. Just be her supporting friend when Twilight does come around.”

That is very true; I wouldn’t doubt being a princess would have its perks and flaws. Perhaps I shouldn’t rely on Twilight being around to make me happy. I was also shocked to hear such advice from Sunset. Very wise and true.

But Sunset Shimmer’s statement made me curious. “What do you mean ‘gotten back to me?’”

A sudden change of body language shifted Sunset, making herself look uncomfortable. Her right arm was crossed over her belly and her left elbow rested on her right hand. “I mean she hasn’t come through the portal in a long time.”

She is hiding something and I do not like that. When Sunset and I used to date, she would always hide something from me despite her previous tough girl attitude. And now she is doing it again, which is making me now frustrated with her. “You’re not telling me something.”

Then, Sunset breaks eye contact with me and brings her left hand to her chin. A sure sign something is being held back. “Tell me about your dreams. What do your dreams consist of?”

I would rather pursue Sunset as she segwayed back to the subject of my dreams, but I didn’t think I can get anything out of her right now. But I will note that she is hiding something.

“Every night is the same dream. I see Twilight Sparkle standing before the portal mirror. She reaches out her hand in hopes that I take it, then falls back into the mirror. I then try to force my way into the portal and end up falling into a black pit.”

I was expecting some form of compassion from Sunset Shimmer, but instead got a gruff response. “Sounds to me that you need her. That’s not a good thing.” She shook her head with disapproval and even I feel pathetic now that I think about it. If Sunset was good at one thing when we were dating is how she made me feel like the bad guy, when it was the complete opposite.

“I can’t help it when I have this world’s Twilight Sparkle constantly reminding me of her. It hurts you know.” My hand reached into the bag of frownies on its own and picks one for me. I guess I really needed to talk about my sad thoughts.

“And if it hurts, then remove the problem! Don’t think about her. Move! On!” Sunset gestured her hands as she spoke her words in front of her, jabbing every finger toward my vicinity.

Is Sunset’s advice worth following? She isn’t wrong. Just the thoughts of Twilight are poison; but I like the poison. As I looked at my frownie, looking at the cracked chocolate caked on one side. A figurative meaning to my fragile emotions perhaps. Despite that, I thought about the times I had with Twilight Sparkle; thinking about the small amount of association we had, yet the connection I felt with her. And every time she and I bumped into each other, Twilight always fell over and… nervously stuttered over her words.

“Sunset, if you want me to move on, then why is Twilight always so happy to see me?”

“Be-cause she misses you. I am sure you would do the same for your friends if you hadn’t seen them for a long time.” She stuttered at the beginning of her sentence. It was small and it may be me overthinking this entire situation, but Sunset seems very defencive about me thinking about Twilight.

“Do you think she likes me?”

Sunset could no longer keep herself still, discomforted by something; our conversation. She keeps slowing rocking her body back and forth as if she was trying to keep herself awake. But Sunset Shimmer was not bored with our talk. In fact, she is well aware of what is being discussed.

“You said you wanted to go check up on Twilight earlier right?” Sunset spoke low. “Why don’t you go do that.”

Now she is beginning to frustrate me as she evaded my question. First I accuse her of hiding something from me and she changes the subject back to me. Then, I ask Sunset if she thinks Twilight Sparkle likes me and she tries to shoo me off like an annoying insect. And that is something I am not going to let by.

“Why are you trying to brush me away? All I asked was a yes or no question.”

“And I am done with this discussion!” Now I know me liking Twilight Sparkle is a negative thing to Sunset Shimmer. If I were to guess, she might be jealous. “Now why don’t you go check up on this world’s Twilight Sparkle and see if she is alright. I am done talking with you.” She then turns around and walked to the end of the hall, facing the white wall that ended the hallway. The light above us flickered rapidly before one of the bulbs went dead.

Before I have a chance to remark to the sudden change in attitude from Sunset, a voice speaks from down the hall. “You don’t have to check up on me.” I look at the end of the hallway to see Twilight Sparkle holding a book tight in her grasp. Slowly, she light-violet girl started to come our way.

“How long have you been listening?” Sunset ordered, her voice sounding… sad.

“I heard enough,” Twilight admitted.

My heart skipped a beat as Twilight spoke her words and I worried she heard what I had to say about her. “So, did you hear what I had to say about you.”

As soon as Twilight was right in front of me, she adjusted her glasses with her thumb, still holding onto her book. She smiled and said, “I did but you don’t have to feel bad for upsetting me. I completely understand why. I am not her. I am someone else.” Twilight’s eyes looked at the back of Sunset Shimmer, wanting to bring her into the conversation. “But Twilight and I are alike and are willing to help her friends, correct?”

“Yeah, you are,” Sunset answered for herself and I. But she refused to turn around to allow Twilight to get a good look at her.

“Yes,” I comment as well, though it may not have been necessary.

“Then I will be the middleman in all this- or rather, middlewoman. Are you two okay with that?”

“Sure…” Sunset mutters. Twilight looks to me and I nod slightly, okay with her intervention.

“So why did you brush off Flash’s question about Twilight Sparkle liking him?” Twilight asked carefully, obviously asking Sunset Shimmer. Finally, she turns around with her arms folded, probably still trying to hold something back. “Why avoid the question and try having Flash just walk off to check up on me? That’s not fair for him to tell you his emotions and you not contributing to his statements.”

“Because I am jealous…” Sunset speaks clearly but low. “I am sick of him coming around asking me, his ex-girlfriend, if Twilight has been around.” She points a sharp finger at me as if she was accusing me of some horrible act. Twilight and I watch as Sunset brings her left index finger to her now quivering lip. Then her hand covers her shameful eyes as she sniffs hard from her nose. My eyes glance at Twilight as she probably has the same frown as I.

“Do you know what hurts more than Flash coming to me asking for Twilight Sparkle?” The girl I used to call girlfriend began to shed rare tears. Because of her hand covering her face, I saw very little of the stream of salt, but enough to know Sunset was crying.

Only once did my eyes even witness Sunset Shimmer having water in her eyes, and that was when she begged for forgiveness in a pit after she tried to control me and the other teens for an otherworldly domination.

“Do you?” Sunset Shimmer asked again as she whimpered. Twilight nor I dared to answer the question because we don’t know “what hurts more.”

“What hurts more than Flash coming to me and asking about Twilight is…” No longer hiding her face, Sunset removes her hand and looks at me with bitterly depressed eyes. “...is how much I blew it…”

Helpless, I watched Sunset clench her eyes tightly as she pressed the salty droplets out of her eyes. My eyes glanced at Twilight for a moment to see her wear a face of worry. I could only imagine how she felt about Sunset Shimmer.

“What do you mean?” Twilight Sparkle asked, taking a few steps forward to the lamenting girl.

When Sunset opened her sad eyes, they pointed hard at me. “You are not the only one with a daily reminder; a reminder that only hurts.”

“Is it me?” I ask.

“Yes,” she nodded slowly. “Everyday I see you, I feel happy. I basically have a schoolgirl crush on you...” I slightly flinch as her words slam into the drums of my ears. “But when you asked for Twilight before, I was always reminded of how much I blew it. I realized too late how lucky I was to have you as a boyfriend. And every! Time! You ask about her is a stabs me in the heart; I tell myself how big of an idiot I was to lose you. That is why I wanted you to get over Twilight Sparkle. Not to try and take you for myself, but to stop my hurt.”

“Are you sure you told him that just to stop your heartache?” Twilight asked, not allowing her to make us feel sorry for her. Too bad I couldn’t help but pity her. “You just contradicted yourself.”

Sunset Shimmer looked at me shyly and twiddled her thumbs with guilt in her eyes. “Like I said, I still have a bit of a crush on you still.” I felt both flustered at frustrated with her. Perhaps a small flame in my heart rekindled a feeling I haven't felt in a long time: love. But at the same time, this hypocrite before me dared to tell me to get over Twilight Sparkle when she couldn’t move on from me.

My hand gripped hard on the plastic bag filled with frownies as sweat enveloped in my palm. Remembering their purpose, I walk toward Sunset Shimmer and reach into the bag. I swirl of emotions crash over me as I approach her. I do feel some amount of pity for her. To want someone for yourself and have yourself belong to that someone. But I was angry with her as well. Her hypocritical attitude made me not trust her as much as I used to. Which side of my heart should I go to? What should I say to her? Does she even deserve a frownie?

With the bag in my fist, I hold out the bag of chocolate sweets to Sunset Shimmer. Despite my anger with her, I still sympathise with her more. Perhaps I am a fool to not be outraged. “Take one,” I say comfortably. “They are frownies.”

A silly grin grew on Sunset’s face as she wiped her tears with an arm. Taking them from my hand, she reaches into the plastic bag and takes out one. “Did you make these?”

“Pinkie Pie made them,” Twilight answered. My head turned to see her smiling at my kindness. “I am surprised you are not furious with Sunset.”

I look back at Sunset to see her eating a frownie that has nearly been finished. “I’ll admit, it is a little frustrating to hear you say one thing and do exactly what you told me not to do.” My words come out low and deep to emphasize my attitude, not condoning Sunset’s action. “But I do understand what it is like to have a daily reminder cause you pain.” Looking at Twilight Sparkle, I see her still clenching her book tightly. “Don’t we, Twilight?”

“What do you mean?” Sunset Shimmer asked, as she stepped forward.

“I think Twilight should tell you.” The light-purple girl squeezed hard onto her book, trying to shield herself from us. But that only emphasized that something was wrong. “I told your friends that you and I were talking about nightmares this morning before I wanted to come and check on you. Of course, Sunset and I got in a bit of an argument before I had the chance.”

“Are they worried?” Twilight asked shyly.

“Of course we are.” Sunset Shimmer walked forward to Twilight Sparkle. “What are your nightmares about?”

***

“I thought you were no longer afraid of Midnight Sparkle,” Sunset Shimmer spoke.

“Remember the theme to all of our problems: daily reminders,” Twilight Sparkle replied.

Sunset, Twilight and I sat on the ground on the wall, discussing Twilight’s constant nightmares. We occasionally brought up my dreams and Sunset’s hypocritical attitude to try and pinpoint our problem. The bag of frownies have been completely consumed to my disappointment. But they served their purpose and no one was angry with anyone.

With no more sadness to be shed, the three of us were now frustrated. We now knew our problems, but had no solution.

“Any ideas as to how to solve our dilemma?” Twilight asked Sunset and I. But we both shook our heads.

“I wonder if Twilight would know what to do,” I say. But I quickly correct myself and look at Sunset Shimmer. “Not to get you upset, I just-”

“Don’t worry,” Sunset interrupted. “I wonder that as well.”

RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!

The sound of the bell startled us. It ripped through the quiet air as the girls and I sat alone in the hallway. “Guess that is our time to go,” I say, standing up. I turn around and reach out both of my hands to help Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer onto their feet.

“Such a gentleman,” Twilight giggled. If this world’s Twilight was not in a relationship, I might have blushed.

“Why do you think I dated him?” Sunset smirked.

I thought about what had just been said and I looked at her. “So Sunset, you have no way to contact Twilight Sparkle? She may have an answer to our reminders.”

“Sorry I don’t…,” she answered. Her answer led to Sunset frowning and Twilight looking at her suspiciously.

I guess we won’t know if she does have the answer we three are looking for. “Then why don’t we hang out after school. Like old times. We should talk more about what goes through our heads.” Despite everything that had just happened, I still want to be sure Sunset is feeling well after today.

“Oh- sure.” Sunset Shimmer looked around nervously. “You remember I still have that crush on you.”

I shrug, “Who’s there to stop you? Perhaps you are right. Maybe I should get over Twilight and move on.” I begin to hate myself as the words leave my mouth and felt weak. Allowing myself to fallback on Sunset Shimmer after she told me she has crush on me. How pathetic have I become? Perhaps I am desperate for a relationship.

“N-no no, you don’t have to for my sake.”

“How come?”

In one quick motion, Sunset Shimmer grabbed Twilight Sparkle’s wrist and pulled her away from me. “Let’s go Twilight.” The light-violet girl yelped as Sunset yanked her down the hall. Twilight began swearing complex words I have no understanding of nor knew of their existence as she was dragged.

What in the world happened?

***

RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!

A sigh of relief escaped me, glad my language arts class is finished. If there is one thing that confused me about that class is how many years I have to take of it. If I already know how to right, then why must we know punctuation and other nonsense. Ironic how high school graduation requirements make students take one year of Spanish, but four years are needed on how to use the English language properly.

Whoever decides to take a liking to writing is insane.

After I reach my locker and open it, I toss in the heavy books I have been lugging around into it. All I needed was guitar. A few days ago I left my lovely instrument in the locker for music class and it is the only homework that I want to get done tonight; everything is due Monday, so no need to take my books home.

“OOF!” A body bumps into my back and my forehead bumps into a screwhead. The pain shoots through my brain and I now have a headache. But I know who bumped into me.

“Interesting to see you here,” I say as I remove my head from the locker. Sure enough, I saw Twilight Sparkle standing behind me.

She gasped in shock at the sight of me. “Your forehead! It’s bleeding! I’m so sorry!” My hand naturally gravitated to my forehead and I wiped at it. Sure enough, there was some blood, but barely any. “Here, let me get you an antibacterial wipe!”

But before Twilight Sparkle could reach into her bag, I shook my head with a smile. “It is just a scratch.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

Convinced, Twilight Sparkle nodded. “So how are you feeling?”

“Good.” I turn my attention back to my locker. “Just grabbing my guitar.”

“Then you are going to be feeling better because I have a surprise for you.”

Just before my hand reaches my instrument, it freezes at Twilight’s words. “Is that so?” I didn’t feel that the surprise was going to be that surprising, so my reaction was not so… surprised. “You bring more frownies from Pinkie Pi-”

Someone bumps into my back and my face hits that same blasted screw head, cutting me a second time. And I know Twilight was the perpetrator. “Twilight, I have heard of first time’s a charm. But as for a second time, you should be able to be more careful.”

“S-sorry, you know how clumsy I can be, hehe…” She is acting strange all of a sudden. “You know me- The silly princess. Always bumping into you. Here.” Any pain I felt in my head before left me in an instant. I didn’t want to look back because I was afraid I was dreaming. That I fell asleep in language arts because of the boring Shakespeare discussion. But I remember the entire lecture. Slowly, I turn my head and see Twilight Sparkle, her bun nicely wrapped behind her head and glasses firmly placed on her face. But to her left, another girl exactly like her stood shyly, twirling a finger in her long hair.

There was no doubt about it. This is her. This is the Twilight Sparkle I bumped into one year ago.

I couldn’t believe it, nor could I contain my emotions. “Twilight!” My arms open up to her, hoping she would come in for a hug. But I didn’t expect her to jump at the sight of my affection. Her body lunged forward, arms wide ready to embrace me. She wrapped her arms tightly around my body and I held her not as hard.

“I missed you,” I whisper. Twilight head rested nicely against my chest and I wondered if she could hear my pounding heart.

“Me too.” A hand rubbed my back, a sure sign she felt the same way. My eyes see the other Twilight smiling brightly at Twilight and I, perhaps glad to see the reunion. “Sunset Shimmer told me you missed me a lot.”

Interesting you would mention her. “What do you mean?” Feeling our reunion has been well celebrated enough, I break contact with Twilight.

“Well, Sunset Shimmer just contacted me and told me she, you and Twilight had some friendship issue. So, here I am!” Despite her enthusiasm to help, I was more shocked to hear what the princess had to say.

“Exactly how did she contact you?” While the princess still had her happy attitude, my world’s Twilight Sparkle looked a bit uneasy.

“Well,” the otherworldly girl began, “Sunset Shimmer has this journal she can write into and it delivers a message directly to another one that I possess.

“Is that so…”

“Is there something wrong with that?” Twilight frowned at me.

“Yes…”

Humility

What Hurts More

Ch. 4

Normally if Twilight would have come through the portal, I would want to spend the rest of the day to talk with her. However, Sunset Shimmer had some explaining to do.

“Where is Sunset Shimmer?” I ask my world’s Twilight.

“She is getting Pinkie Pie. Said she needed her before… explaining things to you.”

The princess looked between Twilight and I, lost in translation. “Explain what?”

“To explain how wrong I am…” Despite my current frustration with her, I was glad to see Sunset Shimmer come to me and be the adult. Pinkie Pie stood beside her with a large bag of brownies. “Hey Twilight,” Sunset greeted with a friendly wave. “Glad you came.”

My arms folded and my ears waited for Sunset to “explain” herself. In my peripheral, Twilight Sparkle, the one who came to help, looked at everyone with curiosity.

“So what is going on?” the princess asked. “Everypo- umm, -body here looks so tense.” I guess Sunset Shimmer didn’t tell her everything and that is why she looks so concerned. My mouth opens, but Sunset Shimmer holds out a hand to stop me from speaking. I hold my tongue so I can hear her “explain.”

“You are here for many reasons,” Sunset Shimmer began. Pinkie Pie tapped her on the shoulder and handed the girl a brownie; probably a frownie considering the situation at hand. After taking the sweet, Sunset resumed, “First, I want to apologize to you Flash Sentry.”

“Is that-”

“Please, let me finish.” She shot me a bit of a glare to get me to stop. Something inside me wanted to argue, but for Twilight’s sake and for those around me, I held my breath.

“Why do you need to apologize? Especially in front of all of us?” The princess clearly wanted to help defuse what she didn’t know, and I could tell she was desperate to not let the issue ruin any friendships.

“Humility. To show everyone how wrong I have been,” Sunset answered as Pinkie Pie nodded after hearing the statement. “For the longest time, Flash here always came asking me and the others how you were and if you were around.”

Pink blush bled onto the otherworldly girl’s cheeks and she turned to look at me. My heart started to race as I was thrown under the spotlight. Neither of us spoke, but I could not deny the truth. I did come around quite often and ask for her. And when Sunset told Twilight I come around often, asking for her, I feel pathetic. And desperate.

“He does?” Twilight finally spoke, looking at me with shining eyes. Peering into her lavender eyes, I saw them sparkle like the twilight sky. A fitting name she has.

“Yeah,” Sunset resumed. “But I never told him he could contact you through the journal I have.” Reaching into her bag, Sunset Shimmer pulled out a large book with a massive sun on the cover. Age made the book look old and worn, but the image of a bright star on the front made it clear that the book before me had something more than paper. “I know that he cares about you and… I was too selfish to let him use it…”

The twinkling in Twilight’s eyes were now long gone and she stared with disbelief. “Why..?” Her voice was quiet, yet everyone heard the one word that was spoken.

“Because I was jealous… I was the one who told Flash to move on from you because of you being a princess in all. I tried to convince myself I was right with telling him that so… I could have a chance with him again...” There were no tears to be shed. Perhaps Sunset Shimmer cried all of her tears from earlier today. But she did have a look of guilt and that is something I wanted to see. Not because I wanted to see everyone get on her case, but because Sunset was doing the right thing.

Slowly, the yellow girl took a bite out of her frownie. Pinkie Pie touched her shoulder and looked at myself and both Twilights. “She is really, really sorry,” Pinkie Pie speaks, perhaps allowing Sunset Shimmer to be to herself now. “She told me she has been thinking about this all day and has realized she was not right at all.”

“I waff the one who couldn’t moof on,” Sunset mumbled as she still had bits of chocolate in her mouth. Her eyes met with mine with defeat in her vision. She swallowed and said, “I’m sorry Flash Sentry… I’m sorry Twilight.”

The princess looked at me with a frown, not wanting to believe what was being told to her. But the truth can be a bit hard to swallow, even to those who are listening. As much as I wanted to speak, my voice was not found. Despite the secret that was being held from me, I couldn’t help but feel bad for Sunset Shimmer. She placed her heart out for all of us to see. And for that, I commend Sunset.

“It must be hard for you to not be jealous,” Twilight commented. But it was my world’s Twilight who spoke. “I don’t know what heartache is like, though I could understand that it does hurt.” Twilight looked to me with a neutral stare. “It is up to you to forgive her.”

“Of course I do,” I respond instinctively. “But I want to ask you this Sunset Shimmer…” Her eyes met with mine, locked and unwilling to move. “Did you ask Twilight to come here for me or yourself?”

“Both actually.” The response caused everyone glance at one another, curious as to what she meant. “I did it for you because your happiness is important to me. If I care about you, than I should consider your emotions as well. As for myself, well… it is better to put you out of reach if I want to move on.”

“It must have been hard for you to say all this,” the princess finally spoke. “I should be upset with you…” A smile grew on Twilight Sparkle’s face. “...but I am glad for your honesty.” She walked toward Sunset Shimmer and gave her a hug. The two girls held each other for a short moment as Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and I looked at each other with smiles. Twilight then whispered something into Sunset’s ear before stepping away. What she said, I have no idea. Though I did notice Twilight was looking away from me for some reason.

“So with that out of the way, did we solve our friendship problem?” Twilight Sparkle asked with a smile.

“I think so,” Sunset Shimmer replies.

“Yeah,” I respond.

“Then what am I going to do with all of these frownies!?” Pinkie Pie whined out loud, gesturing to the large bag of brownies. The frustrated girl stabbed a finger at Sunset Shimmer. “You said there was a big friendship problem.”

“I guess the issue has been solved.” Sunset shrugs as she looks at me and I smile back. I guess there is no more issues. But in my peripheral, I see the princess by my side. She may not be an issue, but there are some things that need to be said to her.

“No no no! You know what Twilight, I have a special friendship problem for you. I made special frownies for us to eat so we can talk about our sadness. But now they are not going to go to waste!” Pinkie Pie folded her arms in frustration now that the conclusion of our problems were now concluded.

“Actually, there still is something wrong…” The not-so-otherworldly Twilight Sparkle took every eye including my own and we looked to her.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked her identical self.

“Flash and I were all having nightmares based on constant daily reminders.”

I gasp, remembering the root of the entire issue the two of us were having. “That is right.”

“I wasn’t having nightmares,” Sunset inputted. “But I did have a daily reminder that was causing a living nightmare.” I had to avoid eye contact with her to prevent myself on making an input.

“Yes!” Pinkie Pie wooted. The pink girl corrected herself and said, “I mean… oh no! A friendship problem! Good thing I have these frownies to help us get through this time of need!” Despite her sarcastic attitude, all five of us laughed at her statement.

“Perhaps there is still more to be discussed,” I say to the group. “Is there any place we can all go so we can hang out and talk about all this? I am sure we can all enjoy some frownies while we talk about these dreams and reminders.”

The princess was the first to respond, “How about we go to my world?”

Author's Note

For those who are continuously reading and enjoying this story, I thank you for that. However, this story has been not so well received as much as my other stories and that is concerning me. My roommate does read my stories, and this one made him cry. :raritydespair:

Despite that, this story has me worried that I am not doing a good enough job on it. Probably the criticism is getting to me and I should ignore it. But then again, I prefer it because it shows how much I need to improve on my writing . I just would like to know what I am doing wrong if there is any possible feedback that I could take, be it negative or positive.

This story is driving me crazy and I need to know what is wrong. I hope I am not overreacting...

Thanks.

Freak out.

Memory in the Locker

What Hurts More

Ch. 5

“Ooo!” Pinkie Pie reacted with glee. “That sounds like fun!” She placed her frownies in her backpack, eager to get a move on.

“I wouldn't mind going,” my world’s Twilight imputed. “It would be nice to see my other self’s estate.”

The suggestion was a good one and I too was curious as to what Twilight’s world looked like. “So what should we expect in your world?” I ask the princess.

“Well for starters, you might not be yourself when you enter,” the princess pointed at me.

That was not the response I was expecting, but then again, she comes from another world. She could have said anything, really. “I guess I will find out.”

So far everyone, including myself, was on board with going to Twilight’s magical world. That is, except for Sunset Shimmer. “I guess I can come…” She stared at the ground unsure about the suggestion in going to another dimension. “But will I be welcomed back Twilight?”

My eyes looked to the princess in hopes to be informed on what Sunset Shimmer meant. Even Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle were curious as well as I was. “Are you worried Princess Celestia won't want you to come back?” the princess asked Sunset.

“WHAT!?” Pinkie Pie screamed, flabbergasted at what she had just heard. My ears began to ring loudly at the girl’s sudden outburst. Despite my now hurt ears, I was shocked to hear what Twilight had to say. “Your world’s Celestia is a princess?!”

“Yeah,” Sunset responded. “Kinda funny how this world’s Celestia is a principal and the Equestira equivalent raises the sun.”

“WHAT?!” Pinkie Pie screamed yet again. “She does?!”

“You don't have to shout…” I grumble with my head now hurting again; this time due to loud noises and not a blunt strike to the head.

“Sorry…” The pink girl reached behind her and received a frownie. “I have a hard time having an indoor voice…” She then took a small bite from the treat.

My world’s Twilight slightly chuckled before attempting to speak; probably laughing at Pinkie Pie’s fluctuating attitude. “That sounds interesting how both Celestias are leaders in different aspects.” That was surly interesting.

“But anyways,” Sunset Shimmer interjected, wanting to get back to the subject at hand, “yes, I am afraid of her not wanting me to return to Equestira.”

I was about to make an input and ask why she would not be wanted in her own world, but decided against it. She probably did something a while back that may not have went well with her people.

“Well trust me when I say that she does miss you,” Twilight smiles.

“S-she does?” Sunset looked at the princess with a smile that could not be false. “Then…” Her eyes shied away. “...I guess I can come too.”

“Great!” Looking to everyone, Twilight speaks to us all, “Then let's go.”

Just as everyone was about to leave, I say, “Hold on, let me grab my guitar.” Turning to face my still open locker, I pull out the wooden instrument and put my arm through the leather strap. It may not be as amazing as my electric guitar, but this one does well without the use of power.

“Taking that along to impress us with your musical talent?” the princess asks from behind me.

After putting my guitar on my back, I turn to her and say with a smirk, “Maybe. But I also need it for homework.” I notice the others have stopped and waited for me.

“Do you have any other assignments that you need to do?”

“Just some physics, trigonometry, and language arts. But that stuff is due on Monday.” I watched Twilight Sparkle’s eyes light up at the sound of my words.

“I love all of that! Bring it with us! I can help you with it!” Despite her enthusiasm on assisting me with my homework, I did not want to lug those heavy books around.

“No way! I am coming to your world to talk about dreams, not Newton's Laws,” I laugh ready to close my locker.

But that didn’t stop Twilight from pushing me aside so she can rummage through my belongings. “Nope. I am not going to have my friend put off homework for another time.” Her voice echoed in my locker as she spoke to me. The three girls who waited for Twilight and I giggled at me while I helplessly let the princess have her royal treatment with my belongings. I could feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

“Hey Flash.” Twilight’s voice echoed quietly, finished going through my locker.

“What’s up?” I ask looking see if she had all of my books in her hand. But instead she pointed to a picture taped to the metal wall. It was the picture from last year’s Fall Formal with Twilight and I. She was fitted in a bright pink dress while I wore the typical black tuxedo that fits almost every formal occasion. I flushed brightly forgetting that it was even there, let alone having her see it. But it was not the picture that was embarrassing; it was what I wrote on it in small lettering in the bottom right corner:

The best night with the best princess.

“Am I really the best princess?” she asked, her eyes shining like her name again and with blush that complimented her light-purple face. Aside from Sunset Shimmer trying to take over Twilight’s world, I really did find the best princess that night. Not just the Fall Formal Princess, but the Equestira one as well.

Mustering up a smile, I try to speak. But I have a hard time finding the words as three other girls spectate Twilight and I with grins and giggles. “It’s not everyday a princess allows you to dance with her you know.”

Reaching into my locker, Twilight Sparkle picks up the three books for my three homework assignments. “It is a little more common in my world,” she chuckles. “After all, there are four princesses in my world. Them being Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, and myself.”

“WHAT!?” both Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle shriek as they listen in on our conversation. The princess, Sunset Shimmer, and I look at the two uproaring girls with irritated stares. The not-so-princess Twilight Sparkle gestures a hand to Pinkie Pie. The curly-haired girl broke off a piece of her frownie, giving it to Twilight Sparkle.

Nervouscitedness

What Hurts More

Ch. 5

Having my textbooks weighing me down, I somehow regret having Princess Twilight Sparkle grace me with her presence and then tell me to do my homework. Not only did I have to carry several hundred pages packed into boring subjects, my guitar was beginning to slip off of my shoulder. But being the better man, I choose not to ask one of the girls for my help. Guys are supposed to be the ones carrying their things.

I walked beside the otherworldly girl while the other Twilight Sparkle was on the other side of the group next to Pinkie Pie. Sunset Shimmer stood in the middle and was walking just a few feet ahead of us, leading the group toward the portal of hers and Twilight’s world.

“Ooooo!” Pinkie Pie squealed with joy, unable to contain herself. “I’m so nervouscited!” Looking to everyone else, she asked us, “Aren’t you?”

“I’ll be honest,” Sunset Shimmer rubbed her shoulder, “it will be nice to come back to Equestria.” Her body began to rumble as we all came into view of Colt Pillar; perhaps she was more “nervouscited” than Pinkie Pie. “I wonder if I can still use my unicorn magic as much as I did before. It’s been awhile since I have been a pony.”

My body froze the instant I heard Sunset Shimmer say “unicorn magic”; I nearly drop my books from shock. A unicorn?! Like, a horse?! No, a pony?! She did say that, right? I knew Twilight, Sunset, and the others used Equestrian Magic, but I never thought it would be… pony magic? My assumption was that their magic was from a powerful horse or something like that. My mind tried to picture Sunset as a unicorn, and all that went to mind was something out of my sister’s storybooks; tall, long, wavy mane, pointy horn. After taking a few steps ahead of me, the four girls turned to face me. “What’s the matter Flash?” Princess Twilight asked, noticing my surprised face.

“J-just getting a better hold of these books,” I lie terribly with an even more fake smile. “Yup, just… adjusting myself.” Shuffling myself as I say “adjusting myself,” I try to make the books seem like they are loosening from my grip.

With her caring hands, Twilight offers to take them with open arms. “I can help you with those.”

“I-it’s fine.” I hold out one hand as means to stop her from assisting me any further, but that only causes them to loosen even more. Quickly, Twilight advanced forward and prevents the top book from toppling over. She stares at me with wide eyes before shying away with a flushed face. It would have been better for the textbook to fall over so I could have embarrassed myself instead of you having to do it.

“You do seem surprised,” Sunset spoke, bringing Twilight’s and my attention to her.

Not wanting to hide it, I ask, “You said you can’t wait to be a pony again, right?” It was hard to believe that my ex-girlfriend was a unicorn, but it is better to find out now than being surprised when I arrive at Equestria.

“Yeah, I did.” Her wrist covered her mouth to hide a smirk probably. “What did you think Equestria was?”

A magical world where cute fuzzy creatures hop around open fields? I would have said that outloud, but didn’t to try and not offend the princess, thinking her world was strange. Even though it was starting to sound strange enough. “I- could guess there are a lot of ponies there?”

“Actually,” my world’s Twilight interjected with a finger held up, “most of the inhabitants there are ponies. There are no humans there.” She gestured a hand to Sunset Shimmer. “Sunset here is the one who told me a good amount of Equestria.”

Of course I am thrown out of the loop and ignorant to the magical world. Then again, I don’t spend as much time with Sunset or her friends than my own. I am sure the answer will be yes, but I ask anyways, “So, if I go to Equestria, I will become a pony?”

“Yup!” Pinkie Pie beamed. I can only guess Sunset Shimmer told her that she could. “I don’t know what I will look like when I enter Equestria, but I can’t wait!” I knew that I was not holding the best of expressions, now knowing I am going to be a magical pony in another world. It did sound interesting and very alien at the same time. Something inside me hoped it was not some girly pretty place, but I cannot judge it just yet; I haven’t been there in the first place. At the corner of my eye, I saw the princess frown, glancing and looking away from me.

“If you don’t want to go, that’s fine,” Twilight spoke weakly, her expression sagging into a frown. I feared she had a more powerful ability than Sunset’s mind reading ability on touch, and could read mine from a distance. Perhaps asking if she does have telepathy right now would be out of place. And probably rude as well.

“I would love to go! I bet your world looks great. Besides, it is probably going to be cool to be a pony.” That was maybe one-tenth of a lie. I am definitely curious to see Princess Twilight’s world. What I am worried about is if I enter Equestria and not like her for- No! My head shakes the thought out before it poisons my mind. If Twilight is fine with my looks, I should have no problem with her pony form.

“Are you sure? I mean, I do hope you like how I- I mean, others look in my world.” She walked forward and placed her hand on the glass door, looking at Colt Pillar.

Knowing my words would be the only way to help, I come from behind and say to her, “You like how we look in my world, right?” Without looking or saying another word, Twilight only nodded. “I am sure you and the others will look just fine.” I wait with a smile on my face, hoping she turns around to see it. Thankfully, she does look to me and shares a happy grin along with my own.

Pushing the door open to the outside world, Twilight holds it for me and gestures to the portal. “Then let’s get going!”

***

There I stood in front of the glass mirror with my reflection staring back at me. My books now weighed heavily in my backpack and I saw the neck of my guitar sticking up from behind my back in the reflection. “Just step forward when you are ready,” Twilight spoke, her voice sounding very nice and calm. It was still a hard thing to believe. I was about to enter another world, even if it might be some little girl’s fantasy world… or at least, nonfiction fantasy world. My body shook a bit, being a little nervouscited myself. But determined to enter into another dimension, I look back to see both Twilight’s, Sunset Shimmer, and Pinkie Pie watching and waiting for me.

With a wave of my index and middle finger, I say, “See you on the other side.” My leg, now more eager than my mind, moves on its own. When my head reaches the inside of the portal, I get quickly sucked in by some invisible source. I try to observe what my eyes can see, but the dimension twists in a swirl of bright colors as I spin wildly. My body feels like it is being pulled, then pressed together as I am dashing through a world of colors. Unable to contain what was happening, the vision around my eyes begin to darken.

And then I pass out…

***

“Hey Flash, is that you?”

A voice echos beyond my conscious.

“Yeah, it is me,” I answer weakly. Opening my eyes, I see a familiar blur shade of purple and green. “Is that you Spike?”

“In the flesh. Or shall I say scales and not fur!” Spike replies proudly. After a moment of silence he spoke again, “So, what are you doing here?” Before answering anymore of his questions, I need to know where I am first. Lifting my head up from what I can assume is the ground, I blink and regain my vision. Now that I can see, I get a better look at the dog I met before. But instead of the dog I knew back in my world was no longer a dog, but looked to be a dragon! In a sudden rush of adrenaline, I hop to my two feet, but end up stumbling onto my hands. But when my hands touch the ground, I couldn’t feel my fingers. Glancing at my forearms, I see no fingers, but hooves! Looking to my legs, I see that they are the same as my arms! And to my back, I see a stubby tail! And on my back, I notice my back back has changed! It was like some sort of sattlepack or something. How did that happen? My guitar didn’t look damaged or different, so that was a good thing. And as I looked to a convenient mirror to my left I saw my reflection. Along with two ears that pointed upwards…

I realised that I have become a pony! Obviously, I did know that it was inevitable that I would transform into one. It was just… too much to take in at once.

“Take it easy,” Spike spoke. “Twilight flipped out when she and I entered your world and I don’t want you to do the same.” Turning to the small dragon, I saw him holding his claws in front of him, attempting to pacify me. Taking deep breaths, I manage to lessen my adrenalyn, but I still shook with a nervouscited attitude. “So what are you doing here, exactly?” he asks again.

“Friendship problem,” I mumble, rotating my body around, still looking at my reflection. My hair looked much longer than my human hair, but not by much. On the side of my light-orange body, there was a wing. With my new feature attached to me, I fan them outwards and give them a good flap. Okay, I am definitely glad I came! This was amazing! I was a pegasus! I could feel my smile almost reaching my eyes, unable to contain my happiness. When I was a kid, I always wanted to have the ability to fly; then again, who didn’t want to have a chance to do that? “This is cool,” I mutter as I admire my new body. The only thing was missing was my clothes. Where did they go? But nothing was showing so I didn’t care.

Overall, I didn’t hate the way I looked; it was much more awesome than I could have imagined. Sure, I was a pony, but it wasn’t how I expected; especially me having wings.

“Megh…” Spike shrugged. “Being a dog in your world was cool I guess, but I prefer my simple dragon self.” I would have to agree with him on that. Going from being a dragon to a dog sounds like a poor downgrade if you ask me.

Looking around, I find a nearby table to place my now transformed backpack and guitar onto. The table was littered with books and scrolls with inscriptions I could not comprehend. But that was not the main feature of where I was. My eyes glanced around a large room with a tall sealing with a nice mix of light and dark-blue stone. Tall bookshelves wrapped around the room and towered over everything with a book filling every shelf. A window stood several paces away from the dragon and I, beaming afternoon light into the room.

Finished with seeing where I was, I look back to where I came out of; and what I saw was a mix of machinery, wood, and a mirror held in a horseshoe frame. A swirl of pink twisted on the glass, hardly showing the reflective surface. “Who made this?” I ask out loud. Surely Spike wouldn’t mind answering my questions.

“Twilight did.” His arm bumped into me and I had to look down to see him smirking at me. “She totally flipped out when Sunset sent a message to her, saying you were thinking about her.” My face gravitated away from Spike as I knew I had an embarrassing smile look on my face. “And by the looks of things, you two might be a thing in the near future.”

“I don’t know about that,” I chuckle a three-tenths of a lie. Of course it would be nice to have her as a girlfriend, but I have to see how things play out before getting into another relationship. Speaking of her, Twilight, nor the others have entered this world. Taking a step forward toward the portal, I mumble, “Wonder where they are…”

“Umm, I wouldn’t get to close if I were you,” I hear Spike say, but ignore his words. Standing in front of the mirror, I can feel the heat from the portal. Then again, my face was literally inches from it. Suddenly, a purple face came forth, giving me no time to react. Twilight’s nose pressed up against mine and her eyes widened, trying to comprehend who was before her. Behind he I hear Spike snickering as Twilight and I bunched against each other. I saw her face redden as she realised it was me and my own most likely did the same.

“H-hey,” I stutter, taking a step back from the portal. As I do, I get a better look at her pony self. Twilight’s fur was the same color as her skin and her hair was as long as her human form. As for a tail, it was long and pretty. On her forehead was a horn, and I jumped to the obvious conclusion that she was a unicorn. But on her sides were wings. Was she a pegasus? Perhaps she is a princess pony by having both wings and a horn. Regardless, she looked… cute; even beautiful. Now I know what it is like to be stunned by the grace of a princess. But I couldn’t stare blankly at her for too long; rather not make things awkward between us. “So, where are the others-”

“WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” Pinkie Pie was shot out of the portal and slammed into Twilight, causing her to come careening toward me. Attempting to use my newly gifted ability, I spread my wings and try to fly away. But I only get a single flap before the princess crashed into me, along with Pinkie Pie on top of her. “That was fun!”

“I beg to differ…” Twilight grunted as she laid on top of me, her arms and legs sprawled out on me. As for myself, I was on my back with two ponies crushing my ribcage. Without having anyone ask, Pinkie Pie got off of the princess and Twilight got herself up onto her feet. Or hooves…

Standing over me, Twilight gave me her hoof to help me up. “Need some help?” I didn’t answer the rhetorical question and take the offer of assistance. After standing on my own, Twilight and I notice Pinkie Pie circling in place, trying to get a better look at herself. From what I saw, the now pink pony had a fluffy pink tail to compliment her wild curly hair.

“Glad to have you back,” Spike replied as Twilight and I looked to see him standing by the small table. He looked to Pinkie Pie and asked, “Did you… bring Pinkie Pie along with you.”

Twilight shook her head and said, “This is Pinkie Pie from Flash’s world.” Interesting she would say it was my world, as if I own it. I am no prince in that world, that’s for sure.

Finished with her spinning, Pinkie Pie gestured to a picture of three balloons on her flank. The one in the center was a yellow and the ones beside it were sky-blue. “Is this a cutie mark?” Cutie mark? Do I have one?

“Yes it is,” Twilight speaks while I tend to look at my own butt. Never did I think I would ever care so much to look at it until now. “I assume Sunset Shimmer told you about them.” I didn’t hear Pinkie answer the question, but I did hear her squeal with joy. I was too busy looking at an image of a shield with a lightning bolt shooting down in front of it. Neat!

“What is a cutie mark?” I ask, turning a head to Twilight.

Looking to me, the princess replies with a smile, “In my world, they show yourself and others your special talent.”

“Interesting…” Giving it thought, I wonder about my special talent. The only thing I got going for myself is that I am a musician. Other than that, I am just a high school student. I wonder why my cutie mark is nothing associated with my skill of a guitar player… “Is my skill protecting others?” I ask, not sure if my cutie mark is who I really am.

“If I remember correctly,” Twilight spoke with a scratch of her chin, “the Flash Sentry in this world happens to protect my sister-in-law, Cadence in the Crystal Empire.”

“Shut up!” I bark with an excited grin.

“I think you should.” Twilight gave a playful shove to my shoulder. “You asked the question. I just simply answered. Remember, I am the Princess of Friendship. I wouldn’t speak against like that to me if I were you.” I laugh a little before I feel my ears fall back, perhaps knowing I am a bit intimidated by the statement. Maybe I should be careful with my words; I know nothing of the customs in this world. But before I get a chance to apologize to her, Twilight chuckles and apologizes first, “Sorry, I was joking.” She smiles as she puts an arm around my neck to assure she meant it.

“I hope so,” I respond with a bow. “I wouldn’t want to upset her majesty and have her gallant pegasus knights fall from the sky and strike me down.”

“She might do just that if Twilight even had any guards,” Spike grunted, folding his arms. “I tell ya, things would be a lot safer at this castle if there was someone on watch. Like this one time, there was a mare who was Starlight Glimmer, and-”

“-And with the power of friendship,” Twilight interjected, scowling at the biped dragon, “we were able to have her change for the better.” I had no idea who this Starlight Glimmer was, but it sounded a bit like Sunset Shimmer. Two syllables in each word. Perhaps just like Sunset, Twilight was able to reform Starlight.

Speaking of Sunset…

“Where is Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer?” I ask Pinkie Pie. When I turn to see her, I notice she is using her tail to bounce up and down. She didn’t have a horn or wings, so how was she- It didn’t matter.

“Sunset Shimmer said something about taking her time before entering.” Pinkie Pie shrugged before looking to the mirror. “Maybe she is still nervouscited about coming here to Equestria.” Twilight walked up to the portal and looked at the swirl of pink and white.

“I wonder if she is all-” Two bodies fly out of the portal, causing Twilight to once again come careening toward me. Pinkie Pie was able to use her tail-bouncing power to spring herself up into the air and avoid being hurt. Unfortunately, my wings have yet to work, which makes me an open target. Now, three ponies collide with me with my head hitting the ground with a smack. I try to cradle my head as pain shot through my skull, racking by brain. But being on the bottom of a dogpile can seriously weigh a guy down.

“S-sorry!” Sunset speaks, noticing herself being on top of Twilight and I and quickly gets off. As for the other Twilight, she lookes like she fainted; not a surprise considering I did the same thing. Using her magic of telepathy, the princess lifts Twilight off of her and gently places her down. Now with both Twilight’s off of me, I can bring a hoof to my head to rub it gently. Again, Sunset says to me, “Sorry about that. Portal traveling can be quite... forceful.”

“I can tell,” I mutter, trying my best not to swear. At least now no one else is coming through the portal. Before bringing my attention to the passed out pony, I get a good look at Sunset Shimmer. Her hair was her usual long, fire-like color, along with a long tail and same reds and yellows as her mane. The cutie mark on her flank was a red and yellow sun, much like her hair. But at the center of the image was a swirl of red and yellow as well, mimicking the yin and yang symbols. The only thing that would make it look like the iconic Chinese token, is if each swirl had their own dot. But her looks are not important right now; Twilight is the main focus right now.

With Twilight laying quietly on the ground, I walk over to her and gently nudge her shoulder, “Hey Twilight, are you okay?” Thankfully, I can tell which Twilight was which; my world’s Twilight still had her bun in a nice bunch and a pair of spectacles rested on her face. Princess Twilight, Sunset, Pinkie Pie, and myself waited for some form of a response. Her body stirred for a moment before opening her eyes, and everyone sighed with relief, glad to see her come to.

Bringing her hoof to her head, my world’s Twilight rubs her head. “Take it easy,” Sunset speaks. But the moment she spoke, Twilight looks to what she thinks is her hands and sees it like it was a stump of a limb. Giving herself a quick lookover, she screams loudly. Everyone but Spike winces at the loud shriek, covering our ears with our own hooves. My head stings with pain as the sound is somehow more amplified.

“I am getting a strange case of deja vu,” Spike muttered as he looked at the panicking unicorn. Twilight tried to stand up on her back legs like I did before, but fell forward onto her forehooves. Looking to the mirror left to the portal, Twilight’s eyes widened at the sight of her reflection.

“S-so I am a unicorn here in Equestria,” she spoke with a shiver in her voice. Don’t worry, my reaction was the same. Looking to her doppelganger, Twilight asked, “Can I cast magic here?”

“Just like any normal unicorn,” Sunset Shimmer replied with a smile. Normal unicorn she says… Perhaps normal in this world, but there are no “normal” unicorns in mine.

Instead of looking joyed with her new self, Twilight’s eyes filled with tears and fear. “No.” Slowly, she turned around and started toward the portal. “No no no no! I can’t be here!” But before she could even get within jumping range, Pinkie Pie intercepted her path.

“Why not,” she asked with an expression we all wore on our face: concern. “Twilight is our friend remember and we are all here because of nightmares, right? Well I mean, not me because Sunset Shimmer knows what goes on through my head. All I am here for is to supply you all with frownies!”

“Yeah, I do know what goes on through your head…” Sunset commented, her face looking disturbed. Maybe Sunset Shimmer’s mind reading abilities can have their flaws and read… everything someone is thinking about.

Looking back to us all, Twilight held her head low, still defeated by what is going on through her mind. Though I do not blame her for what she is feeling and I don’t expect her to get over her nightmare in a day. Or maybe she can with the help of the Princess of Friendship. “I am afraid of my magic Twilight,” she says to her other self, her voice cracking with fear.

Walking over to her, the princess placed a hoof on her shoulder. “I know what it is like to lose control of magic, but I also know how to control it. Why don’t we all go to the Cutie Map chamber so we can discuss Flash’s and your nightmares.”

Suddenly I realized that I needed to talk aloud about my dreams to her. Now I wanted to leave through the portal with a heroic leap. But… it’s best that I don’t. Perhaps it is better that she knows.

Alone in the Chamber

What Hurts More
Ch. 7

As I walked with the others through the crystal-like halls, I marveled at the fact that Twilight had her own castle. Yes I did know that she was a princess, but I thought a princess was to become a queen at some point before having a castle. Then again, I am in their world and their customs are most likely different.

“So since there are two Twilights here,” Spike said to the group, “why don’t we give one of you a nickname to prevent any confusion.” Everyone looked at each other with nods and hums of agreement.

“I guess I can be the one with the nickname,” my world’s Twilight volunteered. “Perhaps you can call me Twili? My brother calls me that.”

“Oh my goodness!” the princess exclaimed with glee. “Mine does too. Let me guess, Shining Armor is your brother.” Twili nodded in agreement. “I assume Cadence and Shining Armor in your world are married and have Flurry Heart, correct?”

Twili froze in her tracks and looked at Twilight with shock. “Wait, your Shining Armor is married to Cadence here, but mine isn’t yet…” With a wide grin, Twili asked, “Does that mean they will wed in my world as well and I am a to be aunt!?”

“Mmhmm. Seems likely.” Twilight nodded casually, amused at her counterpart’s over-the-top attitude. It was interesting to hear the princess claim that her brother was married, but Twili’s was not. If I were to guess, there might be a slight time difference from my world and Twilight’s. As I listened to the dopplegangers interact, Sunset Shimmer and Pinkie Pie watched both purple ponies in amusement.

“Well, here we are,” the princess announced. Before us was a round table with six chairs made of crystal surrounding it. As we got closer, I saw that it was not just a table; it was a map; the Cutie Map as Twilight calls it. It was a glorious thing to see as I watched miniature clouds slowly move across the modeled replica of what I could assume is Equestria. There were some towns, a castle, and a waterfall that had rainbow water cascading from it. It was like some CGI magic; but I knew better and could assume it was magic.

“Wow, amazing map Twilight,” Sunset Shimmer spoke beside me as I continued to marvel at the small world.

“I know, right?” Spike replied. He climbed up onto the surface of the table and practically paraded around the miniature world. I didn’t hear Twilight rebell against Spike’s act, so I didn’t speak against him. “Do you remember anything Sunset?”

I looked to see Sunset Shimmer tapping her chin with a hoof, then pointing to a large city. “That is Manehattan.” Interesting, we have one too. “And that is Rainbow Falls.” We also have one as well, but without the rainbow in the water; the color spectrum shows the rainbow in my world. After listing off several more locations, I came to the conclusion that Equestria was practically a mirror of my world. It was hard to take it all in as my small mind couldn’t comprehend it all. I’d rather talk about my nightmares. Which is funny, because I have to practically confess my feelings to Twilight and tell her she has plagued my dreams for the longest time. And that I was not looking forward to.

“Ooo, this chair has balloons!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, causing everyone to look at her. “Just like my cutie mark.”

“That belongs to my world’s Pinkie Pie,” Twilight answered. “She holds an important role when helping other ponies with friendship problems.” At this point, my head was full of questions and it was about to burst if I thought of another one.

“Hey, umm…” I nervously interjected, wanting to get the discussion started before anything else distracts anyone from the entire reason why we are all here. With all eyes on me, I said, “I know that we are all curious about your world Twilight. A-and it is great so far!” A wide smile almost reached Twilight’s ears, so I resumed with confidence. “I just want to get things started with our nightmare talk.”

My eyes fall on Twili, who was lost in thought, observing the Cutie Map; however, I broke her concentration as everyone looked at the unicorn. “What?” Twili asked, wondering why attention was brought upon her; perhaps she was not listening.

“Flash was suggesting we start talking about his and your nightmares now,” the princess spoke, looking to me. Twili’s ears fell back and a frown sagged at her cheeks, most likely not thrilled she is a unicorn and afraid of herself. I pitied Twili, for I did not know what it is like to have magic, let alone lose control of it. Only Twilight, and perhaps Sunset as well, were the only ones to assist Twili with her issue.

Coming to her side, Pinkie Pie smiled and took out her frownie sack and placed it on the table. “Don’t worry Twili.” The pink pony paused for a moment. “Umm, we are calling her that, right?” We all nodded in unison so there was no confusion. “Anyways, I have these frownies I made for you and anyone else who may need them.” Looking to the princess, she asked, “Do you have milk in this castle? Chocolate goes great with milk you know.”

“Of course.” Looking to Spike, Twilight asked him to receive five glasses of milk for myself and the others. He didn’t seem to be thrilled on being given the butler role, but did what he was told and left the chamber. “So, why don’t we all take a seat,” she then proclaimed. Pinkie Pie sat at the chair with her own cutie mark, which was right beside Twilight’s. Sunset Shimmer decided to sit beside Pinkie Pie and Twili sat at a chair that had three butterflies at the top of the head rest. With me left standing, I was slightly upset that Twili took her seat next to Twilight, and I could tell the princess wanted me beside her as well. But seat order was not important; the nightmares were.

“Shall we begin?” Princess Twilight Sparkle proclaimed to us all. And we all nodded, ready to proceed.

***

It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster as Twili told Twilight her troubles with her returning nightmares and daily reminders. Sunset Shimmer and I gave our two cents to the princess as well, knowing how much pain it brings our friend. Pinkie Pie was the only one uninformed of the dreams and was making sure Twili had a frownie nearby.

Twilight scribbled down notes onto a scroll with a feather, listening hard to her counterpart; she had already filled out five! And as she looked through her notes, she was making some wonderful insight for Twili.

“In conclusion of our discussion, you should focus on the strengths of what you have accomplished,” Twilight spoke, no longer writing. “You may have lost control of yourself, but we can look at what Sunset Shimmer has accomplished.” Sunset nodded in full confidence that she was not being used as a poor example. “She once wielded great power and thought she could control it, and yet it corrupted her. But by wielding the magic from within herself, she knew she could use it for good. She didn’t think, she knew. Take that to heart. You know you can control your magic, right?”

After taking a sip of her glass of milk, Twili had a look of strong determination and inspiration. “I think so.” But I saw Twilight look at her other self with a raise of her brow, and I knew what she was implying.

“Not think, Twili,” I say gently, “but know you can.” And everyone nodded in agreement to my statement.

“Yeah, you are right.” Twili fidgeted her glasses with her hoof before returning a smile at me. “I know I can.” Looking to Twilight Sparkle, she asked, “But is it okay for me for you to help me control it?” She chuckled a bit before continuing. “I am sure you are willing to help yourself after all.”

We all laughed at the silly joke Twili made, glad to see she is in better spirits. “Of course I will help you. In fact, I am sure we are all willing to help you.” Twilight looked around to see us nodding again in agreement.

“Are you feeling better now?” Pinkie Pie asked, pushing another frownie toward the no longer distressed unicorn.

But Twili shook her head. “No more please. My stomach is starting to ache.” I was amused how the well-thought and kind snack was now causing a different type of pain for her; I guess it is difficult for Twili to avoid misery.

“So are we ready to move on to Flash’s nightmares?” Twilight asked, causing all eyes to look to me. My heart started to race as my fate began to approach. Twili and Sunset could tell I was nervous as I started to shake a little.

“I ugh…” I could feel my face turn red as I stare at the princess with her full undivided attention. For once in my life, I was intimidated by her. How could I tell her about my dreams about her? Looking to the others, I ask, “Can I tell her about my dreams alone please?” Thankfully Sunset and Twili seemed to understand, but Pinkie Pie and Twilight seemed a little confused.

“I thought we were all going to talk about yours and Twili’s dreams,” Pinkie Pie imputed.

“I agree,” the princess added. “Why not tell us what your nightmares are about?”

“Perhaps you two should talk alone.” Sunset was clearly on my side with speaking with Twilight on my own, and I was glad that she was. It wasn’t just a matter of telling her my true feelings, but I don’t want the others to think I am obsessed with Twilight. I just missed her… a lot. Maybe I was obsessed and am in denial. “Why don’t you have Spike show us around Ponyville while you and Flash have your alone time.” She winked at the princess, causing her to flush. Twili and Pinkie Pie looked at each other with giggles, knowing the implication.

“Oh please girls,” Twilight rolled her eyes, but unable to roll the blush from her face. I too wished Sunset would keep her mouth from embarrassing us both, but I knew she was doing it in good spirits. “If you girls want to, I could have Spike show you around town.” Looking back, the princess shouted, “Spike!”

With a curious look, Pinkie Pie asked Twilight, “Does my pony self live here?” The princess nodded with a smile. “Maybe Spike can show me her house!” I tried to imagine two over the top Pinkie Pies in the same vicinity, but couldn’t fathom the possibility. Everyone except for Pinkie Pie had the same bothered expression as mine, trying to see herself next to… herself.

“Yes Twilight?” Spike came running into the Cutie Map chamber upon hearing Twilight’s request.

“Could you show Twili, Sunset, and Pinkie Pie around Ponyville?” she asked him.

I thought he was going to argue, but the small dragon nodded. “Sure!” Looking to the ones who he was about to escort, Spike folded his arms. “I happen to know everything about this town.” He jabbed a thumb at himself. “Just ask me anything!” Gesturing the others to follow, Spike asked them, “Shall we?”

Twili giggled at how smug Spike was acting, while everyone else rolled their eyes. Getting up from their seats, Twili, Sunset Shimmer, and Pinkie Pie followed Spike out of the map room.

“Tell us if you two make out!” Pinkie Pie cried out before a loud “thoom” rang out in the halls. A large door closing perhaps.

“Pinkie Pie,” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Doesn’t matter what world you are in or what Pinkie Pie you meet, they will always be… interesting.”

“I don’t doubt that,” I respond, my voice echoing in the large room.

I watched Twilight wiggle in her chair nervously, her cheeks now bleeding with blush. “You can sit next to me if you like.”

My heart pounded hard in my chest as I complied with the princess’ request. It suddenly dawned onto me that I have never truly been alone with Twilight Sparkle. Perhaps she just noticed that as well. Doing her best not to look flustered, Twilight asked, “So what are your nightmares about? And why do you want to talk to me alone about them?”

My ears tickled as they fell back, brushing against my hair. “Because… my dreams…” I felt pathetic, trying to tell Twilight I have been constantly dreaming about her. I worried if she would think differently of me for it. Looking away from her, I mutter, “I’m sorry…”

“For what?” Twilight was obviously confused at my vague statement. Reaching out her hoof, she touched my shoulder gently. “You can tell me anything.”

“Are you sure?” I did feel slightly more confident because of her kind gesture, but it didn’t make my inner man gain any points. Then again, I remembered the time when I dated Sunset Shimmer. I used to be very sincere and caring to her. She used to be tough at the time, but Sunset definitely had her down moments, and I was there to comfort her. Perhaps girls like a soft side in a guy. But how soft is the question. Might as well find out.

“I promise.” With her reassuring words and a cute smile, I finally gain the strength to tell Twilight my dreams.

“My nightmares are about you…” I didn’t know what to expect when I was going to tell Twilight the truth. But if there was one emotion that was low on the list, it would be sadness. And that is exactly what she was wearing.

“Oh…” Her ears fell back and her brows held a very sad dip in them. “Did I somehow hurt you?”

“No! No!” I didn’t seem to have disgusted her, so I suppose that was a good thing? But I somehow made her blame herself for something she didn’t do. “My dreams are just…” My thoughts were scrambled as I tried to muster up something to say. “I missed you and I couldn’t get you out of my mind. I couldn’t stop dreaming about you.” Hot blush lit up Twilight’s cheeks as she looked at me, hoping my words were true. As for my own embarrassment, I had no idea if I was blushing as much as Twilight was.

“You were dreaming about me?” The princess looked at the Cutie Map with a shy, cute smile. But the grin slowly left and her gaze came back to me. “But why was it a nightmare?”

“I just told you, because I miss you…” A frown of embarrassment almost touches my chin. “Sounds pathetic doesn’t it?”

“No! No! Not at all!” The cute smile from before returned to Twilight’s lips. “It’s really sweet of you actually. Can you tell me about your nightmare though?” I slowly nod, still not proud of myself.

“Every night is the same dream: I see you standing before the portal door with your hand reaching out to me. Before I have a chance to grab it, you fall backwards into the mirror. Then I try to force myself through the glass. But when I do, it shatters and I fall into a black abyss.” I pause, not happy with having to remember the nightmare. “Then I wake up.”

With her gears moving in her head, Twilight sat in thought, pondering what I said. Again, she frowned with her hears folding back. “I believe it is because I do not come to your world often…”

“But you are a princess, Twilight.” I had to use Sunset Shimmer’s just this once. “You probably have a lot to do, so I cannot blame you for having things to do here. Studying, magic, umm… horse races?”

Twilight giggled at my joke. “Does your world have horse races?”

“In Kentucky it is a major thing. As for the rest of my world, I am not so sure about that.” With the small comedy relief out of the way, Twilight seemed to want to get back with the subject at hand. Or hoof, rather.

“It is true that I do have a lot to do around here, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t come to your world and say hello. In fact, I should have talked to Sunset more often.”

“Oh, Sunset said you have this magical book that allows communication between herself and you.” The princess nodded.

“You are correct.” She looked down at the map, her eyes darting around every now and then. “I just feel guilty, not just for you, but for her and the others. I am sure they miss me as much as you do and I should have been writing to Sunset. It’s not hard for me to write a simple message, asking how she and the girls are doing.”

A smile grew on my face as I placed my hoof on her shoulder. “I know your friends in my world miss you, but I missed you a bit more than they did.”

Suddenly, I heard my chair scrape against the tile floor as it was being pulled toward Twilight. I saw her horn glow with power and noticed a blue aura around my seat. “How much of ‘a bit?’” She batted her eyes and gave me a shy grin.

I wink at her, not wanting to give her the answer she wants. “Just a bit.” My chair was pushed back to its original place in a quick shove of telepathy; I laugh at the act. “I just missed you a lot,” I continued back on track. “And… I wanted to know you better. You always seem to bump into me and never seem to mind. That’s how we met after all.” My hoof rubs the back of my head, remembering the first time Twilight ran into me back at Canterlot High.

“Well, you can learn more about me if you are willing to help me keep in contact with your world.” Twilight swayed her body left and right, hoping I would accept her offer.

“Of course I would do that for you.” My chair once again moved toward Twilight Sparkle, this time even quicker than the first two times. She leans into my seat and gives me a close embrace.

“Thank you.” Her hot breath tickles my ear and it twitched a bit. I didn’t have time to react to hold her and she let me go before I could. “So umm… how much do you want to know about me?”

A smile lifted up my cheeks, unable to hide my happiness. “Well, what does the Princess of Friendship want to know about me?”

“A lot of things.” She rested her arms on the side of her chair, almost leaning in toward me. I do the same, but stretch my neck out very slightly. I could feel my heart pick up the pace, hoping she was trying to do what I was doing.

“Like what?” I ask, noticing Twilight lean in a little more with hot blush radiating off her cheeks. My pulse was starting to knock on my ribcage, and I wondered if she could hear it.

“I would like to know… what it is like… to…” As I leaned toward the lovely princess, her eyes began to close.

“To what?” I whisper low as I begin to turn my head slowly.

“...to kiss another stallion.” Our noses touched, our eyes not yet closed. Her lavender eyes glittering from the room light, begging me to give her affection. Hot air hit my lips as she tried to keep herself from breathing heavily.

“Kissing is easy… It will come natural.” My nose slips off her muzzle and I move in with slightly parted lips. Coming in gently, my mouth comes in contact with hers. Twilight gasps, sucking some oxygen out of my lungs. I forgot what it was like to kiss another girl and now remembered the heat of it. Pushing hot air from her nose, she pursues further, pressing her lips even more against mine. A hoof touches my face and I feel her wanting to move my head closer to hers. I open my eyes to see Twilight having her lids closed. If there was something that was a beauty to see, it was just that; to see a lovely girl carried away in a kiss. I watched the princess crack a gaze at me, and then parted our lips.

We both looked up at each other with a dazed look in our eyes, as if the two of us forgot why we were kissing. But then, with shy, happy smiles, we both looked away from each other. “Umm… can you give me a moment,” Twilight said, getting up from her chair. “I need to… get some fresh air. I’ve been sitting for awhile now and would like to take a step outside.” I was about to follow her, but she shook her head. “I want to be alone.” A smile on her face told me otherwise, but I nodded.

“Alright, I will be right here,” I say as I watch her leave the chamber. My heart has now returned to its original pace, but it was overwhelmed with emotions. I sighed out of happiness, knowing I will no longer be haunted by my nightmares.

After a few minutes of being alone, I stare at the Cutie Map and wonder what it was like to be their in person. But in my peripheral, I see something dash by the window in a flash of purple. “HE KISSED ME!” In the distance, I watched Twilight Sparkle twirl in the air, flipping and spinning with happiness. It was no surprise that she would do something like that, considering some people would want to fly to the air in happiness after their first kiss. And I felt happy for her because I caused her to behave so dramatically. If I could fly out of sheer joy, I would; however, I need to learn how to fly first so I do not end up hurting myself. After I watched Twilight fly out of view, I wondered to myself if we were officially dating. But I didn’t want to get too far ahead of myself.

Several more minutes pass as I sit alone in the castle, still amused by the magical map. Then I hear hooves knocking on tile and I turn to see Twilight, breathing a little heavily. “Sorry, I just had to get some fresh air.”

“You seem a little more out of breath,” I snicker. “Did you breathe in not enough fresh air?”

“I think you stole my ability to breathe properly,” Twilight blushed before turning her head, looking back at something. From behind her, I watch my backpack and guitar fly into the room and onto the table. “Now with your nightmare problem out of the way, I can now learn more about you and see what you are learning about.”

My enthusiasm to want to be around Twilight quickly evaporated. However, she looked very thrilled on wanting to get my homework started. Taking a seat next to me, the princess uses her magic of levitation and takes out all of my books. Each text floats around us, mocking me with their complex subject matter.

“Shall we start on physics, language arts, or trigonometry?!” Twilight’s eyes sparkled even brighter than when we kissed, and I wondered if she prefered knowledge over love. Then I had an idea that I could combine both.

“What if I start with my guitar homework first?” I didn’t expect the princess to look so bothered when I suggested something else, so I had to convince her it was the better option. “I can take your breath away even more if I get to play you a song. After all, you want to learn about me, right?” A small smile crept up on Twilight as she looked at my instrument. “I knew you would like my suggestion.”

“I never said you could,” she smirked. But as I reached for my guitar, Twilight did nothing to prevent me from grabbing it. Then I realised that I didn’t have fingers, but hooves. How in the world am I supposed to play this?!

Suddenly, hoofsteps rang out in the castle and caused Twilight and I to look. Sunset Shimmer, Twili, and Spike looked at us with concern. “Is everything alright?” the princess asked.

“We have a bit of a problem…” Spike muttered, twiddling his thumbs.

“What problem?” Pinkie Pie asked coming into view, furrowing her brow at him.

“Yeah, I see nothing wrong here!” Pinkie Pie said, stepping into the chamber, glaring down at him.

Clearly there was something wrong: there were two Pinkie Pies! “So what is the problem?” Twilight asked casually as I looked at the identical ponies.

“They won’t tell us which one is the human Pinkie Pie…” Sunset Shimmer grumbled, indicating the issue.

“Oh…” was all Twilight said, trying to come up with a solution. While I wondered what it was like to have two Pinkie Pies in the same vicinity, one of them looked at the map. She was looking at the bag of frownies. Quickly, Pinkie Pie walked over to the table as Pinkie Pie followed in sync.

Suddenly, one of them exclaimed at Twilight and I, “Why have none of you eaten any of the frownies?!”

“You made frownies?” the other Pinkie Pie asked Pinkie Pie.

“Yeah! And I made a bunch of them today, but no one wants to eat them all.”

“For shame.”

With the mystery solved of which Pinkie Pie is the human one, everyone looked to the Pinkie Pie on the right. “Uh-oh…” the human Pinkie Pie muttered. “Our cover is blown.” She turned to her other self for help.

“Don’t worry, we can retreat!” the pony Pinkie Pie spoke. “Grab my tail!” Doing what she was told, the human Pinkie Pie held on tight before Pinkie Pie took off in a blur of pink.

“Get back here!” Twili and Sunset Shimmer barked.

***

I couldn’t believe my eyes. After months of her absence, Twilight Sparkle came through the mirror. She’s finally back!

“Flash.” Her voice echoed through the air as she spoke. Why did she sound so far away? Twilight was right in front of me, right in front of the portal between her world and mine. She lifts her light-purple arm and her fingers she so awkwardly uses unravel in hopes that I take her hand. As I reach for her hand, I take a step forward before entangling my fingers with hers. “Let’s go,” her voice echoes in my head again. Turning around, she begins to walk through the portal. Most of Twilight is through the mirror, except for her arm and hand, pulling me into her world. I close my eyes as I follow and-

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

My eyelids shoot open, disturbed by my annoying alarm. I slam the palm of my hand on the clock, wishing I had more time to sleep. Then I realised something: it was morning. The sunlight was starting to bleed into my room, causing me to squint.

I finally got a full night’s rest. Sitting upright, I stretch my arms and legs, letting out a loud yawn. I smile as yesterday’s memories come flooding my mind; yesterday’s morning with Twili’s nightmares, Sunset Shimmer’s secret journal, Twilight coming through the portal, myself entering Equestria, and the thrilling, yet annoying hunt for the human Pinkie Pie. So much has happened within a period of thirty hours, and yet, so much was resolved. No more nightmares for me, Twili was more confident in herself with magic, and Sunset Shimmer seemed to be less jealous of Twilight and I. The only thing that didn’t happen was Sunset Shimmer reuniting with Princess Celestia. She told Twilight that she wanted to make a date with meeting with her instead of bothering the princess.

Standing up, I walk to the door so I can start my Friday. But a vibrating sound buzzed in the air and stopped me from leaving my room. A book with Twilight Sparkle’s symbol glew and vibrated on my dresser. Quickly, I walked over and opened it with to see a message: Did you get a full night’s rest?

I smile as I reach for a pen on my desk to reply back to Twilight Sparkle.

Her Story

RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!

Friday. The day of school’s conclusion for the week and the beginning of the weekend. But I always find the final weekday day a much better day. It’s the build up for the initial start of Saturday and Sunday I take to enjoy. And there is always something magical about Friday evenings. It’s the day everyone, and even pony, can finally relax after a full five days of work.

And today, it was no exception. Me, my mother, and sister were going to be meeting Twilight’s family, along with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Twilight. I have been dating her for five weeks now, and we feel that now is the time to show off our families. Funny how I have just my mom and sister, while Twilight has a brother who is a prince, a sister-in-law who happens to be the princess of love, both parents, and two alicorns who raise the sun and moon be apart of her family. Interesting how a guy who wants to just jam on his guitar is in a relationship with an otherworldly princess.

I open my locker, making sure I snag every book I have. Even though tonight was a special date, I was sure Twilight wouldn’t take the chance of me finishing my homework on Sunday and will have me do it today. The flaws of having a bookworm princess can be a bit… annoying at times. But her heart is in the right place, and we make each other happy.

Closing my locker, I turn around to make for the exit-

“OOF!” Of course, Twili is on que with her usual bumping attitude. “Sorry,” she chuckled, adjusting her glasses.

My arms heave my heavy backpack as I put my arms through the two harnesses. I almost topple backwards because of the weight. “It’s fine. How are you doing? You ready for the weekend?”

“Mmhmm.” The two of us began to walk towards the high school doors, now excited for the weekend. “I plan on talking to Princess Luna this Saturday so I can learn how to control my magic some more. It is starting to get a lot more fun, and I am learning so much too!” Twili clapped her hands together with excitement as I smirk at how similar both Twilights are.

Five weeks ago, when Twili had her sessions with Princess Luna, she was obviously scared of her power. Now, it is good to see her less stressed about it, which made me and her friends glad for her.

The moment we opened the doors to the outside world, a cold breeze chills my spine. I reach into my backpack, pull out my Wondercolt’s scarf, and wrap it around my neck. Since it was the middle of fall, the atmosphere was much colder, which I do not take a liking to. Before us, sitting at Colt Pillar, is Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and… Pinkie Pie. Twili and I look at each other with worry, knowing how Pinkie Pie squared can be quite a handful.

However, the group talked among themselves as if the two was a normality. As we approached them, seven pairs of eyes gazed upon us as they waved. “Hey everyone,” I say as a simple greeting.

“Hey yourself,” Sunset replied, walking over to me, then patting my shoulder. Twili walked over to the other girls and talked among them. “You ready for your date tonight?”

“I guess. I am a bit nervous, however. I am going to meet Twilight’s family after all.” It was true. Knowing Twilight’s brother was a prince was slightly intimidating. I had no idea what he looked like, and had even less knowledge of how his character was going to be.

“Oh I am sure you will be fine.” Sunset Shimmer gave me a light sock to my shoulder. “Be a man.”

“Or stallion, depending on what world you are in,” I jab back, but in word form and not in the form of a punch. My eyes fall upon the mirror, wondering about how the evening will play out. “Are pony parents similar to human parents?” I suddenly feel stupid about my question.

Sunset Shimmer laughed aloud, amused with my question as I blush, looking the other way. “How should I know?” Once again, she punched my shoulder playfully.

The mirror at Colt Pillar suddenly flashed and Twilight Sparkle ran through the portal, looking quite irritated. Before I had a chance to say my hellos to her, she grabbed one of the Pinkie Pies and pulled her back through the portal. Everyone looked at each other, confused at the whole ordeal that had just occurred. After a few seconds, Twilight reemerged from the mirror with a much less bothered look.

“Sorry about that girls. My Pinkie Pie has to learn not to use the portal to this world without my permission.” Twilight then proceeded to greet the others with hugs and smiles. Pinkie Pie, on the other hand, was upset at the princess’ sudden act of taking her other self back into Equestria and refused every attempt of a hug.

Sunset Shimmer left my side and happily welcomed Twilight back into our world. I just stood still, waiting for the princess to see me. And when she finally did, she shyly glanced away, twirling her finger in her long hair. I have found a liking to her when she does that.

“Hey Flash.” Twilight walked over and looked me over. “You are looking well.”

“And I bet you are twice as well, both in my world, and in yours,” I winked. She lunged toward me and gave me a warm embrace before kissing me on the cheek.

“Is everything set for this evening?” I wondered what was in store with this Friday.

Removing herself from me, Twilight reached into her backpack and pulled out a list. A very. Long. List. “Well, at 5:30, I am expecting my parents, brother and sister-in-law to arrive. From there, we can have our parents talk among themselves while me, you, and our siblings have our chance to meet each other. At 6, all of us will go the library and have the parents talk to the couple; that means you and I of course.” Twilight chuckled to herself before taking in a deep breath. “I plan on that to go on until 6:45. Then, I will have Spike show everypony around the castle, while you and I look over your homework and create a plan for the weekend.” I was expecting the very well organized princess to have something like this planned. Twilight sure does love her lists.

“Next,” she continued, “at 7:30, I am expecting Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to arrive. You and I are to formally greet them, along with everypony else, and-”

“Twilight,” I interject, not sure if I want to hear more. “Why don’t we just let the evening play out on its own?” But my question caused my girlfriend to look at me as if I grew wings suddenly. No, she would find that normal. A second head. Yeah, that works much better.

“Are you kidding!? A night without a plan!? Are you asking for a catastrophe!?” Twilight’s hands gripped my scarf tightly, as if she wanted to strangle me. “We have been planning this evening for the last two weeks, hence the term, planning.” She pointed a finger at me with a hard stare. “You want this night to go well?”

I held my hands in front of me to shield me from Twilight if she decides to lunge at me. “Of course I do. I just didn’t expect you to go all out with this list.” I gesture to the long piece of paper she held in a tight fist.

“Then you better get used to my lists.” She smiled and booped my nose with her index finger before turning around to the girls. Despite Twilight giving me a cold shoulder, I followed after her, placing my hand around her waist, pulling her close to my body. She leaned into me and rubbed my hand, letting out a cute sigh.

“Well don’t yall look cute together,” Applejack chuckled as she leaned up against Colt Pillar.

“Yeah, they do,” Pinkie Pie remarked sarcastically, still upset with Twilight. However, the pink girl’s attitude didn’t ruin the atmosphere, and everyone else brushed her comment off easily.

“I hope you and your families get along nicely,” Fluttershy spoke.

“And don’t forget to tell Spiky I said hello,” Rarity winked.

“Oh, and Twilight,” Rainbow Dash asked eagerly, “Can I come and meet your world’s Rainbow Dash? Then I bet Equestria will be forty percent cooler.”

It was a common question that was asked among the group of girls. Every time Twilight came to our world, someone would ask if they could see their pony self. And every time the question was brought up, she would tell them that the portal is not to be used for personal amusement. Of course, their argument against Twilight was her relationship with me, and how our romantic interests were of personal amusements. Then again, our visits to other words were to not see our different persona, but to see each other. Without saying any words, Twilight shook her head no, giving the same response she always has from before.

“And Twilight,” Sunset Shimmer spoke, walking over to her and I. She fiddled her thumbs nervously, and I pondered what she was about to ask. “Can you tell Princess Celestia I said hi?”

Stepping forward, my hand slipping off of Twilight’s side, I say to Sunset, “You know, Twilight has been asking you to come to Equestria and see Princess Celestia.”

Sunset Shimmer glanced away, afraid of my stare. “I- I don’t know if she wants to see me…”

“Of course she wants to see you,” Twilight interjects. “You were one of her best students before me. And that is saying a lot.” Twilight placed her hand on her chest to emphasize her point. “I thought I was important to her. But to Princess Celestia, out of all her students, she misses you the most.”

“O-oh!” Sunset Shimmer took one step back as if hit hard by our words. “I… never knew that…” Twilight and I sigh, knowing we have both talked about this to Sunset almost countless times, and yet she still tells us she is not aware of the princess’ care about her. Hopefully, this time, Sunset Shimmer believes our words. “Then… if she is going to be there, is it… okay if I show up? Just for a little while…? To say hi…?” At once, Twilight and I look at each other, surprised at our friend. Finally, after weeks of trying to convince her, Sunset Shimmer was finally going to go back and see her old teacher.

Recollecting herself, Twilight smiled and said, “Of course you can.”

“Thanks. I just hope I am not impeding on your date tonight…” Sunset glanced between me and Twilight, worried she was a bother. But I care about Sunset and want her see her happy. Besides, I love to see Sunset Shimmer smile. Mutually of course…

“Your wel-” Twilight’s sentence was cut short when she looked forward at the portal. No one was paying attention to Pinkie Pie who was making her way through the mirror. “Pinkie Pie!” Breaking off from me and Sunset Shimmer, Twilight leapt into the portal after the fleeing girl.

***

The time was now 5:10. The sun stabbed at my eyes as my mother drove my sister and I to Canterlot High School. Leap Year was having a difficult time sitting still as she kept bombarding me with questions about what to expect when we enter Equestria. I answered the first two, like telling her we will all become ponies once we enter and how she could be a unicorn, pegasus, or earth pony. But just those answers alone gave birth to more questions.

“Leap Year, do not pester your brother.” Thankfully, my mother was on my side today and was doing her best to keep my sibling from being annoying. Leap Year grunted and folded her arms, sticking her tongue at me in the process. Not growing fond of the bright sun, I pulled down the sun guard to block its intense light.

I saw my expression in the sun guard’s mirror and smiled at my nicely dressed attire. My hair was slicked back and my clothing was a simple set of a black tuxedo and pants. The one feature that I was not fond of was the red bow. Of course, Mom wanted me to look “as cute as a button” as she said. But the thing was embarrassing; and it tickled my neck.

Pulling into the parking lot, my sister, mother, and I step out and begin walking toward Colt Pillar. Leap Year skipped ahead, too eager to wait any longer; she seemed to be more excited than me, and I have been planning it with Twilight for two weeks now.

Stopping in her tracks, Leap Year pointed at Colt Pillar and shouted, “Is that her?!” Sure enough, Twilight Sparkle was looking in our direction, and gave us a friendly wave. Without missing a beat, Leap Year ran up to her with quick speed.

“Well doesn't she look beautiful,” Mom spoke, looking at me with a pat on the shoulders. “You do tend to find girls who have the magic touch.”

I blush at my mother’s compliment, not denying the truth behind her statement. First Sunset Shimmer, and now, Twilight; both of which are from the same world. Part of me wonders if somehow Twilight and I don't remain a couple, that I may find a pony who rules over the entire world over Equestria and beyond. I only laugh at the ridiculous thought.

As I got closer to Twilight, I saw how lovely she was dressed. Her top part of her hair was done in a wild style, while the rest draped down past her shoulders with a nice heart hairpin at the middle.
A simple dark-purple dress with a long skirt that went down to her feet, showing the true colors of twilight.

“You look beautiful,” I compliment, taking Twilight by the hand and kissing it. Leap Year made a disgusting gag as she saw me show my romantic feeling toward the princess. Twilight’s cheeks flushed and had to look at my mother in order to make herself feel less flustered.

Smiling, my mother speaks, “It is finally nice to meet the one who makes my son very happy.”

“And it is nice to meet you ask well.” Twilight brought her hand to her chest. “I am Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship.”

“Where is your crown?” Leap Year interjected. Mom shot a glare at my sister, not wanting her to continue to be rude.

With her happy grin returning my mother introduced herself. “I am Many Millenia. Mother of the world’s best children.” She pulled me and Leap Year in for a close hug. Leap Year tried to squirm free, but that only made my mom squeeze even tighter. “You may call me Millenia for short.”

Twilight nodded in agreement with my mother. “A pleasure to meet you.” Her eyes fell upon me, blush rushing to her cheeks. “And it has been an even bigger pleasure to have your son be apart of my life.”

I manage to fold my arms despite my mother’s still firm grip on me and my sister. “Funny how it all started with you bumping into me.” Now released from mom’s loving death hold, I ask Twilight, “Shall we be on our way?” But suddenly, another thought came to me. “Oh! What about Sunset Shimmer? She is coming right?” As the sunset glowed brightly, the girl in question appeared into my vision, walking down the sidewalk.

“Sunset is coming?!” Leap Year exclaimed loudly, looking at me with disbelief. “I thought you said she was a horrible hot headed-”

“Yes, yes I did say that…” My eyes nervously glanced at Sunset Shimmer, worried about my long past opinion of her. “...however, that was a year ago. She is much different.” The sound of her heels clicking on the cement made us all turn to the lovely dressed lady. Sunset wore a sky-blue dress with several white rhinestones spotting across the outfit, glittering as she moved until Sunset came to a stop.

“Hey…” She waved nervously at us, her focus not on me or Twilight, but my mother and sister.

“Why are you-” Leap Year began her sentence before my mother practically slapped her hand over my sister’s mouth.

“It is nice to see you again Sunset Shimmer.” I sighed internally, glad to see her in good spirits with my ex-girlfriend.

“Likewise, Miss Millennia.” Sunset gave a slight nod before the two shook hands, a sign of a good evening.

As Mom whispered something into Leap Year’s ear, I turned my attention to Sunset Shimmer. “Are you ready to meet Celestia again? I have yet to see her myself, so this will be a first for me.”

Sunset’s eyes stared at my sister and frowned. “If I am somewhat not wanted, you don’t have to keep me around…”

“Oh don’t be discouraged by Leap Year here,” Mom reassured. Speaking through her teeth, she spoke to my sister, “And I am sure Leap Year is very sorry with what she said. Am I right?”

“Yes mom.” Leap Year’s tone was not enough to convince us that she was truly sorry, but good for our tastes.

Pulling Twilight close in a quick motion, I grin, “So about that list of yours… Did Sunset ruin the plans you had prepared?”

The yellow teen flinched and looked a bit worried. “O-oh! I don’t mean to impede your night if I am to ruin-”

“Don’t listen to him,” Twilight grumbled, jabbing a light elbow into my ribs. I try not to flinch and act tough, despite the blow hurt a bit. “He is just being a jerk to me about my list writing. And anyways…” Twilight looked at me with a smirk. “...Mr. I Hate Lists, I wrote a backup list if Sunset Shimmer ends up coming along.” Why am I not surprised she went through the trouble of making a second list?

“Y-you didn’t-”

Holding up a hand to cut Sunset off, Twilight smiled, “But I did. And besides, you want to come along with us now, correct?” Sunset Shimmer nodded slowly. “Then don’t worry. I am sure everypony will be happy to see you.”

Weakly, Sunset Shimmer replied, “Alright…” Rekindling a flame in her breast, a smile grew on the girl’s face. “So, shall we get going?”

Everyone agreed with Sunset with a “yes.”

***

Now used to the violent travel through the portal, I was able to keep a grip on myself and not black out. My arms gripped Leap Year tightly as we were pulled and shaped into ponies. It was an interesting spectacle to witness Leap Year transform into a unicorn before my eyes. Her body was being pressed tightly as her hands and feet turned to hooves.

A large white oval was approaching me at an incredible velocity and I had to prepare myself, knowing Equestria was now before me. Placing my hooves forward, I brace for impact. A sudden rush of wind blows at my mane as my hooves skid on the tile floor. Still feeling a warmth to my right, I sigh, glad to still be holding onto Leap Year.

“Are- are we at the magical world…?” my sister nervously asks, slowly opening her eyes. Gently, I let her go and watch Leap Year stumble around a bit, trying to adapt to having four legs. After stabilizing, Leap Year looked around with an open mouth.

“Pretty cool, isn’t it?” I ask. I hear the mirror behind me make a swishing noise and turn my attention to it, leaving my sister to herself. Both Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle held my mother close as they quickly exited the portal.

I notice my mother looking quite faint and I quickly ran by her side. She weaved her head around a bit before realizing where she was. And just like my sister, Mom too held her mouth wide open in awe.

“Welcome to my castle,” Twilight proclaimed as she stepped away from Mom, believing she now had the strength to stand on her own. My mother looked to me, giving me a look that made her want to believe that I was her son.

“Don’t worry about being nervous mother,” I reassured with a pat on the shoulder. “I was in shock and awe as well when I arrived. Twili was so much more over the top so… try not to yell.” The memory of her screaming as she saw her reflection rang in my head.

Seeing my wings, she proclaimed, “You- you have wings! Just like you said!” Seeing Leap Year wandering aimlessly, Mom saw a little horn protruding from her daughter’s forehead. “Leap Year, you have a horn!”

No longer interested in the atmosphere around her, Lead Year found a mirror close to the portal and ran over to it. First she was quiet… Then, suddenly loud. “I AM A UNICORN!” Her little dress bounced up and down as Leap Year jumped in excitement. Leap Year’s outfit was a nice light-violet dress that complimented her goldenrod fur. Her yellow hair was still in the way mother made it, but it was much shorter and curlier.

Wanting to get a better look at herself, Mom practically bumps my sister out of the mirror’s image and noticed she wielded a horn as well. “Well I’ll be…”

My reflection meets my mother’s eyes as I come into the mirror’s shiny surface, seeing my nicely dressed self alongside her. “Sure is nice to be a pony, hugh Mom?” She could only nod as she admired her new pony self.

“Hey, Twilight!” Spike’s voice echoed off the walls, startling my mother and Leap Year. “Just so you know, it is now 5:27!” His steps sounded like webbed feet from a duck as he trotted over to us. Noticing the two newcomers to Equestria, he cave my sister and mother a friendly wave. “Hey, I am Spike, the Brave and Glorious Protector of the Crystal Empire. Welcome to Equestria.” Realizing his proclamation, he puffed out his chest with pride and held a heroic pose. Twilight, Sunset, and I rolled our eyes as Leap Year and Mom were now surprised to see a young dragon.

“Oh my gosh! He is so cute!” Somehow able to use her magical abilities, Leap Year dragged Spike over to her and gave him a close embrace. The Brave and Glorious Protector tried to pry himself away from the cheerful girl, but Leap Year was proving to be a challenge.

Looking over to Twilight, I notice she is looking quite anxious. “I hate to be the one to ruin the admiration of my assistant,” she spoke, bringing everypony’s eye to her, “But my parents are due to arrive any minute now.”

“Oh goodness!” Mom looked to Leap Year who still clung onto Spike with a tight grip. “Dear, leave him be. We need to go meet the princess’ parents.”

Leap Year’s close embrace slowly let go of Spike, not wanting to let him go, but also not wanting to upset Mom. Twilight then grabbed my hoof and gave me a sweet smile. “Let’s go.”

***

Twilight Sparkle tapped her hoof on the tile floor, constantly asking Spike for the time. It seems every sixty seconds exactly passed, she would say the same question to the dragon. Everypony was attempting to calm her down, knowing that her family was only running seven minutes late; but every time they did, she spoke the same excuse for her eagerness: her first date needed to be perfect.

Thankfully for Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer quickly befriended her, so now I don’t have to feel like she is a third wheel. The two were discussing something on the lines of transmutation, whatever that is, and my sister listened with such intensity. I was surprised to see her attention grasped so tightly. Perhaps she wanted to use her newly found power for anything that involves magic.

As for my mother, she asked Spike simple questions about the Ponyville, which the dragon was grateful for. Around the first time we arrived, Pinkie Pie was a never ending questionare and Spike was the one she went to for answers. He had most of them, despite how complicated they could get, but Spike’s energy was quickly used up, unable to take her questions.

“Spike, the time?” Twilight asked nervously.

“It’s 5:38…” Spike mumbled before turning his attention to my mother. “So anyways, Miss Millennia, how I became great and glorious is…”

I could almost feel the ground shake as Twilight Sparkle shook beside me; and I was not even touching her. “Ugh, what is taking them so long…?”

“Twilight.” I raise my brows and tilt my head forward, looking up at her with a stare that said “stop it.”

“Flash, you know how much this night means to me.” she whined. “To us.”

“And it is.” I lean forward and give her a reassuring kiss. “But you have to remember that things happen in life and your family is most likely caught up in something that is delaying them.” Twilight gave me a sad look, her eyes begging for comfort. Tending to the princess’ needs, I nuzzle her muzzle with mine, then tickle her cheek with my snout. She giggles at the playful act, telling me I did well with assisting her.

KNOCK KNOCK!

Without any warning, Twilight pulled the large doors opened suddenly and a gust of wind blew into the castle. Several leaves twirled into the castle as they were helplessly carried by the wind.

“You are late…” Twilight grumbled at the four ponies who stood at the entrance.

“We are so sorry dear,” the white one spoke with a nervous grin. “We were delayed on the train because there was a cattle herd crossing the tracks.”

Letting out a sigh and letting go of her anger, Twilight Sparkle turned to me and my family and gestured to the four guests. “Flash Sentry, Leap Year, Miss Millennia, Sunset Shimmer, and Starlight Glimmer, meet my family.

The pink alicorn, the one who I can assume is Princess Cadence, approaches me with a smile, “It is so nice to finally meet you; even though the other you is back at the Crystal Empire.”

“Then I am doing twice of a good job here, in Equestria,” I joke, causing Cadence to giggle in her hoof at my simple humor. The white mare and light-blue stallion walked past me to greet my mother as I shake hooves with Twilight’s sister-in-law. I notice that Cadence did not have her daughter with her. I know Twilight has been raving about how great of an aunt she is and wanted to see the child; but no such luck was given to me. Perhaps the mother got a babysitter.

Gesturing to the white unicorn beside her, who is giving me quite the stink eye, Cadence said, “And this is my husband, Shining Armor.”

“Nice to meet you,” I say with my arm extended to him. But all he did was stare at me with a stare that could melt steel. I could hear my mother laugh along with Twilight’s parents, most likely telling them a story about me.

“Honey, shake his hand,” Cadence spoke low, almost through her teeth.

Twilight came into my peripheral as I still had my arm extended to her brother. “Shining Armor, is something wrong?” she asked very irritated with his stubborn attitude.

The prince cranked his neck, a sickening cracking ringing through the air. “Just inspecting your boyfriend. I want to be sure my baby sister isn't with some-”

Before the insult could fly, Cadence stamped her hoof down and barked, “Shining Armor! This is your sister’s boyfriend and you will show some respect.” The alicorn smirked, “Perhaps I should tell everypony how much of a nervous wreck you were on our first date?” His cheeks flared and eyes darted between his wife and I.

“Fine.” Shining Armor grabbed my hoof and gave a rough shake. “Shining Armor. Captain of the Canterlot Guard and Crystal Empire, and Prince of the Crystal Empire. Try anything with my sister, and-”

A white hoof snagged the big and tough captain of the guard and gave it a good yank; it was his mother. “Don't you be rude, threatening Twilight’s handsome special somepony!”

Twilight bumps into me and whispers, “That's my mother, the Mare of Ear Pulling.”

Shining Armor whined as the mother pulled hard down on his ear. “Alright, I am sorry!” Twilight’s mother let go, leaving his ear nice and red.

“I can tell,” I whisper back. “She has your hair. And your ability to grab things.” Twilight rolled her eyes at my statement, but still smiled nonetheless. After the formal introductions of parents meeting Twilight and I, my girlfriend pulled out her list of tonight’s events. But despite her list, her family, my mother and sister, Sunset, and Starlight all decided to mingle at the entrance of the castle. By the time 6:17 rolled around, Twilight looked like a nervous wreck, unaccustomed to an improvised evening. I thankfully calm her down, reassuring that the night was going well, despite Shining Armor’s negative attitude against me; at least he was treating my mother and sister with a healthy amount of respect; if he was rude to them, then he and I will have a typical brother and sister’s boyfriend hateful rivalry.

However, when Twilight asked me if I brought my homework so she and I can look it over, I told her I “forgot it;” and she almost freaked out, saying how everything was disorganized and a potential disaster is on the way.

It was a terrible lie and she knew it, but Twilight was starting to make me uncomfortable and we had to step aside. We assessed the entire evening so far, and came to the conclusion that there were no real issues, aside from Shining Armor being a pain in the flank.

After my talk with Twilight, I finally broke the ice with Shining Armor and we discussed our occupations. He didn't look pleased with the fact that I was a musician, but did thank me for making his sister happy after I told him I play the guitar for Twilight whenever I can. Leap Year was showing off to everypony her newly found abilities by levitating small objects. A few embarrassing stories were shared about Twilight and I and we did our best to not look too embarrassed.

Now, the time was 7:22, and everypony was anticipating the arrival of the two princesses. We all sat in the library, filling every chair that was available. As Twilight and I sat beside each other on the sofa, Shining Armor was impressing my sister by telling her the story of how he managed to ward off a swarm of changelings. Cadence had to chime in, reminding her husband that she helped him as well.

The only two who were not present, or at least among the group was Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer. The two really hit it off well, both almost too similar. I asked Twilight if I could look for Sunset and she allowed me to do so.

After informing everypony I was looking for Sunset Shimmer, I left the library, closing the door behind me. Thanks to my frequent visits, my knowledge of the castle was well memorized; getting lost was impossible.

The entrance, the portal room, the kitchen-- all yielding no sign of Sunset Shimmer. I approach the cutie map room and hear echoes in the hall.

“I just don't know if I can face her… What if… she remembers all the horrible things I had done?”

My pace slows as I see Starlight sitting in one of the white chairs as Sunset walked back and forth nervously. “Do you not trust Twilight’s word?” Starlight Glimmer answered with another question. “I know what it is like to face those I have hurt, but I also know that they have forgiven me because of my sincere regret.”

I frowned, saddened at how Sunset Shimmer still beats herself up about Princess Celestia. If a princess wished to see me again, especially after I did some wrongdoings, I would jump at the chance to repair the damaged bridge.

My hoof steps forward and knocks on the tile a little too loud than I would have liked at alerted the two mares. Starlight simply turned her attention to me while Sunset flinched the moment she heard the noise.

“Hey, I was wondering where you were Sunset.” With my cover blown, I approach the two mares with a sincere smile.

“You said you used to date him when you were your old self, yes?” Starlight gave Sunset a wide grin. Sunset and I blush slightly, answering the question without words; but neither of us know why she asked. “Seems to me that he cares about you even after you two broke up.”

Sunset rubbed the back of her forearm and gave me a sweet smile, then shrugged. “Too bad I didn't know what I had until it was too late.” A grin and brows slightly creased replaced the smile I once loved. “But I'm over you now.”

“Well good,” I wink.

Turning the tide and gaze against her friend, the yellow mare asked, “So Starlight here said she reunited with her old stallion friend. You think they should date?”

“S-Sunset!” Starlight Glimmer flushed and leered at me, daring me to answer Sunset’s question. Knowing her powers, I was reluctant to challenge the unicorn.

A giggle from behind us all turned our attention to the source, seeing Twilight standing alone. “It seems my apprentice has shared some great wisdom to you Sunset.”

Starlight’s blush faded, but still clung to her cheeks. Sunset did not have a look of surprise, now knowing the Princess of Friendship was such an eavesdropper. “She does. I wonder what princess does not have a helpful apprentice.”

“There is one, Sunset Shimmer.” An elegant voice drifted through the air, a calmness I could feel. A tall white alicorn stepped into view, her pink dress flowing with her movement.

Looking at me, Twilight Sparkle gestured to the newest guest and said, “Flash Sentry, this is Princess Celestia, my friend, and teacher.” At once, I bowed in full respect, intimidated by her grace. If I had to guess, I was now feeling the same stress that Sunset Shimmer was feeling all evening. It was was a strange feeling to have the princess who raises the sun before me and could almost feel the gravity of the sun.

“It is an honor to meet you.” I wanted to kick myself in the head, worried my simple greet was not enough to gain Celestia’s respects.

“And it is my greatest honor that you tend to my old faithful student’s heart.” I look up to see Twilight flushed, her eyes on me. Taking careful steps, I approach the two princesses and shake hooves with Celestia.

A few words were shared among the three of us before Twilight mentioned Sunset Shimmer. Celestia easily spotted her poorly hiding behind a white stone chair. I quickly move to Twilight’s side while we watch Celestia approach her long lost student. Starlight stood from her seat and bowed as she passed by; Celestia respectfully acknowledged her with a nod and smile.

Now before Sunset Shimmer, the two mares stared at one another, eager for the other to speak. “It- it has been a while, Princess Celestia.” Sunset Shimmer bowed her head, her entire body now trembling.

“Why are you afraid my old faithful student?” Twilight and I heard something catch Celestia’s voice as she spoke. “There is- nothing to be worried about.”

Sunset Shimmer shook her head, her tears visible from my viewpoint. “You are wrong Celestia… I don’t deserve your mercy nor your friendship. Not after all I have done. Not after-”

The princess quickly wrapped her arm around Sunset Shimmer’s neck and quickly pulled her close, the yellow mare’s face pressed in Celestia’s breast. “My sister never thought she would be forgiven after she attacked me, but I gave her a second chance,” Celestia spoke, her voice distorted by her happiness. “Twilight Sparkle gave you that chance I gave my sister when you turn-coated from your evil ways. We all deserve a second chance, and I can tell you are sincere about your actions. After all, Twilight tells me you saved your world from three evils, yes? That is a good enough reason for me to want you back in my life.”

With every ounce of strength she had, Sunset wrapped her arms around Princess Celestia and began to hysterically cry, her wails echoing off the castle walls. I had a hard time fighting back tears, but Twilight had already succumbed to tear up. My arm naturally falls behind her neck as we smile, watching the student reuniting with the princess.

After her loud crying was finished, Sunset begged, “I’m sorry Celestia! I’m so sorry! I’m sorry. I’m sorry…” She seemed to calm down and sagged her shoulders a bit, as if she used up all her energy to lement in Celestia’s arms. Sunset Shimmer let go and looked down at the ground, somewhat afraid of Celestia’s stare.

But the princess did not hold any ounce of malice in her eyes as she brought her hoof to her past student’s chin and lifted it up. “Chin up Sunset. Tonight is a good night.” Celestia smiled wide, almost as bright as the star she lifts into the sky. She sniffed before wiping her eyes, removing the stream of tears from her cheeks.

***

Dinner was a peaceful event, filled with happy conversations, funny stories, and a tasty meal. Though I am not accustomed to not having meat with my meal, everything was quite filling. The fruit salad had both a mix of fruits and vegetables, the bread was nice and warm, and the Sugarcube Corner deserts were as sweet as ever.

We all sat with our respective families as best we could. Twilight Sparkle and I sat beside each other and our parent’s sat at our sides. As for the siblings, Shining Armor sat beside his wife, and Leap Year was seated between Cadence and Princess Luna; after all, what little girl wouldn’t want to sit between two princesses? Luna and Celestia sat together and Sunset Shimmer was to Celestia’s right. Finally, Spike sat beside my mother and Starlight Glimmer was next to his chair.

With the meal out of the way, my mother was telling the group the story of my first concert held at Canterlot High School. Yes, it was a great memory; having my own gig with my friends was a blast. Of course, with every story, come a humorous moment. During our last song, my guitar solo was on the approach. I wanted to give the crowd a little bit of a show, so I ran to the front of the stage and slid on my knees as I played. However, I slid a little too much and fell off the stage.

Everypony laughed, even myself, as my mother concluded my great and embarrassing story. Shining Armor seemed a little more enthusiastic as he humored himself with a loud laughter, but I didn’t think much else of it.

“Talk about a stage dive,” Sunset inputted, which birthed more laughing. I blush but in good spirits; all night, my mother and Twilight Sparkle’s parents have been sharing embarrassing stories about not only us, but Shining Armor as well. So now, it was my turn.

Clearing her throat, Princess Celestia looked to Sunset and asked, “Are you glad you have come to tonight’s dinner?”

“If I am welcome, then yes.” Everypony told the unicorn she was an excellent addition to tonight’s evening and she blushed at the sudden attention that was gathered toward her.

“And I am glad you have come tonight…” Celestia clapped her hoof together and exclaimed to the table, “...because I have an interesting story to share with you all.” Again, she looked to her old student. “And I think you will enjoy it most.” Leap Year’s eyes widened, eager to her the princess. Twilight and I looked at one another with curiosity, wondering what was in store for everypony. “Sunset, you say told me you had a hard time facing me, yes?” The unicorn nodded before looking to the others still staring at her. “You are not the only one facing the truth; I had that problem before.”

Cadence straightened herself with a wide grin on her face. “Oh, I know exactly what story you are talking about Princess Celestia!”

“What story, sister?” Luna asked before sipping into her glass of tea.

To everypony’s surprise, Celestia’s cheeks flared red and had to look elsewhere. “The story of my old love and how you became an alicorn.” At once, Twilight leaned forward with her mouth wide open.

“You were in love?! How?! When-” Twilight nearly leapt at her sister-in-law. “When did you- What-” Everypony was amused with how Twilight was tripping over her own tongue, trying to complete a full sentence.

Princess Luna brought her hoof to her mouth, hiding a cheeky grin, “Sister, I never knew you were fond of a stallion.”

“She didn’t even know it herself,” Cadence chimed in, but kept herself in check, not saying too much. “Perhaps you should tell us the story yourself, Celestia. Tell us how you faced your past crush which earned me my wings.”

Leap Year was about to ask a question, but my mother held up a hoof to still her daughter. Sunset Shimmer looked to her old teacher noticing Celestia’s flustered expression, as if to say she regrets her words. “Like you said, be brave and tell the truth.”

Princess Celestia looked amused with Sunset’s wide grin. “Very well.”

We all leaned forward to listen…

The end.

As for Celestia’s story, that is for another time...