Equestria Girls - A Whole New World

by IronPiedmont1996

Chapters

Chapter II - The Thief
Chapter III - A Strange New World
Chapter IV - Getting our Bearings
Chapter V - Lunch
Chapter VI - A Chance Meeting
Chapter VII - A Book Before Bed
Chapter VIII - Food Fight!
Chapter IX - Casa de Flash
Chapter X - The Truth Revealed
Chapter XII - The Speech
Chapter XIII - Vandalism
Chapter XIV - The Crown or Else!
Chapter XV - The Demon Unleashed
Chapter XVI - The Big Night
Chapter XVII - Sunset for Demons
Chapter I - The Arrival
Chapter XI - Ears and Tails

Chapter II - The Thief

“Ah am stuffed!” Applejack said.

It had been about an hour or two since they all arrived and had just gotten done having a large dinner with the Princesses and Shining Armor.

“That was so good!” Pinkie said happily. There was splotch of white icing on her cheek from dessert. “I just can’t wait for whatever we’re having from breakfast.”

Everyone pony merely chuckled at Pinkie Pie’s enthusiasm.

“Twilight darling, can I ask you something?” Rarity asked. “Who was that guard you were talking to earlier?”

“He said his name was Flash Sentry.” Twilight answered. “He’s pretty nice.”

“Just nice?” Spike asked, with a teasing look. “He didn’t just have a nice attitude now did he?”

“I agree with Spike.” Rarity said. “He seemed a lot more than friendly.”

Twilight didn’t understand.

“What are you saying?”

Before either Rarity or Spike could answer, their hyperactive friend chimed in.

“Twilight thinks he’s cuuuute! Twilight thinks he’s cuuuute! Twilight thinks he’s cuuuute!” Pinkie sang. “You think he’s cute don’t you Twilight?”

Twilight was surprised by what her pink friend had said.

“W-what are you talking about?” She asked with surprise. “I’ve only known him for like an hour or so.”

“Knowing somepony for a couple hours has nothing to do with whether or not think that somepony is good looking.” Rainbow Dash said.

“It’s not often I say this, but I agree with Rainbow.” Rarity said. “I’ve known customers for a total of five minutes and I thought of them good looking. So tell us darling, you think Flash is cute isn’t he?”

Twilight finally sighed.

“Okay fine I think he’s good looking.” She said. “But that doesn’t mean anything. Have you ever felt any true feelings for anypony you’ve thought was good looking and for no other reason than that.”

Rarity then produced a look on her face and turned away.

“You know what, don’t answer that.” Twilight said. “Anyway, let’s all get some sleep. It’s a big day tomorrow.”

Everypony then said their good nights and began to head to their respective bed rooms.

Fluttershy made her way towards her bedroom, until she heard what sounded like somepony was trotting some distance away.

This peaked her curiosity.

“Is somepony there?”

She then heard trotting again, this time it coming down a hallway to her left.

Even more curious, Fluttershy made her way down the hallway, which was, for whatever reason, darker than the others.

Suddenly, there was another sound, this time it was something being knocked over.

Fluttershy looked over and saw that it had to have come from a room that had its door was ajar. Her curiosity still strong, she slowly approached the door and gently pushed it open.

“Hello?”

The room was quiet.

“Is somepony in here?”

She slowly entered the room.

The room was really dark. Despite this, and thanks to what little light leaked into the room from the open doorway, Fluttershy spotted something that caught her eye.

“What is this?”

It appeared to be a large mirror. A very large mirror.

“What is this doing in here?”

As she was about to touch it, there was a sudden thud behind her.

She turned and saw a large shape in the shadows. The shape was about the same height as her, and that shape was a pony. A pony with a cloak on.

Fluttershy gasped with fright and ran out of the room.

As she was about to make her way down the hall, there was a flash and the cloaked pony appeared right in front of her.

Before Fluttershy could scream, the cloaked pony grabbed hold of her and slammed her against the wall hand covered her mouth with an amber colored hoof.

“Listen here you pink maned bitch.” The pony said. The pony’s voice revealed her to be female. “You’re going to forget you saw me. You’re going to forget you came down this hall and into that room. You’re going to forget that room even exists. Do you understand me?”

Fluttershy didn’t say anything or move a muscle.

“Do. You. Understand. Me?” The mare asked forcefully.

All Fluttershy could do was nodded, after all, the mare’s hoof was covering her mouth.

“Good. Now dry your tears and get going.” The mare let Fluttershy go. “And if you dare tell anypony, I’ll be the last thing you’ll ever see.”

Without a second thought Fluttershy got away as quickly as she could.

“Hmm.” The cloaked mare said. “A total coward. Just like the other one.”

Twilight lied down in her bed and let out a sigh.

“That was good dinner wasn’t it Spike?”

“Yeah, it was.” Spike said as he closed the door. “I’m surprised that Pinkie could fit it all in her. Then again it is Pinkie we’re talking about.”

As Spike made his way to his bed, he saw Twilight was having trouble with her wings.

“Come on, stupid wings.”

Twilight then managed to tuck each completely between her and the mattress. But just as she closed her eyes, the wings then popped out from under her, tossing her blanket around.

She led out an annoyed groan.

“How about sleeping on your front?” Spike suggested.

“Not a bad idea.” Twilight said.

As she lied down on her front, she got Spike’s attention.

“Spike, can I ask you something?” She asked.

“Sure, what’s up?” The drake asked.

“Did you mean what you said earlier?” The alicorn asked. “About me being a good leader?”

Spike smiled as he approached her.

“Twilight, the biggest problems Equestria has ever faced were solved because of you.” Spike said. “And I mean every word of it. After all, the Crystal Empire is not under King Sombra’s rule right?”

“To be fair I’m not the one who dove off a building after crystal heart.” Twilight said.

“You know what I mean.” Spike said. “Like I said. Every word of it.”

Twilight smiled.

“Thanks Spike.”

Spike then turned the lamp off and made his way toward his bed.

“Good night Twilight.”

The door to Twilight Sparkle and Spike’s room slowly opened.

“Right out in the open.” The cloaked mare said. “What a complete idiot.”

The mare opened the door even more slowly and entered the room. Before she could make another step, she quickly stopped as she almost tripped over the small bed a purple dragon was sleeping in.

Seeing that the drake was still sleeping, the mare approached the nightstand where a golden crown with a purple jewel lay.

“Perfect.”

Mare used her magic to take hold of the crown and pulled it towards her. In her haste, she knocked over the lamp. Before she knew it, the lamp shattered upon hitting the floor with a loud smash.

Twilight and Spike woke up with a startle.

“What the…?”

Before Spike could fulling ask his question, he felt somepony practically stomp on his head as a ark shaped hoped over him.

Twilight looked and saw Spike holding his head.

Just before she could ask if her friend was okay, she realized something almost turned her from purple to white. Her crown was gone.

With shock, she looked and saw a cloaked figure rush out of the room.

“Hey!” She shouted. “Come back here!”

Twilight hoped out of bed and jumped over Spike, taking care not to hit him unlike the pony before.

Twilight slid out of the room and into the hall.

“Somepony help!” She cried. “That pony stole my crown!”

Doors of the other guest rooms opened as Twilight ran passed.

“What in the hay is going on?” Applejack asked as she put on her hat.

Before anypony could answer she saw somepony wearing a black cloak run passed her, then followed by her alicorn friend.

Without a second thought she ran after them. She was then joined by Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and finally Spike.

The cloaked mare looked behind her and saw her saw the six ponies and one drake that were after her.

“Halt!” Somepony shouted. “Hold it right there!”

She looked ahead of her and saw nothing but a light. She recognized that the light was coming from a flashlight strapped to a helmet.

“I said halt!”

The guard then levitated off of the ground, revealing to be a pegasus, and charged toward her.

“Nice try.”

The mare then shot what seemed to be a beam of magic energy at the guard, hitting him right in the face, causing him to bounce off the ground and tumble towards the mare.

Twilight gasped as the guard hit the ground with a loud thud, right behind the thieving mare.

Thanks to the helmet’s flashlight, Twilight recognized the guard as Flash Sentry who was now completely out cold. There was a black burn right between his eyes.

“Flash?” Twilight asked.

She looked and saw that the cloak the thief wore was now on the floor. Apparently when Flash Sentry tumbled in the air, one of his hooves caught hold of the mare’s cloak.

Twilight looked and saw the suspect now uncloaked.

She was a unicorn with an amber coat, a crimson and yellow mane, and a cutie mark which appeared to be a sun of the same color as her mane. She also wore a pair of saddle bags, both of which bore her cutie mark.

“Sorry for the inconvenience Princess.” She said with a fiendish smirk.

The mare then turned and bolted down the hall.

“Get back here!”

Twilight then did the same with her friends in toe.

After turning around a corner, Twilight finally managed to jump onto the mare just as she entered a room, causing both of them to hit the floor with a loud thud.

Upon both mares hitting the floor, the Twilight’s crown fell out one of the saddle bags and bounced off the floor and into what appeared to be a large mirror. Instead of the mirror shattering, the crown, surprisingly, phased through the glass.

Before Twilight could even asked, the thief disappeared with an amber flash and reappeared in front of the mirror.

“Sorry it had to be this way.”

That was before the mare gave another smirk and darted into the mirror.

It was the next morning when Celestia called everypony together in the throne room.

“Tell us everything that had happened.” The Princess of the Sun said.

“Spike and I were woken up by the lamp shattering.” Twilight explained. “And when I woke up, I saw that the crown was gone and that mare running out of the room.”

“Yeah, we chased after her and then she went and blasted that guard.” Rainbow Dash added.

“How is he doing?” Spike asked. “Is he okay?”

“He’s alright.” Luna answered. “That burst of energy he was hit by was meant to be non-lethal.”

“No offense Princess Luna.” Applejack said as she took her hat off respectively. “But with you here, wouldn’t you have found out about it before it would’ve happened?”

“For whatever reason I didn’t.” Luna answered. “Regretfully I wish I did.”

“It’s my fault!”

Everypony in the room looked over at Fluttershy, the pony who had shouted.

“What do you mean, darling?” Rarity asked with concern.

“Last night all of us went to bed, I thought I heard something so went to look.” Fluttershy explained. “And when I did I found this mare in a cloak. When I ran, she caught up to me and said she’d heard me I told anypony.” Tears started to form in her eyes. “Now Twilight’s crown is gone and Flash is hurt…” He voice began to choke. “…and it’s all because of me!”

Fluttershy then went down on her knees and began to cry.

Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow went to comfort her friend.

“Do not feel shame, Fluttershy.” Luna said. “Thou are not to blame.”

“What happened next, Twilight?” Shining Armor asked.

“I managed to catch up to her when she entered this room.” Twilight continued. “When I jumped onto her the crown fell out of one of her saddle bags and bounced into this mirror.”

Celestia and Luna both produced a look of surprise and shock.

“A… …mirror…?” Fluttershy said as she sniffed. “…there was a mirror in that room.”

“I believe I know the name of the culprit.” Celestia said as she rose from her seat and approached the group of mares. “Her name is Sunset Shimmer.”

Twilight didn’t recognize the name.

“Who is she?”

“Sunset Shimmer was an old student of mine. Way before you, Twilight.” Celestia explained. “She was a great student. But unfortunately, her heart didn’t match her intellect. She wanted power and I wasn’t going to let her. So she disappeared into that mirror.”

“What’s in the mirror?” Twilight asked.

“Please follow me.”

Twilight stared into the mirror in the now fully lit room. Everypony was gathered in the room where the mirror was located.

“This mirror before you is a gateway to another world.” Celestia explained. “You see, many moons ago I always kept feeling this strange surge of energy. One day, I managed to contain this energy into this mirror, and I discovered that it leads to a different world. A very strange world.”

“Why is Sunset Shimmer obsessed with the mirror?” Rainbow Dash asked with her leg around Fluttershy.

“One day I showed the mirror to her. She saw that the reflection was that of herself, but as an alicorn princess.” Celestia continued. “Since then she started to have a hunger for power, something I wasn't going to give to somepony with hatred in their heart. And then one day she disappeared into the mirror. And that was so long.”

“Why did she wait so long to come back?” Rarity asked. “What was she waiting for?”

“That’s the time between when the gateway opens and closes.” Luna answered, standing beside the mirror. “When it does open, does remains open for five days.”

“I don’t know what exactly it is she is planning…” Celestia said. “…but since it involves her stealing you’re crown, it cannot be good.”

“What can we do to stop her?” Twilight asked. “Is there anything we can do?”

“There is.” Celestia said. “You need to go through the mirror and get your crown back.”

Twilight’s eyes went wide.

“But, what can I do?” She asked. “I don’t even know what world is on the other side.”

Celestia put her hoof on her student’s shoulder.

“I know you can.” She said with reassuring eyes. “You’ve saved Equestria multiple times. What is there that can stop you?”

“Yeah, Twilight.” Spike said. “We all know you can.”

Twilight looked around her friends who all gave her a smile, with just as much reassurance as Celestia’s.

“You’re right.” She said. “I’ll do it.”

“But you must go it alone.” Luna added.

Everypony looked at the Princess of the Night.

“Alone?” Rainbow Dash asked with disbelief. “There’s no way we’re letting Twilight go alone!”

“Unfortunately, if all of you go at once, you will upset the balance of each world.” Luna explained. “Either way, Twilight must go alone.”

Twilight had finished packing her saddle bag with several necessities.

“Twilight, are you sure you’ll be fine going on this alone?” Rainbow Dash asked as the alicorn entered the room. “I mean, I don’t think it won’t be so bad if at least one of us came with you.”

“Celestia and Luna’s word is law.” Twilight answered. “I’m not familiar with this world, so I don’t want to mess up the balance of whatever world this is.”

Rainbow Dahs sighed with defeat.

Suddenly, Twilight felt somepony touch her shoulder. She turned and saw that it was Fluttershy.

“Please be careful.” She said with a gentle smile.

“I will.” Twilight said.

Suddenly her poofy haired friend latched onto her.

“I’ll miss you Twilight!”

“Come back safely, darling.”

“We have all the faith in the world in ya, Sugercube.”

Twilight looked around at her friends and smiled.

“I’ll be back you guys.” She said. “I’ll be thinking of you all.”

Twilight then turned to the mirror and took a deep breath.

She then walked toward the mirror and began to phase into the mirror.

“Here goes nothing.”

That was the last thing she said before completely disappearing.

“Forget it!” Spike shouted. “I’m letting her go alone!”

Spike then ran and jumped into the mirror, shocking everypony in the room.

“Spike no!”

Chapter III - A Strange New World

“Uuh…”

Twilight felt as if she was made of gelatin.

“Twilight?” A familiar voice said. “Are you okay?”

Twilight recognized the voice immediately.

“Spike?” She asked. “What are you doing here?”

She looked over to where Spike and she saw, not her friend, but some sort of creature. The creature looked very similar to a monkey or any other ape like creature. Instead of having fur all over its body, it only had black fur on the top of its head, which bore a pair of green eyes. Its skin was a light color with a hint of browning, and was covered by some sort of clothing. Pants made of denim, a green button up shirt, a purple sweater vest over it, and wore a pair of shoes on its two feet. A pair of shoes Twilight has most certainly never seen before.

“What are you?” She asked.

“Twilight, it’s me.” The bipedal creature said with Spike’s voice. It was Spike's voice, but it sounded off. As if it was a tad deeper than usually.

This caught Twilight completely off guard.

“Spike?” She asked. “What in the world happened to you?”

“I was about to ask you the same question.” The former dragon said pointing as his friend.

Twilight brought her hooves up to her face. Or, what used to be hooves, now they were some sort strange appendages, each with five smaller appendages. Her skin tone was similar to Spike's but seemed to be a more tanner color.

Twilight grew very worried.

“What am I?” She asked frantically. “What am I? WHAT AM I?!”

Suddenly Spike covered her mouth.

“Twilight, calm down!”

He kept his hand over Twilight’s mouth for a couple more seconds.

“Are you calm?”

Twilight nodded.

“Are you sure?”

She nodded again.

“Alright.”

Spike then took the strange appendage off of Twilight’s mouth.

“Now…” He said. “…what did that mirror do to us?”

Twilight looked to her right and saw that they sat down next to what appeared to be a large horse statue. Twilight then touched the side of the statue base. The surface glowed upon being touched.

“I don’t know what the mirror did to us.” She said. “But we might as well get used to it. Right now we need to figure out where we are.”

The two looked around.

They saw many surrounding buildings, but what really caught their eye was the large building the statue was in front of it. It had two stories and was painted a light purple. There was a sign above the main entrance that read “Cathy McCarthy High School”, and over that was a golden horse shoe.

On the roof were three flags. The one to the right was green with some sort of emblem in the center which consisted of a gold colored ring with what appeared to be a portrait in the center. The flag to the left was blue that had some sort of emblem. Twilight couldn’t make out what the seal consisted of, but she could see thirteen white stars. The third flag in the middle had red and white stripes and white stars on a blue canton.

“A school?” Spike asked. “You think Sunset might be in there?”

“I don’t know Spike.” Twilight answered. “But we’ll have to start somewhere. Come on.”

Twilight then got off her bottom and onto her hooves, or what used to be hooves.

“Uh, Twilight.” Spike said. “I don’t think that’s how we’re supposed to walk now.”

Twilight looked at Spike and saw that he was walking perfectly fine on two legs.

Twilight then got onto her two legs and almost fell over.

“Whoa!”

Spike managed to get behind her and kept her from falling over.

“Not so easy on two legs, huh?” He asked.

Twilight then found her balance and looked at Spike.

Much to her amusement, Spike was actually shorter than Twilight. And entire foot shorter than he was.

“I may have two legs now, but at least I’m still taller than you.”

Spike didn't like that one bit, but decided to leave it.

“Anyway, let’s go.”

Twilight mimicked Spike and put one leg in front of the other. Slowly at first, but eventually at the same pace as Spike.

Eventually they got to the front entrance.

“Okay, let’s get inside.”

Twilight then closed her eyes, moved in head in one direction, and walked faced first into the door.

“Oh come, I don’t have my magic either?” She asked with annoyance. “What kind of world is this?” She then felt her forehead. “You got to be kidding me. My horn is gone to?”

Spike then reached for the door and pushed it open, granting the two of them access.

“We need to get you a mirror.” He said. “Come on, let’s get inside.”

The inside of the building was quite large.

There were doorways which led to different hallways. There were many banners around which bore either a horseshoe or the image of a horse’s head, sometimes both, and there were several glass cases which all contained many golden objects.

Twilight then approached one of the cases.

“What are these?” Spike asked. “You think they came from home?”

“I don’t know.” Twilight answered. “But they do look pretty valuable.”

Shen the backed away from the glass and then finally saw her reflection.

She wore a light blue blouse that was a little puffy on the shoulders, a light purple bow, and a purple skirt that extended down to her knees which bore her cutie mark. One her hooves, or whatever she now had, were a pair of black shoes with purple leg warmers that went up to her knees. She then looked at her face and saw that, unlike Spike, her eyes remained the same color s they did in Equestria. Her hair was straight, black and reached down to her waist. On her back appeared to be a blue bag that was strapped to her back via two straps that went over her shoulders.

“Seriously, what are we?” She asked. “And how did my bag change?”

“I’m not sure.” Spike said. “But I look pretty cool don’t I?”

Twilight looked down at Spike who gave her a sly smirk with his claws on his hips. Or what used to be claws.

Twilight merely chuckled.

“By the way, how long do we have to find the Crown?” Spike asked. “Luna said three days, right?”

“While I was packing my bag, Luna told me that we actually have five days actually. She said that we need to be on the other side of that portal before the moon reaches its peak on the fifth day." Twilight explained. “Otherwise we’re stuck here.”

After listening to what Twilight had to say, something caught Spike’s eye.

“Twilight, look.”

Spike rushed over to a poster that was taped against the wall.

The poster read, “Join the Anatomy Club!” in large letters at the top. The center of the poster was a diagram what whatever Spike and Twilight had become. The creature appeared to be male, as it didn't appear to have whatever it is Twilight now had. The bottom of the poster read, “Explore the wonders of the human anatomy”.

“Human?” Spike said, reading the word aloud. “That might be what we are.”

As the two examined the diagram, they both heard a sudden, loud ringing.

“What was…?”

Twilight’s question was then cut off by what appeared to be a flood of humans coming from all directions, from every hallway and every doorway. Each one of humans wore different clothing, was a different gender, was a different height, and had different skin colors from white as snow to black as coffee.

Without a second thought, Spike grabbed Twilight’s hands.

“What do we do now?” He asked frantically.

Twilight looked around and saw a clear area down one hall.

“Follow me.”

Twilight then led Spike through the crowd, almost tripping several times, until finally they found themselves on the edge of the crowd. Suddenly, Twilight’s foot got caught on something and fell forward, taking Spike down with her.

“Are you okay Spike?” She asked.

“Yeah, I’m alright.” Spike said. “That was crazy. That bell went off and they all just came out of now where.”

As Twilight tried to stand up, she heard something coming from behind.

“Hey, you okay?”

She turned and saw that it was a male human.

This human had black hair and was light skinned. He wore denim pants, the same type of shoes Spike was wearing, a dark gray jacket with a white and red stripe on the sleeves and torso, a white shirt underneath, and around his neck was a gold colored necklace that had what looked like a lower case "t".

What really caught Twilight’s attention were his blue eyes, which seemed to be rather familiar to her.

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine.” Twilight answered. “Spike and I just got caught up in the crowd.”

The boy offered his hand, according to the poster she saw earlier, that is what this strange appendage is called.

Twilight carefully put her hand in his and he helped her off of the floor.

“Thank you.”

“No problem.” The boy said. “I’ve never seen you two around her before. What are your names?”

“I’m Twilight.” Twilight answered. “And this is… …uh… …my little brother, Spike.”

Spike gave Twilight a that said, "Really?", but decided to let it be.

“That’s cool. I’m Bradley, Bradley Shields.” The Boy said. “But a lot of people here call me Flash.”

Twilight suddenly felt as if something in her mind was triggered upon hearing that name.

“Well anyway, I got to head to class.” Flash said. “I’ll see you two around.”

He then gave Twilight a smile and made his way down the hall.

Spike saw that Twilight was watching Flash as he disappeared down the hall.

"So what do we do now?" Spike asked.

“He looked pretty familiar.” She said.

“Twilight!”

Twilight then turned to Spike.

“Oh, right, sorry. Well this is a pretty big place.” She said. “Let’s split up. After an hour, we’ll meet in…”

She looked over at the wall and saw a map with all the rooms listed on each floor. Next to it was a schedule that listed the times for each class.

“…in here, the cafeteria, at twelve o’ clock.”

“Are you sure splitting up is a good idea?” Spike asked. “What if I get lost?”

“Don’t worry Spike.” Twilight assured her friend. “This place is just like the high school Shining Armor and Cadence went to. If you get lost, just ask somepony.”

Twilight then realized what she had just said.

“I mean; somebody.” She said. “Anyway, I’ll meet you at the cafeteria at twelve.”

Chapter IV - Getting our Bearings

“I hope Spike is having better luck than I am.”

It had been a while since Twilight and Spike had split. They had done so to cover more ground to find Sunset Shimmer and her crown. As of now, she could not find either.

She then looked through the window of one door and into a classroom. From what she saw on the blackboard at the front, it appeared to be some sort of mathematics. A man, who Twilight assumed was the math teacher, who looked like he was absolutely cranky, wrote an equation on the board. He then looked back towards the class and mouthed something that was inaudible. A couple seconds later, a very familiar boy stood up and walked up the board.

“Flash?”

The teacher then turned his head a saw Twilight at the window.

Twilight gasped and quickly escaped, knowing that she could get in some sort of trouble.

She managed to disappear down a corner just as the she heard the handle to the door turn.

“That was close.” She said to herself quietly.

She looked to her left and saw some of the students were still quietly lingering. Talking amongst each other and looking at those strange devices. She had overheard some of them refer to them as “phones”, something one wouldn’t find back in Equestria.

As she pondered on where to look next, Twilight caught side of girl opening her locker. She was wearing a white shirt and a pair of green shorts. She had light colored skin and long; silky hair that was color of light copper. What really caught her eye was the sewn on patch on her school bag, a pink butterfly, and at the top of the bag was a name patch that said, “Flutters”.

“Could it really be?”

Suddenly Twilight had a strange feeling in her chest. It wasn’t pain, but it was most certainly an odd sensation.

“One way to find out.”

Twilight then walked over to the girl and tapped lightly tapped her on the shoulder.

Girl jumped, causing her to drop her books.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Twilight said. “Let me help.”

She then crouched down and picked up one book and looked at the cover. The title said that it was the history of the profession of veterinarian while another was about different breeds of dogs. After quickly glancing at the covers of each book, she gave them back to the copper haired girl. Upon seeing her face, Twilight saw that she had cyan eyes.

“T-thank you.” The girl said in a quiet voice.

“No problem Flutters.” Twilight said.

The girl’s eyes went wide.

“How did you know my name?” She asked.

“It was on your bag.”

The girl looked at her bag and then back at Twilight with a sheepish smile.

“Oh right.” She said. “Well, my real name is Florence, but you can call me that. I-If you want to that is.”

“Yeah, this is her.” Twilight thought. “No doubt.”

There was brief silence.

“So was there something you wanted?” Flutters asked.

Twilight’s mind clicked. She then tried to think of an excuse for accidently frightening her like that.

“I was…” She then finally thought of something. “…was wondering where the library is.”

“Oh, of course.” Flutters said. “I was actually on my way there. You can come with me.”

“Great! Lead the way.”

“Man this place is weird.” Spike said to himself.

So far, he couldn’t find either Sunset Shimmer or the Crown. All he kept finding were more humans of both genders and colors conversing with one another.

“Obviously it wouldn’t just be lying around for everyone to see.” He thought to himself. “Also, how do I know who Sunset Shimmer is when I find her? As far as I know she might’ve walked past me just now.”

As he made his way down the hall, he caught sight of another one of those phone devices being handled by a girl wearing a pair of head phones. She was dressed in denim pants; black hair with thick blue streaks, and seemed to have a black music note on her white tank top.

He wasn’t looking where he was going as he immediately ran into something, which was followed by the sound of something clattering on the floor.

“Oh no!” Someone said. “Is it okay?”

Spike looked and saw that he had ran into a girl whose clothing looked to be pretty expensive, hair that was almost white with pail violet highlights which was dawned with a silver tiara. Her friend in comparison was dressed rather modestly with a pink skirt and purple blouse. She also wore glasses and had her light brown hair in a single braid. Both of these girls looked younger than the others Spike has seen.

After picking up the strange device, which looked even flatter than the other phones Spike saw, the girl in the tiara turned around with fire in her eyes.

“Did you bump into me?” She said with vinegar in her voice.

“I’m sorry.” Spike said with fear. Being in this world for pretty much over half an hour, he wasn’t sure what humans were capable of. “I… …I didn’t mean to.”

“Yeah right. I bet you purposely ran into me.” The girl said. “You’re just jealous because my phone is better than yours, isn’t it?”

“What? No, I don’t even have one of these phone thingies.” Spike explained. “I…”

“Oh, so that’s how it is.” The angry girl said, taking a forceful step forward, causing Spike to fall backward.

“Diamond, leave the kid alone.” The other girl said. “Maybe he really didn’t mean to.”

“Oh shut up, Silvia!” The girl, named Diamond said. “No one bumps into Diamond Richards and gets away with it.”

Just as Spike covered his face in fear, he suddenly heard a new voice.

“Hey! Leave him alone!”

Spike uncovered his eyes and turned his head and saw that it was another girl. She wore a pale yellow dress with a purple jacket over it and pair of boots of the same color. Her hair was was black and wavy, clearly she was using a special hair treatment.

“What do you want Belle?” Diamond asked. “This is between us.”

Suddenly, the new girl, named Belle was backed up by two more girls around her age. One had red hair with a dark pink bow in it along with denim pants and a green shirt, the other had tanned skin, wore a dark gray jacket, green shorts, with hair dyed purple. The purple girl also, to Spike's surprise, seemed to be missing part of her leg, as from the knee down on her left leg looked to be a metal rod with a shoe at the end.

“Oh look it’s the… …the…” Diamond seemed to have trouble with finding an insult to call them. “What is your stupid little group called again?”

“That ain’t important right now.” The pink bowed girl said in an accent that sounded really out of place.

“Yeah, you shouldn’t be picking on this dude.” The purple haired added. “He only bumped into you.”

“I don’t care what you loser’s think.” Diamond said with annoyance. “You know what? Screw this! You three just ruin everything. Come on Silvia.”

Diamond then stomped away with Silvia in toe.

Spike was really surprised by what had just happened.

“Why did that girl seem so familiar?” He thought. “Then again, a lot of these people seem familiar.”

Belle squatted down next to Spike.

“Are you alright?” She asked. “Let’s help you up.”

The purple haired girl helped Belle stand Spike up.

“Sorry bout Diamond.” The pink bowed girl said. “She thinks all because she has all this money and fancy phone, she can just push people around.”

“She’s like a richer Sunset.” The purple haired said. “Only less bad, somehow.”

Spike recognized the name immediately. But before he could ask anything in that regard, Belle began to speak again.

“I’ve never seen you around before.” She asked. “I’m Belle Hotchkiss. These are my friends.”

“My real name is Shelby Danshov.” The purple haired girl said. “But people call me Scoots.”

“And I’m Applebloom, Applebloom Jackson.” The country sounding girl chimed in.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Spike thought.

“What’s your name?” Applebloom asked.

“I’m Spike, Spike…” He took a second to come up with a last name like these girls, until he saw something on a passerby’s school bag. “…Spencer, yeah, Spike Spencer.”

“Oh cool, like the voice actor?” Scoots asked.

“Um… …sure.” Spike answered, not knowing what a voice actor is. “You can say that.”

“Oh girls, I need to get going.” Belle said looking at her watch.

“You want to come with us, Spike?” Scoots asked. “We have a free period.”

“Don’t you mean I have a free period?” Belle asked. “You just want to cut class and ride around on your scooter… …again.”

“Free period, what’s that?” Spike asked.

“I just go hang out with my sister in the library.” Belle explained. “You want to come?”

If this meant having someone to show him around, he didn’t care where she was taking him.

“Sure okay, lead the way.”

Spike the followed Belle down the hall.

“See y’all at lunch!” Applebloom waved at Belle.

At the corner of her eye she spotted Scoots trying to sneak away.

“Where do you think you’re going?” She asked.

Scoots froze.

“Oh, nowhere.” She said trying to act innocent.

“Come on, we got to get to class.”

Applebloom then proceeded to grab the hood of Scoots’ jacket and practically drag her down the hall.

“No! You know how much I hate Chemistry!” Scoots shouted. “Let me go, Applebloom! Applebloom!”

If Twilight didn’t have as much restraint as she did, she’d be giggling and bouncing up and down like a child in a sweetshop as she and Flutter entered the large library. Last time she felt this amount of glee was when she first went to the library in Canterlot.

Flutters sat down at a device Twilight has never seen before. It appeared to be a box with one side made of glass. Next to it was a box with several buttons; a flat object even more buttons, and smaller object. Flutters pressed one button on the box and the glass lite up and she began to press the lot of the buttons on the flat object.

Flutters saw Twilight staring.

“Is something wrong?” She asked.

Twilight snapped out of it.

“Oh, nothing.” She said. “I just, well, never saw that before.”

Flutters cocked an eyebrow, looked at the device and back at Twilight.

“A computer?” She asked. “You’ve never seen a computer before?”

“Not really.” Twilight answered. “How does it work?”

Flutters waved her over.

“It works like this.”

Flutters took hold of the small object she described as a “mouse” and pressed one of the buttons twice, causing something to pop up on what Flutters called the “monitor”.

“You pretty much use a computer to look up whatever you want.” She explained. “You want to try?”

“No thanks. I think I’ll just look up information the traditional way.” Twilight said. Suddenly the reason she and Spike came to this world clicked in her mind.

“Speaking of which, I was wondering if you can help me find something.”

“Sure, what is it you’re looking for?” Flutters asked.

“Well, this sounds a little weird…” Twilight explained. “…but have you by any chance seen a crown around here?”

It didn’t take Flutters long to find an answer.

“I did actually.”

“Really!”

Twilight’s glee of joy was met with met with a “shoosh!” from multi people.

“I mean…” Twilight was more quietly this time. “…really?”

“Yeah. It was pretty weird when I found it. Or well, it found me.” Flutters explained. “I was handing out flyers over by the statue at the front of the school, and suddenly I felt something hit the back of my head. It hurt a little.”

“What was it?”

“I looked and saw that it was the crown for the Fall Formal.” Flutters continued. “I don’t know why it was out there, so I took it to Principle Tia.”

This caught Twilight’s attention.

“Principle Tia?” She asked. “As in Celestia?”

“I don’t think so. We call her that because she and the Vice-Principle have the same last name. Which is obvious with them being sisters” Flutters answered. “You can find Principle Tia in her office. It’s down near the front entrance, go down the hall to the left, and around the corner it’s the third door to the right. I’d love to show you myself, but I really need to get this assignment started.”

“I can understand that.” Twilight said. “I’ll see what I can find out.”

Spike followed Belle through a pair of double doors and into the library.

“Twilight would lose her mind.” He said quietly.

“Who’s Twilight?” Belle asked, hearing what he said.

“She’s my…” Spike remembered what Twilight had called him earlier. “…my older sister. She’s off doing something else. Anyway, where’s this sister of yours?”

“She’s at a table behind that shelf over there.” Belle answered. “Come on.”

Spike looked around at the large library at awe as he followed Belle.

“Yep, Twilight would be happy.” He thought. “I’m surprised she didn’t choose this place to meet up.”

The two turned the corner and found the table they were looking for.

“Hey, Rarity!” Belle quietly.

Spike’s eyes exploded from his head and he turned his head so quickly his neck actually popped.

There standing at the table was a girl who was much older than he and Belle. She had the same colored hair as Belle, but her’s was curled at the ends, mush like a very similar to someone else, or somepony else Spike knows, but had a beret that appeared to be three teal diamonds put together. Her skin was the same, if not lighter than her younger sister’s. Her clothing was much for fashionable as she wore a purple knee length, silk skirt, a white blouse, and pair of knee length purple boots.

“Hello Belle, Darling.” She said to her younger sibling as she gave her a quick hug. “How is your day so far?”

That voice alone was enough for Spike convince him that it was here. Well, a human version of her. This got Spike to think of a conversation he had with Twilight when she was researching Star Swirl the Bearded and his theory of the concept of other worlds, who of which proved that it wasn’t really a theory, but a fact.

“I got an A plus in science today.” Belle said as she set her school bag on the table. “And then I caught Diamond picking on him.” She gestured her head over to Spike.

Rarity looked and saw Spike standing quietly a couple of feet away.

“Oh hello, I didn’t see you.” She said. “What’s your name?”

Spike now in a complete love sick trance, it is a wonder how he wasn’t drooling at this point.

Rarity grew concerned.

“Are you alright?”

Spike the snapped out of it.

“O-Oh, I’m sorry.” He said. “I’m Spike.”

“Oh well it’s nice to meet you Spike.” She then stuck out her hand. “I’m Rarity, Rarity Hotchkiss.”

Spike took Rarity’s hand shook it gently as he could.

“So soft.” He thought, feeling how smooth Rarity’s hand was.

He then let go after feeling Rarity’s grip loosen.

“So that Diamond Richards was picking on you wasn’t she?” She asked. “Swear if she were a couple of years older and even more of a bi…” Rarity checked her language. “…impolite person, she and Sunset would really get along. I’m surprise they haven’t starting hanging out.”

Spike felt a really loud click in his mind, as if the gears were wound up in a different setting.

Not wanting to blow his cover, he decided to ask who she was, despite already having this information.

“Who’s Sunset?” He asked.

“A very rude person.” Belle answered as she opened a text book. “And that’s just the short version.”

“Well said little sister.” Rarity said as she took a seat. “Ever since she first came here she rules this school as if it were her own kingdom. Just because you become the Princess of each of the formals doesn’t mean you truly rule the school.” She started to grate her teeth. “And then at the Spring Fling she really…”

“Rarity, Rarity!” Belle said, getting her older sister’s attention. Once Rarity’s attention was gotten, she then took a deep breath and then let it out, motioning her hand.

Rarity followed suite, deep breath in, breath out.

“Long story short, she’s absolutely despicable.” She said. “And I guess being a complete rude harpy must be toxic.”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked.

“Just ask that backstabbing Flutters, or that silver tongued she-devil AJ.” Rarity explained. “And I shouldn't even have to mention that two faced… …grrr.”

Rarity’s fists were clenched at this point.

She then let out a sigh.

“Either way, I’m just glad Applebloom and Shelby aren’t infected by all of this nonsense.” She then patted his younger sister on the head. “But enough about that, tell me about you.”

Spike’s eyes went wide. What was he supposed to say at this point?

“Principle Tia Royale.”

Twilight read the nameplate on the door down the hall from the front entrance, just where Flutters told her.

Twilight knocked on the door, not hard, but enough to be noticed.

“Come in!” Someone said form within.

Twilight then took a breath and opened the door.

Sitting behind the desk was someone who Twilight couldn’t confuse with anyone else, or anypony for that matter. She had long flowing hair that was almost white, skin that was almost as white as snow, with narrow features on her face that just scream authority along with a pair of light blue eyes that expressed a kind heart. She also wore a honey color suit as well, which actually suited her quite well.

Principal Tia looked up from the papers she had been scrutinizing and at Twilight Sparkle.

“Can I help you, young lady?” She asked.

Twilight then snapped out of it.

“Oh yes. My name is Twilight.” She said. “I’m new here. I understand that one of your students, Flutters; I think her name was, brought a crown to you.”

The woman before her knew what she meant.

“Actually yes, this morning.” She said. “Vice-Principle Luna put it in a much better place for safe keeping. How it got outside we’ll never know.”

“Safe keeping, huh?”

“Yup, until the Fall Formal this Friday.” Tia explained as she retrieved a folder from a filing cabinet. “It’s one of the most anticipated events of the year.”

“Oh, just like the Grand Galloping Gala, right?” Twilight asked.

The Principle cocked an eye brow.

“I’m sorry, the what?” She asked. “Was that an event at your old school? Did you have a princess or prince?”

“Pretty much.” Twilight said. “And we had four Princesses.”

This cause Principle Tia’s head to turn.

“Four of them? That sounds like tough competition.” She said as she set the file on her desk. “Around here we just elect one. Whoever is wins gets the crown and is elected Princess, or Prince, of the Fall Formal. I just hope this year it doesn’t end like the Spring Fling did.”

Twilight thought for a moment.

“Can anyone run for Fall Formal Princess?” She asked.

“Yep, or Prince if one of the candidates is a boy.” Tia answered. “If you’re interested, you’ll have to talk to the head of the school’s Party Planning Committee if you wish to be on the ballot.”

Suddenly, the loud shriek of the school bell went off.

“Looks like it’s time for lunch.” Tia said. “Do you need anything else while you’re here?”

“No, that’s about it.” Twilight said as she made her way to the door. “Thank you, very much.”

Chapter V - Lunch

Twilight was amazed by how crowded the halls had gotten after the bell for lunch went off.

“Yep, just like Shining’s school.” She thought.

As she navigated through the sea of people, she suddenly heard the sound of someone calling her name over the ambiance of the crowded hall.

“Twilight!”

She heard it again.

“Twilight!”

She turned and saw a familiar boy in purple and green approaching her.

“Spike!” She said. “There you are!”

Spike managed to dodge several people as he managed to catch up to his friend.

“Hey Twilight.” He said. “What’s up?”

“Just heading to the cafeteria to meet you.”

Twilight then noticed that he had something tucked under his arm. I appeared to be a book of some sort.

“What do you have there?” She asked.

“Found this at the library.” Spike said. “I thought this would help us in our search.” He then looked behind him and motioned his head in that direction. “And I made a couple friends.”

Twilight looked and saw two girls approaching one older, the other younger. It didn’t take long for her to recognize who the older girl was.

“Rarity?”

Again, she felt the sensation she did when she met Flutters.

Rarity stopped in her tracks.

“How do you know my name?” She asked. “Have we met before?”

“You have no idea.” Twilight thought before answering.

“No it was just a lucky guess.” She said. She then stuck out her hand in greeting. “I’m Twilight.”

Rarity smiled and took Twilight’s hand.

“It’s nice to meet you Miss Spencer.” She said. “Your little brother told me a lot about you.”

Twilight glanced down at Spike. What was he telling this girl?

“I’d love to continue this conversation, but we should get going unless we want to stand for almost an hour in line.”

Fortunately for Twilight and Rarity, they managed to get a good spot in line. Belle had gone off to join her friends and Spike went to find a table for them.

All of the food looked pretty good. There was some food Twilight has never seen before such as these sandwich like foods called “Hamburgers”. Unfamiliar with what some of the foods, Twilight grabbed whatever food looked the most familiar to her. She was then handed an apple by an elderly lunch lady who introduced herself as Grace Smith.

The two girls, each with a tray, managed to find Spike at a table. But he wasn’t the only one as there was a second boy there, who of which Twilight recognized.

“Hey Flash.” She said.

Flash looked over at the two girls approaching.

“Hey what’s up girls?”

The two girls then took their seats, Twilight next to Flash, Rarity next to Spike, who of which had gotten Spike some food for him, more specifically a salad, several cookies, and a little carton of milk, upon Twilight’s recommendation.

It didn’t take them long to start eating.

“So how are you two finding Cathy McCarthy High?” Flash asked after swallowing a mouthful of burger.

“Well it’s different, I’ll tell you that much.” Twilight answered.

Flash smiled and noticed the book Spike had.

“Watcha got there?” He asked.

Spike took a sip of milk before answering.

“I found it at the library.” He said. “I wasn’t sure what book to get so I got this one.”

The cover said “Yearbook 2011”.

“That was the year we started school here.” Rarity said. “Please open it up.”

Spike swallowed some of his salad and opened the book. Inside the book were many photographs of faculty and students from eighth grade to twelfth grade. Many of the photographs reminded Twilight and Spike of the yearbooks Shining Armor and Cadence had shown them back in Equestria, the difference being pretty obvious.

“Oh hey, there’s me.” Flash said pointing at a page.

The photograph was that of two rows of students. Each of the students were all wearing a blue uniform of some sort. The boys were wearing pants while the girls were wearing skirts and were all wearing a garrison cap that matched their uniforms.

Flash pointed at a student standing left of the center in the front row with a proud look on his face.

“That was the year I first joined JROTC.” He explained. He then started to chuckle. “I still get the giggles every time I see Dash in a skirt and her hair in a bun. Come to think of it, there she is right there.”

He then pointed at a girl standing in the second road. She had skin that was a tad tanned, dirty blonde hair, and had one blue eye while the left eye was green.

Twilight heard Rarity let out an annoyed sigh.

“Are you okay, Rarity?” She asked.

Rarity looked at Twilight with a face that seemed to be a mix of annoyance and despair.

“Dash and I aren’t really on good terms.” She explained. “We haven’t been for some time.”

She then stood up.

“Pardon me; I need to use the washroom.” She said. “I’ll be right back.”

She gave Spike a smile as she walked away.

“Is she okay?” He asked.

“Yeah she’s fine.” Flash said. “Like she said, she and Dash don’t get along. Not anymore anyway. Now that I think about, none of them do. Can I see your book for a moment?”

Spike slid the book across the table to Flash, who then began to flip through it.

“Here we go, have a look.”

Flash turned the book around, allowing Spike and Twilight a view of the page. The page contained a photograph of five girls posing on a bench outside. Twilight recognized three of them as Flutters, Rarity, and Dash from the other picture, but not the other two. One girl had blonde hair, green eyes, and skin that had showed she spend a lot of time outside, and wore a familiar brown Stetson. The other girl had puffy auburn hair, blue eyes, skin with a pinkish tint, and wore an attire that was predominantly pink. As if Twilight needed to ask who these two were.

What Twilight noticed is that they seemed happy with one another.

“They look so happy.” Twilight said. “What happened?”

“I really don’t know. When I ask any of them, neither of them want to talk about it.” Flash said. “It’s just so weird.”

“But they seemed like such good friends in this picture.” Twilight said as looked at the picture again.

“I guess that’s high school for ya.” Flash said. “Friend might as well be a derogatory term.”

Rarity returned to the table, a little over five minutes later.

“Sorry about that.” She said as she sat down. “My mascara was running. Anyway, did I miss anything?”

Twilight then remembered something.

“Well I have been thinking of something I want to do.” She said.

“Really? What’s that?” Flash asked as he took a drink of his milk.

“I’m going to run for Princess of the Fall Formal.”

Rarity’s jaw dropped and Flash almost choked on his milk.

“Are… …you… …serious?” He asked after a couple of coughs.

“Yeah, is that a problem?” Twilight asked, surprised by his reaction.

“Yes it is a bit of a problem.” Rarity said. “And her name is Samantha “Sunset” Stokes.”

If the phrase, “that rings a bell” was literal, Twilight’s mind would be the equivalent of twelve clock towers going off at twelve o’ clock.

“Who is Sunset?” She asked, pretending not to know.

“If one were to use child friendly words.” Rarity said. “She is really rude girl.”

“Essentially, what Sunset wants, Sunset gets.” Flash added. “And the last thing you want to do is try to run against her. Sure yeah, maybe nothing will happen, but if there is even the possibility of you getting ahead of her, you will lose. Case in point, Spring Fling twenty twelve.”

Flash then motioned his head towards Rarity.

“What ha…?”

“Don’t ask!” Rarity said, cutting off Twilight. She then realized her tone. “I mean, I don’t wish to talk about it.”

“It’s cool Rarity, you don’t have to.” Spike chimed in, putting his hand on her wrist.

Rarity smiled at this gesture.

“Why, aren’t you sweet?” She asked as she rustled his hair.

Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes.

“But if you really do want to go through with this princess thing…” Flash said, catching Twilight’s attention. “…I say go on ahead.”

“Okay, I will.” Twilight said. “But I remember hearing that I’m supposed to talk the head of the school’s Party Planning Committee. Where can I find her?”

“Last I checked, she has a free period after lunch.” Flash answered. “With the dance taking place in the gym, I’d look for her there.”

“I will do that, thanks Flash.”

Twilight then bent over picked up her apple with her mouth, as if she was still a pony.

She looked at Flash and Rarity who both had a look that pretty much said, “Did you really just do that?”

Chapter VI - A Chance Meeting

“What do we do now Twilight?” Spike asked as the two made their way down the hallway from the cafeteria.

They had just finished lunch with their two students who go to this school, Rarity Hotchkiss and a boy called Flash. Flash had just informed him that, apparently, this world’s versions of Twilight’s friends are no longer friends anymore. While, she was with them, she had informed them that she plans on running from Princess of the Fall Formal, in which Flash informs her that this decision might not be the best, as running against Sunset can lead to something bad happening, at least form Rarity’s experience.

“Right now we’re going to find the gym.” Twilight said, answering Spike’s question. “From what Flash said, the head of the Party Planning Committee is there.”

They came upon a pair of double doors. Above the doors was a banner that read “FALL FORMAL 2013!”

“Looks like we’re at the right place.” Spike said.

Twilight pushed open the doors and walked into the large gymnasium.

She saw that the large room was in the early stages of being decorated as there were several boxes with the word, “Decorations” written on the side of them.

“Now where can I find… …ouch!”

Twilight’s question was interrupted by something hitting her head.

“Are you okay Twilight?” Spike asked.

He then picked up what hit Twilight. A roll of what looked like pink paper.

“Sorry! I over shot it.”

The two looked and saw the paper thrower skipping over to them.

Twilight recognized this girl almost immediately from the picture in the yearbook.

“Pinkie?”

The pink wearing girl screeched to a halt.

“How did you know my name?” She asked. Suddenly she let out a gasp. “Are you psychic?”

She looked just like her picture, but was much older than before. Not to mention more, “developed” as well.

“Oh no, she’s not psychic.” Spike answered. “That’s just another one of her hunches.”

“Oh okay, I have those all the time.” Pinkie said, believing Spike’s answer. “Anyway, can I help either of you with anything?”

Twilight was quiet for a moment as she began to feel the same sensation inside her, like she did when she met Flutters and Rarity.

Pinkie took notice of Twilight’s silence.

“Are you okay?”

Twilight shook out of it.

“Oh yeah, I’m fine!” She said. “I was thinking of running for Fall Formal Princess, so I was told to talk to you about it.”

Pinkie produced a look of excitement on her face.

“Are you really?” She asked. “That’s awesome! Wait here, I’ll go and grab the clip board and a pen. Be right back!”

Pinkie then skipped away with a cheerful hum.

Once she saw that she was out of sight, Twilight turned to Spike.

“Same old Pinkie, huh?”

“You’re telling me.” Spike said. “You know I was thinking about something earlier. Remember that conversation that we had about Star Swirl the Bearded’s theory about other worlds.”

“The one that was proven correct, then yeah, I remember.” Twilight said. “What about it.”

“He had also had a theory that in other worlds, there are other versions of ponies.”

“I was thinking the exact same thing.” Twilight said. “Speaking of which. With every version of our friends we’ve encountered so far, I just kept having this weird feeling in me.”

Spike grew concerned.

“What kind of feeling?” He asked.

“I really don’t know.” Twilight said. “It doesn’t hurt, but it still feels weird.”

“You think it might have something to do with the Elements of Harmony?”

It clicked in Twilight’s head.

“Spike, you are a genius!”

“Got it!”

The two turned and saw Pinkie bouncing her way over to them.

She landed in front of them and handed Twilight a clip board and pen.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you Pinkie.”

Twilight looked at the paper before her and saw that several names were written down. These names were, Samantha Stokes, A.K.A. Sunset, Diamond Richards, Lyra Hartsfeld, and Deborah Shields. There was one candidate who called her self, "The Great and Powerful Trixie". Did Twilight really need to question who this was?

“Just give me a heads up when you’re done.” Pinkie said. “I’ll be over there trying to get these streamers up.”

Pinkie then bounced away with several rolls of streamers in hand, of which he seemed to pull out of nowhere.

After making sure Pinkie was occupied with, Twilight turned to Spike.

“Spike, could you write my name down for me?” She asked frantically.

“Why? Can’t you write it yourself?” Spike asked.

“I’ve never written anything without magic before. Could you please do it for me?”

Spike then took the clipboard and pen and wrote down Twilight’s name.

“Thank you so much Spike.”

Twilight took hold of the clip board and looked at her name.

“Spencer?” She asked with surprise. “Why did you put Spencer?”

“Because I already told someone that is my last name and you and I both said that we’re siblings, so I went with it. Besides, we don’t want Sunset figuring out we’re here.” Spike explained. “Besides, how common is a name like Sparkle or Twilight for that matter?”

“I guess your right about that.”

Twilight then brought the clip board to Pinkie who was now down to one and half rolls of streamers.

“Finished.”

Pinkie took hold of the clipboard.

“Twilight Spencer.” She read the name aloud. “Hmm… …have we met before? Because your name sounds really familiar.”

“Oh you have no idea, Pinkie.” Twilight thought.

“I don’t think so.” She said. “You’re probably thinking of somepony… …I mean somebody else.”

“Hmm, you’re right. After all I do meet with a lot of people.” Pinkie said. “While you’re here, can you two help me with the decorations? It’s really important that I get everything set up before Friday, and this free period is the only time I get to set up.”

“Don’t you have any friends that can help you out?” Twilight asked.

“Well, I have some, but they’re too busy.” Pinkie said. “There’s the Cake’s, but they’re busy as well, and then you have my sister, but she’s out of town right now. Although there is Flash, but he’s really busy, between him being in ROTC and his band.”

“Well I could help you out.” Twilight said. “Me and Spike will be glad to help. Right Spike?”

“Yeah, at your service!” Spike said.

“Goodie!” Pinkie said. “Thank you so much!”

Spike opened the door of the boy’s washroom after washing his hands. He and the girls were almost done setting up the streamers when he had to use the washroom.

“Now back to Twilight.”

He made his way down the hall when he heard someone talking.

“I’m really sorry; I found it and thought I’d give it to Principle Tia.”

The tone of whoever was talking caught his attention.

“I didn’t know it was you who dropped. I’m really am sorry.”

He looked around a corner and saw two girls standing near at the lockers. One of them was dressed in white and green with copper colored hair, he actually saw her at the library earlier that day. The other girl he didn’t recognize. She wore a black jacket, an orange skirt, and a pair of black and purple boots. She also had hair that was red, like Pinkie’s but was darker and had golden highlights.

“Well I did in fact drop it. I was going to pick up until you came took before I could.” The other girl said. “You just love ruining don’t you? No wonder why the only friends you have are nothing but a bunch of fur balled animals. Hasn’t anyone told you to never pick up things that don’t belong to you?”

“Man she’s really mean.” Spike thought.

“Well, that crown doesn’t really belong to you either.” The copper haired girl said.

Suddenly the jacket wearing girl slammed her hand against the lockers, causing the other to squeak in fear.

“That crown does belong to me!” She said. “Just like every other crown I have ever gotten, and just like every crown I will get until we graduate.” She then got closer to the girl’s face. “You understand me you whiny little bitch?”

Spike wasn’t going to stand by and watch.

“Hey!” He said. “Leave her alone!”

The jacket wearing girl turned around, revealing cyan eyes filled with fire.

“What did you say to me?” She asked.

“I said leave her alone.” Spike repeated.

He then began to approach the two, just about the same time the mean girl made her way towards him.

The two spend almost a solid thirty seconds staring each other down as several students gathered to watch.

Finally the mean girl gave off a rather sinister grin.

“You must be new here.” She said. “I can speak to whoever I want to. Including little shits like you and the wuss right there. So what are you going to do about it?”

That was a decent question. What was Spike going to do?

“Keep messing with her and you will find out you mean bitch.”

Upon hearing him say that, it seemed that the students that have gathered all gasped at the same time.

The mean girl had a shocked look on her face, a look she quickly replaced with that of anger as she leaned down to get in Spike’s face.

“What did you just call me?”

“You heard what I said.” Spike said. “Now what are YOU going to do about it?”

There was a brief chuckle through the crowd.

Seeing that Spike wasn’t going to budge, the girl finally gave up.

“You know what, fuck it!” She said. “I got better things to do than argue with some little shit like you.”

The ceiling of the gym, at this point, looked like the circus was in town.

“I wish I had some sort of cannon I could shot at the ceiling.” Pinkie said. “It’ll make things a whole lot faster.”

“You have no idea.” Twilight said under her breath.

“Thank you so much for helping me Twilight.” Pinkie said as she bounced over. “Now that’s step one down. Now I need to decide what snacks to serve, blow the balloons, and then I got to gather entertainment, music, the disco ball.” Pinkie then sighed. “I got so much to do.”

“I can still help you.” Twilight said, putting her shoulder on Pinkie’s shoulder.

Pinkie produced a really large smile on her face.

“Thanks Twilight.” She said. “Hey, you want to hang out sometime? I work part time over at Sugar Cube Corner. It’s the best hangout in the whole town.”

Before Twilight could answer, they both heard the sound of the gym doors opening.

“Pinkie! Y’all here?”

The two turned and saw another girl enter the gym. This girl was none other than an older version of the Stetson wearing girl in the school yearbook.

Suddenly, the sensation in Twilight’s chest was starting to increase. Probably due to that there were now two human versions of her friends. If this world’s Rainbow Dash were hear, Twilight would be on the verge of a heart attack.

“Oh, hey AJ!” Pinkie said to the new girl.

The girl, named AJ instead of Applejack approached the two. She then spotted Twilight standing next to Pinkie.

“Howdy there.” She said. “Never seen y’all before.”

She then stuck her hand out in greeting.

“I’m Alison, Jackson.” She said as Twilight shook her hand. “But ya can call me AJ if ya want.”

“Twilight. Twilight Spencer.”

“Good to meet ya Twilight.”

The two then broke the handshake.

“So what brings you to CM High?” AJ asked.

Before Twilight could answer, the bubbly girl next to her answered for her.

“She’s running for Fall Formal Princess!”

AJ’s jaw dropped open as if the nerves in that part of her head had stopped working and her eyes looked like they were on the verge of popping.

“Are ya serious?” She asked with surprise. “I mean, you’re joking right?”

“No, I’m actually serious.” Twilight said. “If it has something to do with what Sunset will do, some boy named Flash already told me what happens if I do.”

“Even though you know the risks, you’re still going for it?” AJ asked with surprise. She then produced a smile on her freckled face. “I like ya enthusiasm. But don’t say that any of us didn’t warn ya. Because if Sunset goes after ya, she comes after ya hard. Just ask Rarity.”

Twilight saw Pinkie roll her eyes upon hearing that name.

“Anyway, what did I come here for?” AJ asked aloud. “Oh, right! I was here to ask Pinkie about what snacks she wanted for the dance this Friday.”

“I’ll leave you two to that.” Twilight said. “I’m going to find Spike.”

“Okay. It was nice meeting ya Twilight.”

Twilight said her goodbyes and left the gym.

Pinkie then turned to AJ.

“She’s definitely going to get humiliated in some way.”

“Eeyup.”

“Okay Spike, where are you?”

Twilight made her way down the hallway from the gym.

As she turned a corner, she spotted a familiar boy and girl sitting on the floor against the lockers.

“Spike!” She said as she made her approach. “There you are.”

Spike looked up and saw Twilight walking towards them.

“Oh, hey Twilight.”

Twilight recognized the other girl.

“I see you met Flutters.”

Flutters sat against the lockers and appeared to have something in her arms. Twilight looked closer and saw that it was, to her surprise, a white rabbit.

“Where’d that come from?”

Flutters smiled as she petted the small animal.

“Angel gets lonely sometimes, so I often smuggle him here in my bag.” She said. “Spike said that you two are siblings, right?”

“You can say that.” Twilight said.

“You have a very nice brother.” Flutters said. “I don’t think I ever seen anyone stand up to Sunset like that.”

Twilight’s eyes went wide.

“Did you just say, Sunset?”

Chapter VII - A Book Before Bed

The day was coming to a close and Twilight Sparkle, or Spencer, and Spike both had an interesting experience. First, Twilight’s crown was stolen by a pony named Sunset Shimmer and Twilight had to go after her with Spike in toe, which resulted in the two in entering into a strange world, not only populated by these strange creatures called “humans”, Twilight and Spike had both, somehow, turned into these humans. As of now, Twilight and Spike had met this world’s versions of their friends, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, Fluttershy, but haven’t found Rainbow Dash yet. What’s more is that Twilight had also met this world’s version of Flash Sentry, or just Flash. Ultimately, Sunset is confirmed to be in the Cathy McCarthy High School, going by the alias of “Samantha Stokes”. Spike managed to run into her when she was picking on this world’s Fluttershy, of which he managed to get Sunset to stomp away angrily, with the help of a word that Spike quite honestly didn’t know the meaning of.

As of now, Twilight and Spike have spent the rest of the day in the library. Twilight decided to take the time to get a better understanding of where they are. According to one book, the school is located in a place called Equestrian City. This is city located in a something called a “state” known as “Washington”, or “Washington State” as the capital of the country that states is located in, called the “United States of America”, shared the same name, except that capital’s name ends with the letters “D” and “C” which is short for “The District of Columbia”. Not only that, the United States of America is one of almost two hundred countries on the planet, of which is called “Earth”. While performing her research, she had learned more about humans. The human race actually has several sup-species. These include Caucasian, African, Asian, Hispanic, and Indigenous. She had discovered her and Spike's human forms' “ethnicities”, as it is called, is Arab.

What’s more, magic, if hasn’t been clear before, doesn’t really exist in this world. Or does it? After all, an Element of Harmony has been introduced into this world, and Twilight must find it before Friday night.

While Twilight was burying herself in books, Spike was trying to find a machine that dispensed food.

“I could have sworn it was down here somewhere.” Spike said to himself. “Where was it?”

He turned a corner and saw the machine he was looking for. It was a large metal box. It had a window on the front of it, displaying a large amount of food items.

“Gotcha.”

Spike approached the machine and spotted something that he and Twilight could share, a large bag of peanuts.

“That’ll due.”

He then placed his hand on the glass, trying to find a handle to open it.

“Oh come on.”

He looked to the right side of the machine and saw a series of buttons which had numbers and letters on it. Above the buttons were two slots, one of the top was flat and horizontal and the one below it was vertical and tad wider. Above both slots said “This machine accepts $1 and $5”.

“Oh I need money for this don’t I?”

As began to turn away empty handed, someone caught his attention.

“See something you want?”

He turned around and saw that it was a girl. The girl looked to be much older than him, with very light gray hair that was silky and curled at the ends, skin with a tannish tint, and eyes that looked to be purple. Probably a pair of those “colored contacts” spike had heard about. The girl wore a blue jacket over a purple dress that extended down and inch above her knees and a pair of blue and purple shoes, sneakers as Spike had heard that they were called.

“Uh yeah.” Spike said, not expecting to run into anyone. “But it looks like I don’t have any money.”

“Not a problem. Watcha want?” The girl asked. “I have enough on me.”

Spike pointed at the bag of peanuts in the machine.

“Gotcha.”

As the girl approached the machine, Spike asked himself why this girl seemed so familiar.

“The Great and Powerful, Trixie…!” The girl shouted. “…needs a bag of peanuts.”

“I thought so.” Spike thought.

Trixie then inserted a green piece of paper into the machine and pressed several buttons, causing a bag of peanuts to fall.

“Here you go.”

Spike then caught the bag out of the air.

“Thanks. Really.”

“No problem.” Trixie said. “The Great and Powerful Trixie is always generous, how else am I to gain the crown at the Fall Formal?”

This caught Spike’s attention.

“You’re running for Fall Formal Princess?” He asked.

“Well, this year I am.” Trixie answered. “If you really want people to vote for you, you have to give them a reason to.

Spike thought for a moment.

“What do you mean be a, “reason to”?”

Twilight turned the page in her book as she sat in a secluded table in the library. She had taken a break from her research and had cracked open a book she brought with her through the portal. The book was the same one she had learned about the Elements of Harmony from. With her Element of Harmony being present in this world, she wanted to know anything that needed to be known about the element.

“Twilight, I’m back!” Someone quietly shouted.

Twilight looked and saw Spike approaching her with a bag of peanuts.

“Hey Spike.” She said. “What took you?”

Spike sat down next to Twilight and carefully opened the bag.

As he popped several of the peanuts, he took notice of the book Twilight was reading.

“Is that back from home?” He asked.

“Yeah it is.” Twilight answered. “I thought it would be a good idea to bring it along. While I was looking through it, I found this little line.”

Twilight turned the book over to Spike who read the line aloud.

“Those who are not meant to wear shall the evil bear.”

Spike was confused by this line.

“What is that supposed to mean?” The former dragon asked.

“I honestly don’t know.” Twilight answered as she pulled her book back. “I’ve read this book countless times yet I still could figure this out. It doesn’t say what exactly happens, yet it has this warning. Guess the wrong person never wore any of the elements.”

Twilight then placed the red ribbon bookmark in that part of the book before closing it.

“Other than that, I found something.”

She then pulled three yearbooks over to her and Spike and opened the one dated 2011. She opened the book to a page marked with a piece of loose leaf paper. The top of the page said “Fall Formal 2011”. Below that was a photograph a girl who looked to be about thirteen or fourteen years of age. She had dark red hair with golden highlights and wore a white dress. The text below the photograph read, “Samantha Stokes”.

“That’s Sunset.” Spike said. “She was the one picking on Flutters earlier.”

“Yeah and look at what’s on her head.”

Twilight pointed at the crown Sunset was wearing.

“It looks just like yours, Twilight.” Spike said.

“Now look at this.”

Twilight then turned to another book marked page which was the beginning of collection of photographs of an event called the “Winter Bash” and then another bookmarked page which began another collection of photographs, this time for an event called the “Spring Fling”, an event in which Rarity was humiliated in a way that has not yet been revealed, which had another picture of Sunset. Twilight then opened the yearbook dated “2012” to each of the book marked for the same events. Just like with the previous book, there photographs of Sunset being the recipient of a crown, all of which were practically identical to Twilight’s. What’s more is that in each photograph, as opposed to the innocent look in the first one, Sunset had a sinister look on her face which seemed to be more pronounced as time went on.

“Seems pretty convenient don’t you think?” Spike asked. “You know your crown and these others looking practically identical?”

“I know.” Twilight said. “What’s more is that she is able to win six times in a row. Guess going up against her is no joke.”

“You’re still going to run against her right?” Spike asked after grabbing some more peanuts. “Because we could just take it and get back to Equestria.”

“Well that’s not going to happen.” Twilight said. “Just because it was stolen from us doesn’t mean we should do the same. Besides, it’s in the office of this world’s Princess Luna. And I most certainly don’t want to run into her.”

“Fair point.” Spike said. “Since you’re going to run, I heard you need to give people a reason to vote for you.”

“I think I know how an election works.” Twilight said. “But that is something for me to keep in mind. But the question is how do I get them to vote for me?”

“I don’t really know, but we do have a lot of time to do so.” Spike then took hold of the bag of peanuts and handed it to Twilight. “Peanuts?”

The next couple hours of the day were really quiet. According to a clock on the wall it was passed six o’ clock.

Twilight’s time was most certainly wasted. She had taken the time to go through the year books to figure out what had happened between her friends, or this world’s version of her friends. So far, nothing.

As Twilight closed the book, the lights suddenly turned off.

“Guess the library’s closed.”

She then let out a yawn.

“It might be a good idea to get some sleep.”

“Got you covered.” Spike said. “Follow me.”

Twilight, with bag in hand, followed Spike up to the stairs and into a part of the library that looked to haven’t been used in a while. Evidence being the large amount of dust.

Spike led Twilight down an aisle where a several tarps and pillows lay on the floor, one for the each of them.

“I found this spot earlier.” Spike said. “I found these tarps and I borrowed the pillows from the couches down stairs.”

“Good call Spike.”

Twilight then sat down on one of the tarps and removed her shoes.

“Good night, Twilight.” Spike said as he plopped down as he pulled a tarp onto himself.

“Good night, Spike.”

Spike went to sleep almost immediately.

As she tried to get comfortable, Twilight caught eye of her bag, which caused something to click in her mind.

“I brought it with me, right?”

She pulled her bag over to her and dug into it, eventually producing a book with her cutie mark on the cover. Celestia had given this book to Twilight when she was her student, but she never felt the need to use it since she had Spike to send messages to her teacher.

“Good, I did.”

She then produced a pencil from the bag and then opened the book to a blank page.

In force of habit, Twilight put the pencil in her mouth, only to find that it felt rather different than when she was in her pony form. She could easily have Spike write it for her, but she didn’t want to wake him up.

“Might as well get used to it.”

Twilight then took the pencil in hand and began to write.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

I have made it through the portal unharmed, me and Spike both. That portal truly is strange, not because it took me and Spike to this strange world, but it had turned us into this two legged creatures called “humans”. It had taken me a while to get used to this new body, even so, it still feels weird. Right now Spike and I are at this human school that actually reminds me of Cadence and Shining Armor’s school.

Anyway, I have found out where my crown is. When it went through the portal a human found it and turned it over to the school’s principle. You’ll never guess who this human is. She is this world’s Fluttershy! So far I have found that this world’s version of all my friends got to this school, although I haven’t met this world’s Rainbow Dash yet. But there seems to be a problem, they aren’t friends. And I think Sunset Shimmer might have something to do with it.

Speaking of Sunset Shimmer, I found her. Well, Spike found her, and apparently she rules this school like it belongs to her, from what I’ve heard from other students and goes by the alias “Samantha Stokes”. What’s even stranger is that this school has several events, each of them called the “Fall Formal”, “Winter Formal”, and “Spring Fling”, and Sunset Shimmer appears to have been crowned the “Princess” of each of them, and the crown which makes her the Princess of these events is completely identical to my own crown, even down the color of the gem. How I’m going to get the crown is that I’m going to run for “Princess of the Fall Formal”, but going up against Sunset might be a challenge. I just hope I get it before the portal closes.

I hope you’re doing well, Princess. Tell Cadence, Shining, Luna, and everypony that I miss them dearly and I hope to see them again.

Signed, your faithful student

Twilight Sparkle”

Chapter VIII - Food Fight!

The crisp morning breeze felt good against Spike’s human skin. Before going through the portal, he rarely felt such a sensation with his scaly skin. But now, it felt amazing. He had come outside to get fully woken up while Twilight was still at the library researching what she could. With the portal closing in three days now, she needed to hurry up.

“Such a nice morning.” Spike said as he walked down the concrete walkway between buildings.

“Hey Spike!” Someone shouted as they zipped passed him.

Spike looked and saw that it was Scoots, wearing a dark green bag on her back and a purple helmet while riding a scooter, the type that required the rider to use one of their legs to propel them forward. Scoots had her metal leg on the platform of the scooter while the other leg was used to move. She seemed to be wearing almost the same outfit as she did yesterday, but was wearing jeans instead of her shorts while she was still wearing her jacket.

“Hey Scoots, how’s it going?” Spike asked.

“Just getting some scooting done before school.” Scoots said as she removed her helmet, revealing her purple hair. “You seem pretty early.

We’ve still got a little over thirty minutes or so before the bell rings. Did you spend the night here or something?”

“Uh no, what makes you think that?” Spike asked, knowing that Scoots couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Just joking around.” Scoots said. “Anyway, you want to grab some breakfast? They give it out for free in the cafeteria.”

Free breakfast? How could Spike refuse?

“Sure lead the way.”

Page after page Twilight was learning something new about this world. From how America was founded, the destruction of the Monarchies in Europe, and that humanity had made it to the moon. “Luna would love to hear this.” Twilight thought.

As she cracked open a book about someone named “William McKinley”, the lights in the library suddenly turned on, which caused Twilight to drop her book.

“Uh oh.” She said.

She then began to gather the books she had found the day before and rushed to return them to their original places.

After returning half of the books she had collected back to their proper shelves, returned to the table only to find that someone found them. This someone looked rather familiar.

“Pinkie?” Twilight said, recognizing the girl.

Pinkie turned to face whoever was talking to her. This time she was wearing a pink t-shirt with a light blue jacket and pair of white pants. She also had her puffy hair in a ponytail.

Pinkie gasped as she saw the former unicorn before.

“Twilight, hi!” She quietly shouted as she pulled Twilight into a tight hug. “It’s so nice to see you! How are you this morning?”

Pinkie let Twilight go before she answered.

“I’m doing okay.” Twilight said.

“More importantly, how did you get her before me?” Pinkie asked. She then gasped. “Did you camp out here all night?”

Twilight thought of the first excuse she could think of.

“Actually one of the doors wasn’t locked that well so I just let myself in.”

Pinkie’s eyes went wide.

“Really? I’ll have to take a look.”

“So what are you doing here?” Twilight asked.

“It’s my turn to work the front desk of the library today.” Pinkie answered. She then turned her attention to the large amount of books on the table. “Speaking of which, you want me to check all these out for you?”

“No, just this.” She then picked up the yearbook dated “2012”

“Okay, just follow me.”

Pinkie led Twilight to the front desk, where she took hold of book and used this strange device to shine this red light on a white square which caused a loud beep to go off. Pinkie then opened the book to the very back and used an ink stamp to put the due date onto the card that was sitting in a pocket attacked to the back cover.

As Pinkie performed this familiar process, Twilight noticed that Pinkie was wearing some sort of necklace which bore what looked like a lower case “t”. It was just like the necklace Flash wore, but looked to be silver, not gold.

“What symbol is that?” She asked.

Pinkie looked down her necklace before answering.

“It’s just my Cross necklace.” She answered. “I attend the St. Faust Baptist Church. The pastor there gave this to me when I first moved here.”

This caught Twilight’s attention.

“Moved here?” She asked. “Where’re you from?”

“You see, I’m originally from Virginia. My father worked at this quarry that’s about a forty minute drive from Richmond.” Pinkie explained. “We liked to call it the “rock farm” as a joke.”

“What brought you over here?”

Pinkie sighed.

“Well, my parents were pretty strict.” She said. “Out of all my siblings, I was pretty much the black sheep or pink sheep in my case.”

“What happened?” Twilight asked with concern.

“Well, let’s just say my father wanted a Peter instead of a Pinkie.”

Twilight understood and decided not to ask any further.

“Anyway, thanks for the book.” She said.

“No problem Twilight.” Pinkie said, her hair returning to its puffy form. “By the way, what classes do you have? Maybe we could run into each other.”

“I…” Twilight wasn’t expecting this question. “…I need to get some studying done. See you.”

Twilight then almost ran back to her table.

“See you at later Twilight!”

“Thanks again for breakfast, Scoots.”

Spike and Scoots were now outside after getting breakfast from the cafeteria. This time each of them with several food items. Scoots had a two biscuits, one with chicken in it, the other with something called sausage in it, and two drink bottles, one with chocolate milk, the other orange juice, carrying it all in a small paper bag, holding on to in the same hand that his holding onto the left handlebar. Spike had two egg and cheese biscuits and two bottles of orange juice, all in a bag as well.

“No problem Spike.” Scoots said. “CMHS has some awesome breakfast.”

The two found themselves at what appeared to be a large playing field. Spike saw that it looked really similar to the playing field at the school Shining Armor and Cadence had gone to back in Equestria.

As the two found a bench, which sat a blue school bag, Spike saw someone out of the corner of his eye running around the brown colored track.

“Dash!” Scoots shouted. “Dash, over here!”

Spike recognized the name immediately.

Before the former dragon could think any further, the runner screeched to a halt. She had the same dirty blonde hair, one blue eye and one green eye, and skin that was lightly tanned but still rather light. Instead of wearing that uniform, she was wearing tight black running shorts, a pair of rainbow sweatbands on her wrists, and a black sports bra that revealed much of her midriff. She also looked to be rather lean but had a generous amount of muscle.

“Hey Scoots.” She said with an almost all too familiar voice as she gave the one legged girl a brief hug. “Bring me breakfast?”

“Sure did.”

Scoots then handed Dash one of the biscuits and the bottle of chocolate milk.

Dash bit down on her sausage biscuit before noticing Spike.

“What’s up dude?” She asked with a mouthful. She then swallowed. “What’s your name?”

“Spike.” Spike answered. “Spike Spencer.”

“Spike Spencer? Like the voice actor?” Dash asked before taking drink of her milk.

“Note to self, find out who Spike spencer is.” Spike thought.

Dash then swallowed her milk. “That’s awesome. I’m Rachel. But everyone calls me Dash; guess you can call me that as well."

Suddenly, several napkins that were in the bag that contained Dash and Scoots’ food blew away in the wind.

“I got em!”

Scoots got up from her spot on the bench and ran after the loose napkins.

Spike stared after the girl, amazed that she was able to run so easily with an artificial leg. She wasn’t running too fast but still was impressive that she is able to do so without difficulty.

“So is Scoots treating you good?” Dash asked from her seat.

“Yeah, she is.” Spike answered. “I assume she’s told you about my little run in with a girl called ‘Tiara’ right?”

“Yeah, she did.” Dash said before taking a swig of her chocolate milk. “Scoots is cool like that. She’s pretty much the best sister you can have.”

This caught Spike’s attention.

“She’s you’re sister?” He asked. “No offense but you two don’t really look alike.”

“Well, adoptive sister.” Dash said, correcting herself. “Let’s just say that what led to her losing her leg is the same reason why she’s my sister. If it’s cool with you, I don’t really want to go further into it.”

Spike nodded.

“But despite what happened, she’s still pretty cool.”

Dash smiled.

“Yeah. Twenty percent cooler, even.”

Spike smiled at this, a smile that faded quickly as he remembered that he was holding a bag of food in his hands.

“Speaking of sister, I got to get going.” He said. “She and I haven’t had breakfast yet.”

“Okay.” Dash said as Scoots returned with the scattered napkins. “We’ll see you around dude.”

“So you really found Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah I did.” Spike said. “And she’s pretty much the same as back in Equestria. You know, just without the wings.”

Several hours have passed the two woke up in the library earlier that day. Despite staying in one place for so long, Twilight wasn’t bored at all, especially if that place was a library. Spike couldn’t complain either, especially since he found a section of the library that had graphic novels and something called “manga”, of which he found a series of manga books called “Dragon Drive”. The title being the obvious selling point for him.

As the two former Equestrians made their way down the hall, a familiar voice caught his attention.

“Hey, Twilight!”

Twilight turned and saw that it was Flash, dressed in the same jacket as yesterday, only this time he wore a blue shirt underneath that said “Reagan Bush 84” on the front of it.

“Hey Flash, how’s it going?” Twilight asked.

“I’m hungry that’s what’s going.” Flash said. “I overslept this morning and I didn’t eat any breakfast. Did you know that alarm clocks work when you turn them on?”

Twilight chuckled.

“That’s happened to me before.”

“So you two want to have lunch?” Flash asked. “I’m buying.”

“I don’t see why not.” Twilight answered almost immediately.

“Cool, let’s go.” Flash said. “Before my stomach starts eating itself.”

The cafeteria was packed with students as Twilight and Flash got their table, especially since it was, as Flash called it, “Taco Tuesday”. Flash had gotten two tacos, a bag of something called “Doritos”, an apple, and bottle of lemonade. Spike and Twilight both got the same thing with an apple and a bottle of water, thanks to Flash.

“Your food good?” Flash asked as he finished off his second taco.

“Yeah it is.” Twilight answered.

She looked upon Flash’s tray, where his tacos used to reside.

“I see yours were good.” She said.

“Like I said I missed breakfast this morning.” Flash said as he opened his chip bag. “How about you two, did you have anything for breakfast?”

“They had a couple of biscuits.” Someone else said, answering for Twilight and Spike.

The three turned and saw girl, who Spike recognized, sitting down at the table. She wore a blue sleeveless shirt with the collar propped up, a white shirt, and, too Spike’s surprise, a dark pink skirt with two white strips going down each side.

“Hey Dash, how’s it going?” Flash asked.

“Nothing much.” Dash answered as sat down with a tray similar to Flash’s. “I see you met the new meat.”

Suddenly Twilight, felt the odd sensation she felt when she met this world’s Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, and Fluttershy. Could this be the Rainbow Dash Spike met earlier today?

“Name’s Rachel.” Dash said, holding out her hand in greeting. “People call me Dash, so I guess you can call me that as well.”

“Twilight.” Twilight said, shaking Dash’s hand.

“What did I sit here for again?” Dash asked aloud. “Oh, right! Since we don’t have any classes this Friday thanks to the Formal, Commander says we’re practicing drill tomorrow, so Flash, you’ll need you’re uniform.”

“Gotcha.” Flash said with an assuring nod.

“Drill?” Spike asked. “What’s that?”

“It’s what we do in JROTC.” Dahs answered. “It pretty much helps establish discipline.”

“Oh, okay.” Spike said. “What’s JROTC?”

“What, have you been living under a rock?” Dash asked.

“It stands for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.” Flash explained. “Essentially it’s the best class to take if you’re planning on joining the Military. Almost every single school in the country has their own program. Each with their own branch, whether it being Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force.”

“The branch we got here is Air Force.” Dash said after scarfing down half of her taco. “Which is good because me and Flash plan on becoming pilots.”

“After a psychological evaluation of course.” Flash said with a sly smirk on his face.

Before Dash could even reply to Flash’s comment, something zoomed passed her head and hit Twilight right in the chest with a SPLAT.

“What the hell was that?” Dash asked as she leaned forward to look at whatever it was that was thrown at Twilight.

What had hit the girl was a possibly the grossest taco she’d ever seen. It was soft shelled and was over stuffed with meat, melted cheese, hot sauce, sour cream, and the standard vegetables of tomato and lettuce. What’s worse, is that due to the grease and cheese, it almost stuck to Twilight’s shirt as it slid down before plopping onto the floor.

Dash spun around shouted.

“Okay who threw that shit?!” She asked angrily. “Come on, fess up!”

Instead of a verbal answer, Dash got her answer in the form of a half full drink can hitting her right square in the head, causing her hair to be soaked in apple flavored pop, her favorite drink. She staggered for a moment before regaining her composure. Without another word, Dash grabbed her half eaten apple and chucked it as hard as she could in the direction of where the pop can had come from, unintentionally hitting a girl with mint and white colored hair right in the back of the head. In response, her friend took her carton of milk and threw it right at Dash, leaving a large stain of chocolate milk on her white shirt.

Almost immediately, an unseen boy shouted.

“Food Fight!”

This signaled for everyone to grab whatever food item they could and throw it at the first person they laid their eyes on.

Twilight and Spike ducked under the table as open water bottle clattered on it. Flash and Dash ducked down to their level.

“You guys okay?” The latter asked.

“I’m fine.” Twilight said. “Just little dirty.”

“A little?” Dash asked. “It looks like someone threw up on you.”

Another, less greasy, taco flew into their direction, hitting Dash in the back.

“Flash you get Twilight and Spike out of here, I’ll cover you.”

“Right.” Flash said.

He then grabbed Twilight’s hand while Spike grabbed Twilight’s backpack.

“Ready?” Dash asked receiving a nod from the three.

Dash sprung from under the table, grabbed a tray, threw its contents off and began to smack several items out of the air.

“Go!”

The three then made a break for the cafeteria door with their heads down, before stumbling into the hallway.

They weren’t alone in the hallway, as there were several other students who had escaped the edible quagmire. One of them wore a pair of purple sunglasses with black hair with thick blue streaks, of which had what looked like a wrapper was caught in it. She was brushing off her friend who had black stylized hair and a bow tie who had caught the full front of a food barrage.

“Thank you, Vinyl.” The latter said as the headphone wearing girl saluted her with two fingers as she tried to wipe cheese off of her vest.

The other escapees were three girls. One of them was curled up in a ball, practically covered in food, in tears while one of her friends comforted her. Spike recognized the three girls.

“Hey, you guys okay?” He asked as he approached the three.

He looked down at girl who was on the floor, with tears pouring down her cheeks like a waterfall.

“What happened to Belle?” He asked as he crouched down.

“That piece of work Tiara saw an opportunity and pretty much covered her in food.” Applebloom explained while crouched beside her friend.

“She even took her sweet time to crack open not one, but two cans of pop and poured them on her. Fucking bitch.” She mumbled the last two words.

“Sylvia even took pictures, which is why she’s so in shock.” Scoots explained. “That’s why I had to carry her out army style.”

Flash removed his jacket and put it around Belle.

“Are you okay, Belle?” He asked.

Belle sniffed and shook her head, no.

Flash pulled her into an embrace, an act which Belle returned, in which she began to sob into Flash’s chest.

“What is going on in there?” Someone asked.

Everyone turned and saw Rarity walking towards them. Before anyone could tell her what had happened, her eyes went wide upon seeing her younger sister in such a state.

“Belle!” She said as she ran over to her. “Oh my God what happened to you?”

“A food fight broke out.” Flash said with his arm around Belle.

“You’ll be seeing what happened on Sylvia Spooner’s Facebook.” Applebloom added.

Rarity groaned with anger.

“Those little pieces of shit.” She said, using very unladylike words.

She then took her younger sister in her arms as she sobbed.

“It’s okay Belle, your big sister is here.”

She then looked at Twilight and the other two girls and then heard the chaos coming from the cafeteria.

“Alright, here’s what’s going to happen.” She said as she looked around. “Scoots, I want you to go and get Vice Principle Luna, she’ll break up the foolishness inside.”

Scoots saluted and ran off.

“Applebloom, I want you to go to my locker.” She tossed the pink bowed girl a set of keys. “There are several white bags in it, you can’t miss them. Spike and Flash, I want you two go and help her.”

“On in.” Flash said. “Let’s go, Spike.”

The two boys made their way down the hall as Rarity faced the rest of the girls.

“As for everyone else, follow me into the bathroom so we can get cleaned up.”

“How many clothes do you have in that locker of yours?” Twilight asked.

She, Rarity, her younger sister Belle, and two other girls, named Octavia and Vinyl, were in the girl’s washroom, not far from the cafeteria. One would be amazed by how clean you can get with a simple washroom sink. What is even more amazing is how many pieces of clothing Rarity had in her locker, who of which explained that she works at the local boutique, and was practically an expert with clothing, even calling herself a fashionista.

“Just a few changes in the event of a fashion emergency.” Rarity said, answering Twilight’s question. “You’ll never know when one could occur. I’ll see what I can do about cleaning your clothes, so this set will have to do.”

Twilight was now wearing a white dress shirt with a purple sweater vest over it with a matching tie, while still wearing her skirt that bore her cutie mark, as it, surprisingly, hat not gotten too dirty. Belle now wore a simple white sun dress while Octavia wore white slacks with a purple shirt and gray blazer. The only girl who wasn’t wearing new clothing was Vinyl, who had kindly refused Rarity’s clothes, saying that they were tad too girly for her taste. Rarity had also offered Applebloom and Scoots a change of clothing earlier, but they had refused as well.

Rarity turned to her younger sister.

“Are you alright now, Belle?” She asked.

“I am.” Belle answered. “Although I’m not going to hear the end of what happened earlier for a long time.”

Rarity put an assuring hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t worry about it.” She said. “If anyone does tease you about it, just ignore them, they’re not worth your attention.”

Belle smiled and nodded.

“You’re right.”

Rarity smiled and hugged her younger sibling.

After several minutes, Belle, Octavia, and Vinyl thanks Rarity for her help and left, leaving her and Twilight alone in the washroom.

“That was really generous of you Rarity.” Twilight said, checking her hair for any stray pieces of thrown food.

“It’s nothing really.” Rarity said as she looked in the mirror. “Since lunch period will be over in the next couple of minutes, what class do you have next?”

“I have free period.” Twilight answered. “I’m helping Pinkie decorate the gym for the formal.”

Twilight caught a glimpse of Rarity rolling her eyes.

“Well I hope I’m not too snooty for whatever she’s coming up with.”

Rarity looked back at Twilight, who had a concerned look on her face.

“Darling, are you alright?”

Twilight shook her head.

“Yeah, I’m fine, my brain went somewhere else.”

Rarity nodded understandingly.

“Well anyway, I should get going.” She said as she picked up her backpack. “Have fun with the decorating, darling.”

“Thanks. See you later.”

Rarity gave one last smile before walking out.

Twilight thought about what Rarity said earlier.

“Snooty?” She said aloud. “Did Pinkie call her snooty? What’s going on here?”

“I don’t know, what do you think?”

Twilight jumped, realizing that she wasn’t alone.

“Is someone there?” She asked.

“Don’t you mean, is some-PONY there?”

Twilight’s eyes went wide when she recognized the voice.

“Sunset?”

The washroom stall that said “out of order” opened and out came a girl with red hair with gold highlights, a black jacket, an orange skirt, and a pair of black and purple boots.

“The very same.” The girl said. “Princess.”

Sunset got closer to Twilight, to the point she backed her against the wall.

Sunset leaned on the sink counter, looking into Twilight’s newly acquired hazel eyes.

“I got to say, I like you’re look.” She said. “I have to admit that I didn’t recognize you at first, or your little friend. Speaking of which, you really need to wash his mouth out with soap with the way he was talking to me.”

Twilight remembered that Spike had a run in with Sunset the day before.

“I don’t know what you got planned, but it’s not going to work.” Sunset continued. “Because it doesn’t matter who you are, you’re not going to bring me down. I’m going to win the crown this Friday, whether you like it or not.”

Twilight looked into Sunset’s cyan eyes. For some reason, she actually found sunset to be rather intimidating, especially with how in her face she was.

“What? Got nothing to say?” The gold and red haired bully asked.

“Yeah.” Twilight said. “I’m not going to let you get away with it. Especially after threating Fluttershy like that.”

Sunset didn’t recognize the name at first.

“Oh her.” She said after her memory clicked. “Well, she shouldn’t be poking her muzzle where it doesn’t belong. Guess she’s the same here and in Equestria, a cowardly little bitch.”

“How dare you!”

Twilight then shoved Sunset away, causing her to stumble.

Sunset caught herself on the sink.

She then looked at Twilight with fire in her eyes.

“Big mistake you fucking cu..."

The school bell rang, signaling the start of the next class.

Sunset sighed.

“I’d love to beat the shit out of you, but I have class to go to.” She said. “So I’ll let you off with a warning. Either way, you’re never going to take me down.”

Sunset then gave Twilight a sarcastic grin before turning towards the door.

“And by the way, I hope you have luck sleeping tonight.”

Chapter IX - Casa de Flash

Spike had a firm grip on his end of the table he and Pinkie were carrying. Much time has passed since the food war in the cafeteria, and Spike was now helping Pinkie in the gym.

“Thanks again for helping out Spike.” Pinkie said as she and the former-dragon set the table down on one side of the room. Pinkie had explained that this table, which will be lined up with three others, will be used to hold the snacks for the upcoming Formal.

“No problem, Pinkie Pie.” Spike said.

He then stopped in his tracks, realizing what he had just said.

“Did you just call me Pinkie Pie?” Pinkie asked.

Before Spike could answered, Pinkie then smiled widely.

“You know what? I like that name!” She said. “That’s going to be my nickname for now on! It just rolls off the tongue so easily. Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie. For now on I’m PINKIE PIE!”

Pinkie then hugged Spike tightly.

“And all thanks to you Spike!”

“N… …no problem.” The boy said, gasping for breath.

Pinkie then let Spike go, allowing the former dragon get air back in him.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Pinkie said. “I forgot the table cloths. I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere Spikey!”

Pinkie then bounced away, leaving Spike alone in the gym.

As Spike looked around the large room at the decorations, he heard the sound of the doors opening.

“Pinkie! Y’all here?”

The former dragon looked and saw a girl wearing brown Stetson enter the gym. It didn’t take long for him to figure out who this girl was.

“Oh, howdy there.” The girl said in a familiar accent. “Is Pinkie around?”

“She went off to find some table cloths.” Spike answered. “What do want see her for?”

“She wanted to sample the drinks we got to offer for the Formal.”

She then extended her hand.

“I’m Alison.” She said. “But ya can call me AJ is ya want.”

“I’m Spike.” Spike said as he shook the blonde’s hand.

There was a brief silence between the two.

“So did ya hear about that big food fight that happened?” AJ asked.

“Hear about it? I was there.” Spike answered. “Me, Twilight, and Flash barely got out of there.”

“Oh ya, my sister Applebloom told me that he gave Belle a hug after that little witch Tiara dumped all that soda on her.” AJ said. “He’s good people. Ain’t that right Big Mac?”

Spike looked over at the door and saw a really tall white, freckle faced male with sandy brown hair carrying a box walking in.

“Eeyup.” He answered.

“Speaking of Twilight.” AJ said. “Ya hear she’s running for Princess of the Fall Formal?”

“You mean, my sister?” Spike asked. “Yeah, she told me herself. She also said that people are a tad shocked about it.”

“Well, when Sunset is running, it’s hard to blame people.” AJ explained. “She may be friendly about it, but when ya turn your back, ya drop out of the race for a “certain reason”.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac agreed as he set the box down on the table.

“AJ!”

Pinkie practically ran out of nowhere and latched herself to AJ.

“Nice to see you too, Pinkie.” AJ said, almost breathless.

Pinkie then let AJ go and hugged Big Mac.

“And it’s good to see you too, Big Mac!”

Big Mac merely smiled and said “Eeyup”.

“So what were you guys talking about?” Pinkie asked as she let the gentle giant go.

“I was telling Spike about running the dangers of running for Fall Formal Princess.” AJ said. “You know, with Twilight running and all.”

“Speaking of that.” Pinkie said. “Did you hear what happened with Lyra? She dropped out. Something about that food fight that happened earlier.”

This caught Spike’s attention.

“Really?” He asked. “How so?”

“Man, this computer thing is amazing.”

Twilight was back in the library. Her earlier run in with Sunset Shimmer in the washroom had, for once in a long time, actually frightened her a little. What’s more is that she put her hands on her first, something Twilight never thought she’d ever do whether intentional or not. Apparently her impulses have also changed along with her body.

After returning to the library, Twilight went back into doing her research of how this world’s version of her friends weren’t friends anymore. To do so, she decided to try and use the computer devices the library had to offer, even after it took practically ten minutes, in which the library volunteer, who looked amazingly similar to Cheerilee, except with dark auburn hair, lightly tanned skin, and green eyes helped her. Also she wasn’t named Cheerilee, her name was Cherry Lee. Despite being a human, she was still just as kind as her pony counterpart back in Equestria.

As Twilight clicked away on the device, someone caught her attention.

“Twilight!”

She looked and saw her number one assistant approaching her.

“There you are, Spike.” She said. “Where’ve you been?”

“I was going ask you the same thing. I was helping Pinkie in the gym.” Spike said. “Were you here the whole time? That vest looks good on you by the way.”

“Thank you Spike.” Twilight said. “I was still getting cleaned up after that little food war.”

Twilight then turned her chair to fully face Spike.

“And I… …ran into Sunset Shimmer.”

Spike’s eyes went wide.

“Really? What happened?”

“Well, she pretty much just said that we weren’t going to take here down. You know typical villain cliché.” Twilight explained. “And then I… …pushed her when she called Fluttershy a name.”

Spike wasn’t expecting this.

“Really? You didn’t fight her, did you?”

“No, the school bell went off before anything else could happen.” Twilight said. “I’m not going to lie, Sunset is kind of intimidating, and then again I wasn’t expecting to run into her like that.”

Spike put a hand on Twilight’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be with you next time she shows up.”

Twilight smiled.

“Thanks Spike.”

Spike then took noticed the computer Twilight was on.

“What are you looking at anyway?” He asked as he a pulled up the chair next to her.

“I was taking a look at past school events.” Twilight said. “I’m trying to find out why my friends aren’t friends anymore.”

Spike took a moment to realize that Twilight was referring to this world’s version of their friends.

“What have you found so far?”

“Have a look.” Twilight said as she aimed the monitor toward the former dragon.

Spike looked closely at the computer screen, which bore several images from events such as the “Freshmen Fair”, the first soccer game of the year against a team called the “Shadowbolts”, and even the 2011 Fall Formal and Winter Bash. What these photographs had in common was that at least five out of ten of them had all five of her friends in a group shot. But as the pictures went on, the amount of these pictures decreased, all the way until the first half of the 2012 school year.

Twilight learned earlier that people in this world believed that the world was going end at the end of that year. The world may not have ended, but apparently a friendship had. The most of her friends she saw in a picture were two at a time, Dash & Flutters and AJ and Pinkie, respectively. The other times being that one of them just so happen to be in the background when the photograph was taken.

“Man, that’s not good.” Spike said, leaning back from the screen.

“Yeah, I know.” Twilight agreed as she repositioned the monitor. “It’s absolutely terrible.”

“We’re going to get them back together, right?” Spike asked.

“Don’t worry Spike, we will.” Twilight said with an assuring tone. “And once that’s done, they can help me get the crown back.”

“Before or after you tell them you’re a pony princess from a different world?” Spike asked with a smug expression.

Twilight smirked, knowing what he meant.

“One thing at a time.” She said. “And right now…”

She looked back at the monitor.

“…I need to figure out how this printer machine works.”

Much time has passed since Twilight and Spike resumed their research, which consisted mainly of printing, organizing each picture by date, with the help of a borrowed three ring binder, and a whole lot notes written by a certain former dragon. So much time has passed in fact; the last bell of the day went off, signaling the end of the school day.

“Perfect.” Twilight said as she looked through the binder of pictures and notes.

“What do we do now Twilight?” Spike asked, rubbing his wrist, evidence of how much writing had taken place.

Before Twilight could ask, someone got their attention.

“Excuse me you two.”

Twilight and Spike both looked and saw a woman approaching them.

She had pitch black hair, light green eyes, and a skin tone that was rather tanned. She wore a dark purple polo shirt, a pair of a black dress pants, and wore a crescent moon pin on the collar of her shirt. What made her seem all too familiar was that, for whatever reason, she gave off a vibe that said that she was someone you should never mess with.

“Yes, ma’am?” Twilight asked.

“Are you in the middle of homework?” The woman asked. “Because the library is closing so you’ll have to finish it somewhere else.”

This alarmed Twilight.

“What do you mean?” She asked.

“Principle Tia and I received a tip that there are reports of squatters.” The woman explained. “We’ll be closing the library early until the issue has been resolved. If you have to look for a book or finish writing down an equation, you have five minutes to do so. After that, everyone will be asked to leave and the door will be locked. Is that understood?”

Twilight and Spike looked at one another with worry.

“Yes, ma’am, we understand.” Spike said, looking back at the woman.

“Good.”

The woman then turned away and walked in another direction, in search of any stragglers.

“What are we going to do, Twilight?” Spike asked. “Last time I checked, we don’t have anywhere else to stay. And those tarps and pillows were my only option.”

“I don’t know Spike.” Twilight said with as much concern as the former dragon in front of her. “But for right now, we should get going, I wasn’t expecting to find this world’s version of Princess Luna and I don’t intend of getting on her bad side.”

The halls were almost vacant as Twilight and Spike walked down them.

“Where are we going to sleep now, Twilight?” The latter asked.

“I don’t know, Spike.” Twilight answered. “I really don’t know.”

“Maybe we could hide out in the gym, or maybe the cafeteria, that way we don’t need to worry about food.”

That was a good point. What were Twilight and Spike going to eat for dinner? It won’t certainly be that likely that Spike will be lucky enough for someone to buy him peanuts, or anything for that matter.

“Hey, Twilight, Spike!”

The two spun on their heels toward the source of who was talking. The source being rather familiar.

“Hey Flash, what’s up?” Spike asked.

“Just heading home.” Flash said. “What about you?”

“We’re just trying to figure out what we’re going eat for dinner.” Spike answered.

“Really?” Flash asked with interest. “Did you have anything in mind?”

“Well…” Twilight was trying to think of an excuse.

“Nothing really.” Spike said, before Twilight could say anything. “We don’t have many options.”

Flash cocked an eyebrow.

“Well, how about you two have dinner at my house?” He asked. “Rarity is coming over to help work on a project after her shift at work is finished.”

“You really mean it?” Spike asked with excitement.

“Yeah.” Flash said. “The more the merrier, am I right?”

Spike immediately looked at Twilight, with eyes that would put a puppy to shame.

Twilight knew what Spike was thinking. She didn’t want to bother anyone with providing room and board for them. But at the same time, she remembered the amount of choices she had…

…none.

“Welcome to Case de Flash.” Flash said as he put the black car in park.

It took about ten to fifteen minutes to get from the school to Flash’s house in his car. His house was two stores tall, and looked to be made of red brick, with a front porch with steps in the center, black shutters, a black tile roof, and a garage to the right side of the building. In the front lawn was a flag pole that had two flags, the American flag at the very top, below that was a white flag with a blue square in the upper left hand corner which contained a cross, similar to the one that Pinkie wore around neck, but was red.

“This machine is awesome Flash.” Spike said as Flash opened his door.

“Thanks. It’s a nineteen sixty nine Camaro SS.” Flash said. “My Dad’s had it since he was in high school. I’ve thought of putting some decals on it, like a shield with a lightning bolt on the hood.”

“Why haven’t you done it?” Spike asked as he shut the door.

“Because the moment the adhesive makes contact with the paint, my dad’s boot would be in my rump in less than two point seven seconds.” Flash answered as she slung his bag over his shoulder. “The only sticker related things allowed are bumper stickers, and only one’s he’ll allow.”

Flash lead the two to the back of the car, and drew attention to a white sticker on the back bumper that said “Romney” with a stylized “R” and below that said “Believe in America”. And next to that was a black sticker that said “Remember Benghazi”, with the first word in white and the second in red.

“What’s Romney?” Twilight asked.

“It’s the last name of Mitt Romney. He was the Republican Candidate for President last year, but Obama managed to grab a second term. Even after what happened in Libya which is what the other sticker is in reference to.” Flash explained. “Anyway, with politics aside, let’s get inside. Unless you two want to stand out here all evening.”

Flash unlocked the door and lead his friends inside.

The inside of Flash’s house is pretty similar to the average house back in Ponyville, which chairs, tables, and sofas. But in the living room was a device known as a “television”, something one couldn’t find back in Equestria.

Sat on the sofa in the living room was a girl dressed in green skirt, a blue button up, and a yellow neck tie. This girl had blonde hair, light skin, and eyes that looked as if they were the color of gold. Speaking of her eyes, her left eye pointed in one direction, while the other in another, making her very, very familiar to Twilight and Spike, who looked at one another, knowing why this girl was so familiar. What wasn’t familiar, though, were the pair of rimless glasses she wore.

As she worked on, what is assumed to be her homework, she saw Flash and his guest walk into the room.

“Hi Flashy.” She said as she stood up and hugged Flash. “How are you?”

Her voice sounded just a familiar as she looked.

“Good to see you to, Derpy.”

Flash then let go of the girl.

“Derpy, this is Twilight and Spike, I told you about them yesterday.” He said. “Twilight and Spike, this is my half-sister, Deborah.”

“You can call me Derpy, if you want.”

“Anyway, you guys go and get acquainted.” Flash said, patting Derpy on the shoulder. “I got to get changed.”

“What are you getting changed for?” Twilght asked.

“Work. I work register over at “Fillmore & Son’s Bargain Barn”. Flash said. “So I might be back around six. Since I’ll be picking up Rarity, I thought I’d also pick up some pizza. That sound good?”

Twilight and Spike agreed.

After Flash disappeared upstairs, Derpy caught their attention, holding a white object with an assortment of buttons on it.

“Want to play video games?”

Much time had passed since Flash left for work and Derpy and Spike were in a tight match while playing a game called “Halo 3”. So far they’ve been playing something called “Team Slayer”, along with several other players called “NightmareMoon10102010”, “ScrewBall22924”, who were on Derpy and Spike’s team, the blue team, while the red team consisted of players called, “Button_Masher”, “Jackboot420”, “XxStahlhelmxX”, and “SweetieDrops100”. Derpy’s gamer tag was “DitzyMuffin” while Spike was playing on Flash’s profile, his gamer tag being “Sentry1980”. They were playing on a map called “Last Resort” and the Red and Blue teams were neck and neck.

“This game is crazy.” Spike said as he picked hopped into a machine called a “Warthog”, with Derpy at the wheel.

“I know, right?” Derpy said happily. “Flash and I play this all the time.”

After the Warthog smashed into SweetieDrops100, Spike grew curious of Derpy’s nickname.

“I was wondering, why do you prefer to be called Derpy anyway?” He asked.

Derpy chuckled.

“Well when I first met Flash, I was trying to introduce myself as “Debby” but it came out as “Derpy” for some reason. It just stuck ever sense.” She explained cheerfully. “Sometimes when I meet someone for the first time they think it’s because of my eyes.”

“How did your eyes get like that anyway?” Spike asked as he blew Jackboot420’s head off with a sniper rifle.

“Birth defect.” Derpy answered as she picked up a weapon she called a “Needler”. “That’s why I wear these glasses, they help me see straight essentially.”

Derpy pumped Jackboot420 full of pink crystals, making the player explode in a pink blast, when Spike asked another question.

“Flash said you’re his half-sister. How does that work exactly?”

Derpy blasted Button_Masher before answering Spike’s question.

“Well Flashy’s birthmother passed away when he was born and one day his Dad had an affair with my Mom, Wendy Hoover.” She explained. “He didn’t know about me until one day she left me in his care when I was in elementary school. To this day I haven’t seen or heard anything from her since.”

Spike was surprised at what Derpy was telling him as he received a bullet through the head by SweetieDrops100.

“It didn’t help with Dad being in the Air Force, right now he’s over at Ramstein.” Derpy then smiled. “But thank God I got a big brother like Flashy. He’s always there for me, and I’m always there for him. Like when he and Sunset broke up.”

Spike’s eyes almost popped from his head.

“Sunset and Flash used to date?” He asked with shock.

“Yeah they did.” Derpy answered. “I still remember when it happened, I was in my room and then I heard shouting and a door slamming. To be honest I kind of knew it would come to that. Sunset isn’t that nice of a person.”

“That’s a bit of an understatement.” Spike said. “Especially with the way she treated Flutters.”

This caught Derpy’s attention.

“Sunset got told off yesterday. Was that you?”

Spike smiled and shrugged.

“That’s awesome.” Derpy said. “You’re sister is lucky to have a little brother like you.”

“Where is Twilight anyway?” Spike asked. “Didn’t she say she was going to the bathroom?”

Twilight hunched over as she sat on the toilet of the first floor washroom, with both the seat and lid down. She had excused herself earlier to the washroom, but not to relieve herself, but to write a message to Celestia.

She wrote:

“Dear Princess Celestia,

I hope everything is alright since my last message. I am writing to tell you that I have made contact with Sunset Shimmer today, and it appears that she is not a nice pony, something that has not changed since my last message. As of now I’m still trying to figure out a plan in reunited my friends, this world’s version of my friends that is. Either way, I am still hard set on getting back the crown by becoming Princess of the Fall Formal, something I strive to gain with the help of this world’s version of my friends. Whatever Sunset Shimmer plans are, they will most certainly fail.

I miss you and everypony dearly.

Your most faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle”

Twilight closed the book and leaned her head back with a sigh.

So much was on her mind now. Not only was the Formal within three days, but so was the closing of the portal was that night. Combined with trying to reunite this world’s version of her friends, keeping Sunset’s plans, whatever they were, at bay, and looking for a place to stay, it was a lot of think about.

She looked at herself in the mirror, seeing herself as her pony form.

“What am I going to do?”

There was a knock at the door.

“Twilight?” It was Spike. “Are you okay in there?”

Twilight opened the door and stepped out into the hall.

“Yeah I’m alright.”

Spike cocked an eyebrow.

“You don’t sound like it.” He said. “What’s up?”

Twilight sighed.

“I’m trying to think of a way to ask Flash if we can stay here.” She said. “But I just don’t think I can do it or not. He invited us over for dinner; he even bought us lunch today. I just don’t want to take advantage of him, you know?”

Spike nodded.

“I understand.” He said. “But I guess the only thing you can find out if it’s okay if we can stay is if you ask him.”

“Uh, excuse me.”

The two turned and saw Derpy peaking around the corner.

“Sorry to interrupt, but Flash is back with dinner.” She said. “Just thought I’d let you two know.”

“Okay, thanks Derpy.” Spike said.

Derpy smiled and disappeared around the corner.

“Come on, maybe some food will calm your nerves.” Spike said to Twilight. “Hopefully it won’t be thrown at you this time.”

Thankfully no food was thrown, but eaten.

Flash had picked up two pizzas from an establishment called Dominoes, one thin crust with pepperoni and a hand tossed with veggies, along with a large bottle of a drink called Coca Cola, a beverage Spike took to a liking. He also didn’t come alone, as he had picked up Rarity from work so the two can work on a project, something of which they were almost finished with.

As of now, Flash was telling a story that everyone found amusing.

“Scoots told me that when she turned the corner over near the bread aisle, and she saw Tiara in a store apron stocking the shelves.” He explained.

“When was this again?” Derpy asked.

“It was while I first clocked in.” Flash said. “Scoots told me herself when she and her friends got to the register. Apparently her dad saw Silvia’s Facebook and saw what his little Princess was doing to Belle during the food fight. Long story short, she was forced to drop out of the Princess election for the Formal.”

“Serves her right. The nerve of her to do something like that.” Rarity said. “With her dropping out of the race, that leaves Trixie, Lyra, Derpy, Sunset, and Twilight.”

“Actually Lyra dropped out.” Spike said. “Pinkie and Applejack told me that she did so not too long after the food fight. I think it was about her helping start the food fight or something like that.”

Rarity looked across the table at Twilight, who was sat next to Derpy, who was hadn’t said a word since dinner started.

“Twilight, darling, are you okay?” She asked. “You’ve rather quiet.”

Twilight looked over at Rarity, almost mechanic like.

“I’m okay.” She said. “Just thinking. You know with the Formal coming up.”

“Oh indeed.” Rarity said with a joyful sigh. “I can’t wait either. I’m still trying to figure out a dress to make, and a dress for Belle and her friends to wear, oh so much to do!”

“Same old Rarity.” Twilight thought with a smile.

“With someone like you, I’m surprised you’re not running.” Spike said, causing Rarity to blush.

“Aren’t you a sweetheart?” She asked as she rustled Spike’s hair. “I ran for Princess of the Spring Fling last year, but a certain incident ruined it for me. If you don’t mind I kind of don’t want to talk about it.”

“It’s cool.” Spike said as he reached for another slice of pizza.

Flash glance over at Twilight and saw a book on her side of the table.

“What kind of book is that?” He asked before taking a sip of his cola. “I like the cover.”

It then hit Twilight that the book she used to communicate with Princess Celestia was right next to her.

“O-Oh it’s my… …uh…” She was trying to come up with an excuse.

“It’s her diary.” Spike said, running defense. “Guess she accidently brought it with her. She writes in it pretty often.”

He then glanced over at Twilight and winked at her, who then returned a thankful nod.

It was several minutes after dinner and everyone had gotten their fill of dinner. Rarity and Flash had gotten started on the rest of their project at the dinner table while Derpy led the Equestrian duo into the living room where they watch television. What they were watching was a show that originates from across the border up north in Canada called “Murdoch Mysteries”, which was about a detective named William Murdoch who solves mysteries in a city called Toronto. Twilight took great interest in this show, which really reminded her of the mystery novels she read back in Equestria.

While the others were busy with television, Flash and Rarity were making progress on their project for science class.

“Finished!” Rarity said as she dropped the pencil. “Thank goodness.”

“You can say that again.” Flash added as he closed a science book.

He let out a sigh before turning to Rarity.

“So, are you going with someone to the Formal?” He asked.

“I think I’m just going to go alone.” Rarity answered. “I honestly can’t think of anyone to go with. Have you thought of someone to ask?”

Flash turned his head toward the living room.

“You think Twilight would go with me?” He asked. “I mean, I barely know her an all, but it would be nice to go with someone.”

“I don’t see why not.” Rarity said. “I can’t think of girl who would say no to a guy like you. Then again you’ve never really put yourself out there.”

“You can say that again.” Flash put his feet on the table, without his shoes on, and tilted back in his chair. “Not to mention I wouldn't be able to dance with her since, well, me and the guys are making the music.”

“There are always the slow songs.” Rarity added. “And don’t forget Vinyl is DJing as usual, so you’ll be able to dance with her. If she says yes that is.”

“Yeah.”

Flash then put his feet back on the floor.

“And that’s not the only thing I need to ask her about.”

The credits began to roll as the episode ended.

“That was awesome.” Spike said. “The part where Murdoch and the other guy got away in that plane thing was awesome.”

As the introduction of the next episode began to play, Flash entered the room.

“Hey, Twilight, Spike, what’s up?” He asked.

“Nothing much. Sup’ with you?” Spike asked in return.

“Finally got done with that project.”

Flash then sat down in the armchair next to the couch.

“So, Derpy when do you plan on going to bed?” He asked his sister.

“Maybe around ten, ten thirty.” Derpy answered. “After I brush my teeth and everything.”

“That’s cool.”

Flash then looked over at his guests.

“How about you two?” He asked. “Do your parents want you back at a certain time?”

Twilight’s heart dropped and her brain began to run at full speed.

Before she could answer, Spike spoke up.

“We… …don’t have a curfew, yeah.” He said. “Our parents are cool like that.”

Flash cocked an eyebrow.

“Really? You want to give me the address to your house. You know, so your parents don’t get worried.”

“It’s uh…” Spike was racing to find an answer like Twilight.

“Nine eight seven Ben Harrison Avenue?” Flash said.

“Yeah, that’s it!” Spike said, not realizing what the address was.

“But isn’t that the school?” Derpy asked.

“Exactly.”

Flash then looked at Spike and Twilight with a rather serious look on his face, much different than earlier.

“You two are the squatters in the library.” He said. “And please don’t deny it; I was in the library when you two were talking about where you were going to stay next.”

This was it. Twilight and Spike had to come clean. But how would the two explain to Flash that they were really an alicorn Princess and a baby dragon, respectively. But thankfully, their assistance came around the corner.

“Um, pardon me, I’m really sorry to interrupt…” Rarity said as she entered the living room. “…but, Twilight is your book supposed to do this?”

Twilight looked over at what Rarity was holding.

If her heart could drop any further than it already had, it did as she saw that her book was glowing and vibrating in Rarity’s hands.

Chapter X - The Truth Revealed

The obnoxious blare of the alarm clock went off, signaling Twilight to wake up.

“Okay, okay…” She said still half asleep.

After several attempts, she finely hit the button, turning off the electrical sounding alarm.

She sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. She looked around the room. The bedroom was rather basic with the standard bed, nightstand with lamp and clock, and dresser next to the door. On the floor next to the bed was what Twilight was told was called an “air mattress”, which was essentially a giant balloon you can sleep on, something that Twilight was surprised that Pinkie Pie didn’t have at this point. On the mattress was the former dragon and Twilight’s number one assistant, Spike, who was not bothered in the least by the blaring of the alarm.

Before she got out of bed, Twilight picked up her book from the night stand and opened it to the page which bore the message from Princess Celestia. The message read:

“Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle

I would first like to apologize for my late reply and I am glad to see you have made it. I hope you and Spike are getting by perfectly in that strange world. I understand if you felt intimidated by Sunset Shimmer, after all, her heart is corrupted with a hunger for power, a polar opposite of somepony as kind hearted as you. But you must remain strong; after all of your and Spike’s accomplishments I have doubt whatsoever that you will win the day.

We all miss you two very much, best of luck to the both of you.

Signed, your loving mentor

Princess Celestia”

Twilight drearily got out of bed. She was dressed in light yellow pajamas with muffins on it, provided by Derpy. She took her foot and stepped on the part of the mattress close to Spike’s head, causing part of the mattress to go up, with Spike’s head along with it.

“Spike, it’s time to get up.” She said as she stepped on the mattress again.

Spike groaned and turned over.

“F-Five more minutes…” He said.

Twilight sighed before an idea popped into her head.

“Spike, remember that Rarity is coming. You better get up if…”

Twilight couldn’t finish her sentence as Spike practically bounced off of the bed, dressed in a white t-shirt and shorts Flash provided for him.

“I’m up!”

As Twilight giggled at her assistant waking up with such speed, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in!” She said.

The door creaked open and Derpy poked her head in, without her glasses.

“Breakfast will be ready in a little bit.” She said. “I hope you two like eggs.”

“Oh yeah we do.” Spike said. “Thanks Derpy.”

Derpy smiled and pulled her head back into the hallway, only to poke her head back into the room.

“Oh, and, I don’t mean to sound mean but…” She started to sound rather awkward. “…do you need to eat anything in particular with your eggs? Because we don’t really have any oats or hay.”

Twilight chuckled, knowing that Derpy meant well.

“No, it’s alright.” She said. “But thank you, though.”

Derpy smiled and pulled head into the hallway, this time closing the door.

As soon as the door shut, Twilight let out a sigh and fell backward onto the bed.

“I still can’t believe how easy it was.” Spike said. “Good thing Rarity walked in when she did.”

“Even so, it was still awkward.” Twilight said. “If Celestia didn’t decided to reply right then, Flash would’ve thought we were crazy.”

Flash stood at the stove stirring the pan of eggs. He was dressed in the uniform of the school’s JROTC. The uniform consisted of blue jacket, dress shirt, blue tie, black dress shoes and black trousers. His jacket was up in his room, which had insignia indicating the JROTC of CMHS was Airforce and showed that Flash’s rank was Cadet Staff Sergeant.

As Derpy set the kitchen table behind him, Twilight and Spike entered; the former letting out a yawn, muffled by her hand.

“Morning you two.” Flash said. “Sleep well?”

“Yeah, thanks for asking.” Spike said as he sat down. “Got to say it was pretty weird sleeping on a big balloon.”

Flash chuckled as he brought the pan over to the table and started putting a serving of eggs on each of the plates.

Twilight saw that there were two extra plates. One being for Rarity, who was on her way, the other’s owner being unknown.

“Who’s the sixth the plate for?” She asked.

“That one’s for belle.” Flash answered. “She and Rarity will be here in…”

There was a knock at the front door, followed by the sound of the doorbell.

“…right now.”

Flash leaned out into the hallway.

“It’s unlocked, come on in!”

The door opened and Rarity entered with a bag in each hand. She was then followed by her younger sister.

“Morning, Flash.” Rarity said as Belle closed the door. “How are you?”

“I’m doing well.” Flash said. “I see that beauty sleep is paying off, not that you need it.”

“Why thank you Flash.” Belle said, knowing that he was talking to her older sister.

Rarity shook her head and chuckled.

“Anyway, there’s a plate of eggs waiting for each of you.”

The two followed Flash into the kitchen, where the elder saw Twilight eating her eggs.

“Good morning, Twilight.” She said. “I brought you and Spike clothes.”

“Thank you, Rarity, we appreciate it.” Twilight said.

As Rarity and Belle sat down at the table, the former noticed that Spike was missing.

“Where’s Spike at?” She asked. “Is he up yet?”

“He forgot to brush his teeth.” Twilight answered. "He'll be back down in a moment."

Almost on que, Spike entered the kitchen with the message book under his arm.

“I'm back.” He said. He then saw that Rarity was sat at the table as well. “O-Oh, good morning Rarity. How are you?”

“I’m doing alright, thank you Spike.” She said. “Or should I say, dragon boy.”

Spike chuckled nervously as he sat down next to Twilight.

“I assume you’re going to explain further about you being a horse princess, or whatever you called yourself.” Flash said. “But how about we take it to the living room after we’re done eating.”

Breakfast went by rather quickly. Either everyone was hungry or they really wanted to hear what Twilight was going to say.

“That was really good.” Spike said as he plopped down onto the sofa. “Those were some of the best eggs I’ve had in a while.”

“Glad you liked them.” Flash said as he sat down in the armchair next to the sofa.

Everyone found a seat, with the exception of Twilight who stood across from the sofa.

“Okay, Twilight, explain away.” Flash said.

Twilight nodded and cleared her throat.

“First of all, Twilight Spencer is not my real name.” Twilight began. “My real name is Twilight Sparkle, and Spike’s name is, well, just Spike. You see, we came from a place called Equestria.”

“Is Equestria the name of the world?” Belle asked.

“Actually Equestria the country Spike and I are from.” Twilight answered. “And this country is ruled by the Princesses. My Mentor, Princess of the Sun, Celestia, her sister the Princess of the Moon, Luna, and their niece and my sister-in-law, the Princess of Love and the Empress of the Crystal Empire, Cadence.”

“And you’re a Princess as well, right?” Derpy asked. “What are you the Princess of?”

“Friendship.” Twilight said which was met with a series of strange looks from everyone, with the exception of Spike. “I know it sounds weird to you, but friendship is a really important aspect in our world, as opposed to your world, no offense.”

“None taken. I think it’s well known at this point of how messed up humanity is.” Flash said. “Anyway, what exactly brings you to our world?”

“My crown was stolen. And who stole it? You know her as Samantha Stokes, or by her so-called nickname, Sunset. Except that’s not her nickname, it is her name. Sunset Shimmer.” Twilight explained.

“Why did she steal your crown?” Rarity asked. “I mean I wouldn’t mind owning a crown, but I wouldn’t steal one.”

“I’m glad you asked.” Twilight said. “You see, my crown isn’t just a crown. It’s an Element of Harmony.”

All of the non-Equestrians in the room cocked an eyebrow, almost at the exact same time.

“Let me guess, without it your world is defenseless, right?” Belle asked.

“You’re right on the money.” Spike said, patting her on the shoulder. “It’s one of six elements. Twilight’s element is Magic. Then you have Applejack’s, which is Honesty, Pinkie Pie’s, which is Laughter, Rainbow Dash’s is Loyalty, Fluttershy’s is Kindness, and then you have Rarity’s which is Generosity.”

The name of the last element bearer caught Rarity’s full attention.

“There’s an Equestrian named Rarity?” She asked. “Then again, all of these people you mentioned sound very familiar.”

“That’s because they are.” Twilight said. “I assume you’ve heard of the multiverse theory?”

“Yeah, where stuff like the South winning the war, Kennedy never dying, a parent still being alive, or a universe where there are pony versions of us.” Derpy said. She then noticed that everyone was looking at her. “I watch a lot of Doctor Who.” She said, adjusting her glasses.

“That’s actually very accurate, spot on actually.” Twilight said. “The last one, I mean.”

“So you’re saying that there is a version of me that is a pony.” Belle asked. “What kind of pony am I in your world?”

“You, along with Rarity and Sunset, are unicorns.” Spike explained. “Flash and Derpy are pegasi, while Twilight is an Alicorn, which is pretty much a unicorn and pegasus put together.”

“Thank you Spike. Anyway, in my world, the Element Bearers are essentially pony versions of several people you all know.” Twilight said. “You know them as Alison Jackson, Pinkie Pierce, Rachel Danshov, Florence Sheppard, and Rarity Hotchkiss. And more than that, you, as well as me, are all friends. Well, used to be anyway.”

“So they’re pretty much the defenders of Equestria?” Flash asked. “That sounds cool actually. Please, go on.”

“As I already told you, Sunset stole my Element.” Twilight continued. “I’ve also noticed that my crown looks exactly like, identical actually, to the crown you use for the Fall Formal. Essentially, in order to get the crown back, I plan on becoming Princess of the Fall Formal.”

“And we think that if we could reunite this world’s version of our friends, we can work together to not only get Twilight’s crown back, but also take down Sunset Shimmer.” Spike added.

Spike then looked at Rarity.

“How does that sound?” He asked.

Rarity looked away.

“Well…”

She didn’t seem to have a proper answer.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked, noticing Rarity’s reaction to Spike’s question.

Rarity looked at Twilight.

“I’m not sure if it’ll be that easy.” She said. “After all, our friendship ended pretty badly.”

Twilight and Spike looked at one another, both with concern in their eyes.

“But to be honest…” Rarity said, catching the two Equestrians’ attention again. “…I have no problem with being friends with them again. I mean, when we first met Freshmen Year, we just clicked together perfectly, sure it didn’t start out that well, but we clicked together as if we were meant for each other.”

“What broke apart your friendship in the first place?” Spike asked. “If you want to talk about it, that is.”

“If it’s alright, with you, I don’t really want to talk about it right now.” Rarity answered. “But what I do want to talk about is our plan of attack. Twilight, darling, whatever plan you have I’m all in favor of it.”

“And I’ll help to!” Belle said. “I and the rest of the Crusaders will do what we can to get you all back together.”

“Flashy and I are happy to help too!” Derpy said. “Right Flashy?”

Flash nodded and smiled.

“You can count on us.” He said. “Tell us where you want us…”

Flash then produced a sly smirk on his face.

“…Princess Twilight.”

The school grounds filled with students as the day started.

Twilight and Spike were dressed in the clothes Rarity brought them. Twilight wore a pair of dark blue jeans, a light purple vest and tie over a white button up shirt while Spike wore a purple hoodie over a green shirt and black jeans. She, Spike, Flash, and Derpy took Flash’s car to school, while the Hotchkiss sisters took Rarity’s teal Audi A6.

“Alright, so you all know who to get?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, the Crusaders will get Applejack.” Spike said. “And I’ll grab Pinkie.”

“Twilight will get Flutters and I’ll grab Dash.” Flash answered. “While Derpy and Rarity will get us set up in Miss Lee’s class.”

“When did you say the meeting will take place exactly?” Derpy asked. “Because I got tutoring with Mr. Turner during lunch.”

“We’ll meet in Miss Lee’s room at three fifteen.” Twilight said. “I’ll see you all at that time, maybe before then. Either way, good luck.”

Everyone else wished one another good luck and went their different ways.

As Twilight walked towards the front entrance of the school, she saw the very girl she was looking for standing in front of the statue.

“Would any of you like to volunteer at the animal shelter?” Flutters said, as she held a piece of paper in one hand, and a stack of papers in the other. “I mean, if you have the time.”

Twilight approached the shy girl.

“Hi, Fluttershy.”

Flutters jumped, somehow managing to hold onto the papers. She turned around and saw that it was Twilight.

“Oh, Twilight. How are you?” She asked with a smile. “And did you just call me, Fluttershy?”

Twilight then realized that she called her by her the name of her Pegasus counterpart.

“Oh… ...uh… …yeah. I thought I’d call you that. It’s fitting.” She said, coming up with the best answer she could think of. “So anyway, are you doing something after school?”

Flutters thought for a moment.

Before she could come up with an answer, the school bell rang.

“Well I don’t have anything important to do.” She said as she and Twilight made their way towards the entrance. “Why do ask?”

“I was hoping you can meet me somewhere.” Twilight answered. “I assume you know where Miss Lee’s classroom is, right?”

“Oh course, I have her for first period.” Flutters said. “Why do you want to meet there? Do you need help with homework?”

“Well, you can say that.” Twilight said. “So will you come?”

“I don’t see why not. What time you want me there?”

“Around three fif…”

Twilight was sudden cut off by her head making contact with the door of the front entrance, emitting a loud thud, followed by the door rattling.

Twilight stumbled back, almost falling down the stairs, only to be caught by Flutters.

“Are you okay?” Flutters asked with concern.

Twilight shook her head.

“I’m alright, guess I wasn’t looking.” She said.

She then stood back up.

“Anyway, so three fifteen sound okay?”

The ROTC room filled up with Cadets after drill practice.

“Great job everyone.” The Commander said. “Eisenhower himself would be proud.”

Flash sat down in his seat, right next to a female cadet, whose hair was so blonde it was almost white.

“I still can’t believe my shoe was untied.” The Cadet said with a grown. “Why didn’t I notice it sooner?”

“That’s what happens when you don’t watch where you’re stepping, flatfoot.” A black hair cadet said as he sat across from her.

“Oh shut up, Soarin.” The girl said, her real nickname being Fleetfoot. “Don’t you have a tree to bang your arm against?"

Soarin was going to say something in return but felt someone roughly planting a hand on his shoulder. He turned and saw a second girl sit down next him with hair that was the similar to fire and insignia that identified her has Cadet Captain.

“You messing with Fleetfoot, Larson?” She asked, using Soarin’s last name.

“No, just playing around, Spitfire.” He said.

“Alright everyone!” The Commander said, getting everyone’s attention. “I have to meet with the Principle. Since there’s only about fifteen minutes left in class, take this time to talk amongst yourselves. And remember to behave yourselves. Is that understood?”

“Sir yes sir!” The Cadets answered in unison.

The commander then left the room, leaving all of the Cadets to fend for themselves.

As Flash leaned back and let out a sigh, he heard a chair slide across the floor and stop next to his. He looked and saw that it was Dash, sitting backwards on the chair. She was dressed in her uniform which bore insignia that showed her rank as Cadet Senior Airman, one rank below Flash, and her hair in a bun.

“Sup’ Flash?” She asked. “Nice work out there. Good to see you’re paying attention.”

“Look who’s talking?” Flash said, earning a scoff from Dash. “Anyway, you still got lunch detention?”

“Actually instead of lunch detention I am to come to school this Friday. It’s either that or not going to the Formal at all.” Dash explained. “The former isn’t even that bad. ‘Oh no I have to sit in a room for a while’, big deal.”

Flash chuckled.

“Anyway, what are you doing after school?” He asked.

“I don’t know. I promised Scoots we’d go and grab a couple of shakes.” Dash answered. “Why, you need something?”

“I was hoping you and could meet me in Miss Lee’s class. Last I heard, Flutters and Scoots will be there as well.” Flash explained. “So, will you be there?”

Dash looked up at the ceiling, deep in thought.

“I don’t know.” She said.

Flash had to think of something and something quick.

“How about if I get you the newest Daring Donna book when it comes out?”

Dash turned her head towards flash almost immediately.

“Seriously?” She asked. “Please tell me you’re serious. You better not be pulling my leg Flash, so help me God if you are.”

“I’m serious.” Flash said. “What do you s…?”

“When and where do you want me?” Dash asked.

Flash smiled.

“Three fifteen in Miss Lee’s room.” He said. “Don’t be late.”

Much time has passed as the end of the school day came. Twilight and Spike waited in the library idly, looking through books and passing the time in any way they can. Until finally, the bell blared throughout the halls of the school.

“Show time, Twilight.” Spike said as he picked his head up from the table. “You ready?”

“Ready.” Twilight said as she picked up her backpack. “Let’s do this.”

The two walked out of the library and into the crowded hallway.

As the two walked passed student after student, Twilight saw that the lot of them were eyeing them and at some points snickering.

“Hey Spike, why is everyone looking at us?”

Spike looked around at the surrounding students and saw what the former alicorn saw.

“I think they’re looking at you.” He said.

Before Twilight could say anything else, she felt someone grab her hand. She looked and saw that it was Rarity with a mix of worry and concern on her face.

“Hey Rarity, what’s…?”

“Come with me quick!”

Twilight suddenly felt herself practically being dragged through the halls as if she and Rarity were being chased with Spike in toe.

After going through several corridors, the two girls and the boy found themselves at a class room where Flash, Derpy, Fluttershy, Belle and Applebloom waited.

Twilight while Twilight caught her breath, she looked at Rarity.

“What… …what was… …that for?” She asked as she panted.

Before Rarity could answer, the door opened and AJ entered.

“Howdy Flash, Derpy, what are y’all doing here?” AJ asked.

She then saw Rarity standing next to an out of breath Twilight.

“Oh, hello Rarity.” She said. Her change in tone very noticeable. “What brings you here?”

“Same reason as you, AJ.” Rarity said. Her tone wasn’t at the same level as the hat wearing girl in front of her.

“Hi everyone!”

The newcomer was Pinkie who bounced into the room.

“Hi AJ, I didn’t know you were here. What’s…?”

She then saw Rarity in the room.

“Hello Rarity.” She said. “I wasn’t too obnoxious and childish, was I?”

“N-No, you weren’t.” Rarity responded, maintaining her cool.

“That’s three down, two to go.” Applebloom said.

“Two to go? What do you mean, Applebloom?” AJ asked. “Who else is coming?”

“Dash and Flutters.” The younger sibling answered. “Even though Flash told Dash to meet us here, Scoots went to find her, and I assume Flutters is with her.”

AJ and Pinkie finally noticed that Twilight and Spike were in the room.

“Oh, hey Twilight.” Pinkie said. Her voice changing to that of concern. “How’s it going?”

“Other than being run over here at full speed, I’m alright.” Twilight answered. “Why do you ask?”

Pinkie and AJ looked at one another before looking back at Twilight.

“You seriously haven’t seen the video?” Pinkie asked.

Twilight shook her head.

“Let me show you.”

Pinkie pulled a laptop computer from her backpack and set on one of the desks. After it fully booted up, Pinkie opened the internet and opened her email, in which a link was sent to her. She then clicked the link, sending her to a video called “This Candidate?”

After Twilight took a seat at the desk, Pinkie then hit play.

The video started off with footage of Twilight in the library, sitting down at one of the computers. She then began to type, but instead of using her fingers, her hands her balled into fists, causing her to press multiple keys at once.

“Oh no…” Twilight said as she slouched in the seat.

The screen then showed a clip of Twilight dropping several books and picking up one of them with her mouth. Then a clip of her temporarily blinding herself on accident with the copy machine, and then finally showing a clip of her out of the cafeteria yesterday during the food fight.

After the last clip played, a set of text appeared on the screen.

“Is this really who you want to vote for as Fall Formal Princess?”

The video ended with a clip of Twilight running into the door at the front entrance that morning.

Twilight let out a groan as she covered her eyes.

She then felt a hand being placed on her shoulder.

“It’s alright Sugercube.” AJ said. “We’ll figure this out.”

“Yeah, as if!”

Everyone looked and saw Dash walked into the room with Flutters and Scoots in toe.

“If you want someone to help you, Jackson there is the last girl you want to advice from.”

AJ sigh out an angry sigh.

“Well ain’t that the pot calling the kettle black?” She responded with vinegar. “And I must say that Hell must’ve frozen over that you actually came when you said.”

Dash’s eyes widened, evidence that AJ’s comeback had hit a soft spot.

“We… …well look who’s calling the pot black now?!” She asked.

“Don’t you dare talk to her like that, Rachel!” Pinkie said, not giving Pinkie the courtesy of calling her back her nickname.

“As if AJ really needs your help.” Flutters butted in. “I think she can be dishonest on her own.”

“Flutters, darling that is really uncalled for.” Rarity injected.

“Are you really defending the girl you cost you Princess of the Spring Fling?” Dash asked.

“You’re one to talk.” AJ said. “Misses disloyal.”

Before the fire building up in Dash could be fully released, Twilight had enough.

“Would you all stop!?” She shouted as loud as she could.

All of the girls turned to her almost in unison.

“What happened with you guys?” Twilight asked. “You used to be the best of friends. Remember the Freshmen Fair, the soccer game against the Shadowbolts?”

Twilight turned to Spike and nodded, signaling him to retrieve the binder from her bag. When the former dragon handed her the binder, Twilight closed Pinkie’s laptop and placed the binder on top and opened it.

“Look for yourselves.”

All five of the girls looked at the first page of the binder and recognized the first picture.

“That’s from the Freshmen Fair.” AJ said, pointing at the picture. “God I can’t believe it’s been that long ago.”

“I must agree.” Rarity said. “Just look at that outfit of mine. It’s nice to see I still got it.”

Ignoring Rarity, they flipped through page after page, seeing all of their best memories before them. From their first Fall Formal to their first winter break, and spring break. They got so into it, they invited everyone else over to look.

“I can’t believe it’s been two years.” Derpy said. “It sure goes by doesn’t it?”

“Yeah seriously.” Flash added. “I still remember almost bursting out laughing upon seeing Dash not looking like a boy for once.”

This was met by a playful punch to the arm by Dash.

“Even so…” Flutters said as she turned to Pinkie. “…as good memories these are, it still doesn’t justify Pinkie ruining my silent auction for the animal shelter. And especially ruining the party Rarity had for Equestrian City’s top elite.”

“Hey, you told me that you wanted a party with music and stuff.” Pinkie immediately said. “That text clearly says so!”

Flutters cocked an eyebrow rather than pushing back.

“When did I send you a text?” She asked.

Pinkie let out a sigh and pulled out her phone and opened her messages. She then aimed the screen at Flutters. The text read:

“To Pinkie:

Pinkie, I’m totally glad your helping me out with the shelter auction. And since this is a special occasion, I want it to be a huge bash so bring out what you got this saturday!”

“You see, you clearly sent me a text.”

Flutters looked closely.

“I couldn’t have.” She said. “Look at the time.”

The time said that the message was sent at 10:37 AM.

“I couldn’t have sent you text at that time because I was in the middle of a test and my phone was off.” She explained. “I remember very clearly because later that day I had to help take Flash to the nurses office.”

“I can vouch for that.” Flash said. “I still can’t figure out what was wrong with me back then.”

“And also, when have I ever said totally?” Flutters continued. “And not mention that there are a lot of spelling errors in that text. Even when I’m in the middle of class I don’t spell any words wrong in a text.”

Pinkie looked at the copper haired girl and then back at the phone.

“And what’s this about Rarity’s party that Pinkie supposedly ruined?” Spike asked.

“It was supposed to be a formal event for the city’s top elite, the Mayor came, the Chief of Police, the Chamber of Commerce...”

“And let me guess…” Flash said, getting up from his place on one of the desks. “…you received a supposed text from Rarity, right?”

“Actually it was an email.” Pinkie said. “Let me find it.”

After several clicks on the computer, Pinkie opened her email and then the supposed email from Rarity was on the screen. The email read:

“To my daerest friend Pinky

I am very joyful over you voluntering to help plan for the society party this forthcoming weekend. But I have a tinsy suggestion. Could you be a grand darling and make it your usual with sreamers and cakes and everthing? I would much appreciate it.

Signed, your dear friend

Rarty Hotchkis”

“That’s a lot of spelling errors.” Derpy said as she looked closely at the screen.

“Teensy?” Flash asked. “Grand Darling? When has Rarity ever said that?”

“Clearly someone has sent these false messages to mess you guys.” Twilight said. “And by the looks of it, it most certainly worked.”

Pinkie was quiet for a moment.

“Darling?” Rarity said, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Are out alright?”

Suddenly, Pinkie sprung out of her seat and latched onto Rarity as if for dear life.

“I’M SO SORRY!” She wailed. “I’M SORRY, I’M SORRY, I’M SO, SO SORRY!”

Rarity back up, still in Pinkie’s grasp, and saw that her bubbly friend had watery eyes.

“It’s alright, Pinkie.” Rarity said. She then looked to everyone else. “Everyone, I don’t care what has happened between us anymore. After talking to Twilight, I am fully open to being friends with you again.”

“Am I included in this?” AJ asked.

“Yes darling, you included.” Rarity said with Pinkie still latched on to her. “Right now I don’t care about if it was you who sent out that video of me.”

“Video? What video?” Twilight asked.

“Oh yeah, I remember that.”

Pinkie then let go of Rarity and, after several clicks, she pulled up another email.

“Here it is.”

“Pinkie, what are you doing?” Rarity asked with panic in her voice.

Ignoring Rarity, Pinkie hit play.

The video that played showed Rarity in the showroom of the boutique she works at. She appeared to be talking to, none other than a male mannequin. While Rarity spoke with the faceless figure, she used words such as “my dear prince”, until she finally embraced the mannequin and began to kiss it on the mouth, or where a mouth is supposed to be, given that the mannequin was faceless.

“For God’s sake, please turn it off!”

Pinkie showed Rarity mercy by closing the video.

“Yeah that was a thing that happened.” Flash said, scratching the back of his head.

“And it is believed that AJ recorded and sent out that video, right?” Twilight asked.

“Have a look.” Pinkie said, turning the screen.

The sending address of the email was “Jakson1917@gmail.com”.

“And look at that, another spelling error.” Derpy said. “And last I checked, the number is nineteen seventy, not nineteen seventeen.”

Upon seeing the address and listening to Derpy, Rarity went over and pulled AJ into a hug.

“I’m really sorry for not believing you, AJ.” She said.

AJ returned the hug.

“It’s alright Sugercube.” She said. “Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve called you that.”

As Rarity and AJ parted, Dash spoke up.

“Even so, it still doesn’t change what happened between AJ and me.” She said. “Seriously, I’m the disloyal one?”

“Was it a text or email?” Scoots asked, knowing where this was going.

“I think it was a text.” Dash said.

“Yeah, it was.” AJ agreed.

“Phones please.” Belle said, holding out her hands.

AJ and Dash opened their messages and handed them to the younger Hotchkiss.

Belle looked at each message on each phone. She read aloud each one.

“To AJ

Guess wat? I got the soccar team coming to yor bakesale. How dos that sound?”

“To Dash

Just a heds up were having the bakesale in front of the grocery store this friday not this saturday just 2 let you no”

Belle cleared her throat.

“Dash, did you actually invite the soccer team to AJ’s back sale?” She asked.

“Yeah, I did.” Dash said. “And when we got there, the sale wasn’t there.”

“And I did have the sale, ON FRIDAY by the way.” AJ said. “And there were no soccer players in sight.”

“And again we see spelling errors.” Belle said, referring to the messages. “It’s not surprising that Dash would send a message with a lot of spelling errors, no offense.” This was met with Dash rolling eyes, while failing to hide a grin. “But as long as I have sent a text to AJ, she also uses the word ‘y’all’, which as you all know is the contraction of the words ‘you’ and ‘all’, obviously. So why would AJ send a text without using the word ‘y’all’?”

AJ turned toward the uniformed girl.

“Yeah, Dash, why would I…?”

“Just give me a fucking hug.”

Dash then wrapped her arms around AJ, who then returned the hug. The two then let go after what appeared to be half a minute.

“God, I’ve been a fucking idiot!” The former said.

“I can agree with that.” AJ said. “And also I’ve acted like a fool as well.”

This was met with a playful punch to AJ’s arm from Dash.

“So does that mean that you all are friends again?” Derpy asked.

“You tell us.” Pinkie answered. “But what I want to know is who did all of this? I mean, who would go through so much trouble just to break us apart?”

“I believe I know the answer to that question.” Twilight said. “Her name is Sunset.”

Everyone turned to Twilight.

“I know Sunset is not a good person.” Flutters said. “But why would she break all of us apart specifically?”

Before anyone could answer, the room filled with the sound of something vibrating against a solid surface.

At the corner of Pinkie’s eye, she saw that a book on one of the desks was glowing a shaking.

“Uh, is that book supposed to do that?” She asked with concern.

Twilight looked at the book and then at the clock on the wall.

“Right on time.” She said aloud with a smile.

She then went to the book and opened it.

Her smiled grew when she read part of the page she opened to.

“I believe it’s for you girls.”

She then handed it to Rarity, in which, everyone else gathered around as she began to read it aloud.

“Dear, Flutters, Rarity, AJ, Pinkie, and Dash

Before I go into my explanation, I would like to take this time to introduce myself. My name is Celestia, Princess of the Sun and one of the ruling Princesses of Equestria. I hope you have all gotten to know my student and fellow Princess, Twilight Sparkle and her assistant Spike. Or as you know her, Twilight and Spike Spencer.

As you know, there is a girl at your school who treats it as her own little kingdom. Yo know her “Samantha Stokes”. Her real name is Sunset Shimmer, a former student of mine whose heart is filled with the hunger for power. Essentially, she is responsible for the destruction of your friendship. The reason is because you are your world’s version of another set of ponies, or people, I know. They’re known as Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash, who of which are friends of Twilight Sparkle. You or your pony counterparts at least, are known as the Bearers of Harmony, the defenders of Equestria. Essentially, you and Twilight are the ones who are able to bring down Sunset Shimmer. You may not be the ponies, or people, that I have grown to know and love, but I know you will succeed.

In the meantime, Twilight Sparkle and Spike will explain everything else.

Best of luck to all of you, signed

Princess Celestia”

Everyone looked up from the book and looked at Twilight and Spike, who of which looked at one another.

“It looks like we have some explaining to do.” The former dragon said.

“It appears so, Spike.”

Twilight then turned back to everyone else.

“Where do I begin?”

Chapter XII - The Speech

The school gym was filled with students who had gathered for the Fall Formal speeches from the candidates. Everyone was either sitting at the bleachers across from the stage or standing the large space between the bleachers and the stage. At the moment it was Sunset at the microphone. So far she had been talking for almost ten minutes.

“For all the time I have been elected Princess of the Fall Formal, or any of our school’s social events, you have been unified.” She said, putting on her good girl persona. “You were all together. You have all had a good time every time I was crowned. So I can’t imagine what would happen if I wasn’t crown can you?”

One of the many students who weren’t buying it was Dash. She leaned over to AJ and Flutters.

“You guys smell bullshit too?” She asked.

“Eeyup.” AJ said. “And lot of it.”

“I think we all do.” Flutters said. “As if anyone would believe anything Sunset is saying.”

Flutters looked over at Pinkie who was on her phone.

“What do you think, Pinkie?” She asked.

It took a moment before Pinkie answered.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” She asked. “I wasn’t listening.”

“I thought so.” Flutters said with a chuckle.

Back stage on the other hand, Twilight was with Spike, Rarity, Flash, and Derpy, and she looked as if her lungs were collapsing.

“Darling you need to calm down.” Rarity said. “You’re going to pass out otherwise.”

“Yeah, what are you so worried about? You pretty much got this.” Flash added.

“But what if I mess up?” Twilight asked with panic in her voice. “This is Sunset Shimmer we’re talking about. Even if I…”

Twilight was then interrupted by Spike putting his hand on her shoulder.

“Twilight look at me.”

Twilight did so and saw that Spike had possibly the most serious look he has ever had on his face.

“Did you forget who you are?” He asked. “I mean, do you honestly think you can’t do this?”

Twilight looked down at the floor for a moment.

“I...”

“I didn’t think so.” Spike continued. “You are Princess Twilight Sparkle for Celestia’s sake. You have saved Equestria in more ways than I could count; you helped raise me since I first hatched, you’re the Element of Magic, you have five great friends, and need I remind you that you are the Princess of Magic?”

Twilight was surprised by how serious Spike has gotten.

“So I don’t want hear any of this, “I think I can do this” nonsense.” He continued. “You understand?”

Twilight looked at Spike and then at the rest of her friends who all looked back at her, all with smiles on their faces while they wore their fake ears and tails.

“I’m glad you came with me, Spike.”

Twilight pulled her number one assistant into a tight hug.

“And that is why I am the best choice for Princess of the Fall Formal.” Sunset said. “Thank you.”

Twilight and her friends didn’t hear a word Sunset had said during her speech.

Principle Celestia walked up to the microphone as Sunset left it, just has barely half of room applauded, possibly out of fear.

“Thank you Miss Stokes for your lovely speech.” She said. “Now everyone please put your hands together for our other candidate, Miss Twilight Spencer!”

The crowd cheered and applauded, much more than they did for Sunset.

“Break a leg Twilight.” Spike said.

“Good luck, Darling.” Rarity said.

“Knock em’ dead!” Flash added.

“Thank you all.” Twilight said.

She then turned and walked onto the staged, causing the applause to increase until she had gotten to the microphone. Silence the filled the room, only to be briefly broken by several shouts of “You go Twilight” and “Twilight for Princess”, some of them followed by hoots and whistles.

Twilight cleared his throat.

“Um, hello everyone.” She said. “I’m Twilight Spencer...”

“Hi Twilight!” Pinkie said as she bounced up and down from the center of the crowd.

“…and I’m running for Fall Formal Princess.”

This caused the audience to cheer briefly before settling down again.

“This is the part when I tell you why you should vote for me.” She said. She paused and looked over at Spike and company backstage. She then looked back at the crowd. “And to be honest, I don’t know why. I mean, why should you vote for me?”

She then paused to let the question sink in.

“Do you want to vote for me because I’m a new face? Do you want to vote for me because you think I’m hotter than Sunset, because I heard some of you actually say that. Thank you to those who said that by the way, that’s sweet of you.” This was met with laughter that echoed throughout the gym. “Do you want to vote for me because…” Twilight glanced over at the left side of the stage where Sunset stood with an arrogant smirk on her face. This triggered something in Twilight. “…because I don’t divide everyone?”

The smirk on Sunset’s face started to fade.

“Because I don’t blackmail my candidates into dropping out, something that has happened to some of you? You know who you are!” Twilight continued. “Do you want to vote for me because I don’t ruin friendships for her gain? Because I don't humiliate people? Because I’m not a liar, a thief, a bully, and an overall terrible person…” She then turned back to Sunset. “…unlike you Sunset Shimmer!”

The smirk on Sunset’s face completely faded into that of anger.

“Yes, that is her real name!” Twilight continued. “And if you want proof of her blackmailing, I’ll give you it!” She then faced the right side of the stage. “Vice-Principle Luna, would you kindly bring out the culprits?”

Out from backstage came Vice-Principle Lunawho was followed by two boys, known as Snips and Snails. They then stopped in the center of the stage. With the urging of Luna, the two boys reluctantly approached the microphone.

“What are your names?” Twilight asked as she removed the microphone from the stand and held it where the boys could speak into it. “Come on, you can tell us.”

“I… …I am Steve Maxwell.” Snails said, with guilt heavy in his voice.

“And I’m Sam Cutter.” Snips said.

“And what did you two do?” Twilight asked. “You can tell us.”

The two trouble makers were quiet for a moment.

“We.” Snips began. “We’re the ones who started that food fight earlier this week.”

“And we’re the ones who spread out the pictures causing some of the candidates to drop out.” Snails added. “Including that video of Rarity which cost her The Spring Fling and that video of Twilight.”

This was met with several boos from the crowd.

“And who was it that made you do these things?” Twilight asked.

“It was…” Snips was in the middle of answering when Snails cut in.

“It was Sunset! Sunset is the one that made us do it!” He shouted into the mic. “We’re sorry, we’re really sorry!”

“We really mean it! She threatened us!” Snips added as he fell to his knees. “We were just doing as we were told! Were sorry!”

The gym was completely silent after the two boys broke.

“I think we’ve heard enough.” Twilight said. “Do you all forgive them?”

The crowd erupted into a torrent of yes’s.

Twilight then nodded at Vice-Principle Luna, who took hold of the microphone.

“I don’t want to hear anything about them being bullied, is that understood?”

The crowd complied.

Luna handed the microphone back to Twilight before leading the two boys off the stage.

“Is Sunset really the girl you want for Fall Formal Princess?” She asked. “Someone who threatens and bullies others to do her bidding?”

“Or ruins friendships!?”

Twilight turned and saw Dash and AJ walk onto the stage, followed by Pinkie, Flutters, Rarity, Spike, Flash, and Derpy.

Twilight handed Dash the mic.

“Ever since Sunset came here, she has done nothing but tear us apart!” She said. “You remember when AJ and I got into that huge fight? You know what I’m talking about!”

AJ was then handed the mic.

“It was because of her Dash and I broke apart!” She said. “She’s why all of us were torn apart!”

AJ then passed the mic to Flutters.

“She threatened to hurt my Angel if I didn’t do her homework.” Flutters said which was met by several gasps from the crowd. “And hurt me too.”

Unable to speak anymore, Flutters handed the microphone to Flash before being held by Pinkie.

“Sunset has also used me the whole time we dated.” Flash said. “Whether it was me driving her around, to letting her stay the night without my Father knowing, and borrowing money to the point an entire paycheck went into her pocket. And after all of the things I did for her, she just blew me off, all because I wanted to hang out with my sister. Does that sound like someone who you want as Fall Formal Princess?”

Many people in the crowd shouted boos and no’s in response.

Flash felt a tug on his shoulder and saw that it was Derpy who wanted the mic. Flash complied and gave his half-sister the mic.

“If that is not enough, Sunset has often bullied me because of my eyes pointing in different directions and I have a speech impediment.” She said. “And not to mention, just earlier today, Sunset tried to assault me in the bathroom to try to get me to vote for her.” This was met with several boos. “But don’t worry, I didn’t let that happen. After all I was the first one to walk out of the bathroom.”

This was met by cheers of approval.

“And pardon my language.” Derpy continued. “But I much rather be retard than a bully like Sunset.”

Much of the crowd burst out laughing and applauded as Derpy handed the mic to Rarity.

“Now, now, let’s be fair and hear Sunset’s side of the story.” She said. “Sunset, would you come out here please?”

No response.

“Sunset?”

Spike walked to the left side of the stage where Celestia stood, and they both saw that Sunset has disappeared.

Spike then returned to the group and took hold of the mic.

“Guess she doesn’t have a side of the story.” He said, getting several laughs in return.

After the crowd’s laughter died down, Celestia approached the group and took hold of the mic.

“I would like to thank everyone for coming here today.” She said. “And I love that all of you have gotten so spirited for the election. Remember to go to the school website and caste your votes. And before you go, do you want to her the candidate say one final word?”

The crowd answered yes as Celestia handed Twilight the microphone.

“All I have to say now is that, unlike Sunset, I’m going to be myself no matter what I do. And if any of you are different, I want you to be true to you.” She said. “If you vote for me we can put our differences aside, stick together, and fully embrace our school pride!”

Everyone on stage crowded around the microphone.

“So come on CM High!” They all said. “Help Twilight win the crown!”

Sunset was livid as she swung the washroom door open. She was breathing heavily as the door closed behind her, until her lid flipped.

“Fuck!”

She then kicked the trash bin, causing its contents to fly everywhere and the waist high container flipped through the air and bounced off the wall. She then set her sights on the paper towel dispenser and punched it, causing bits of plastic to fly everywhere as part of the box became unhinged by the force of Sunset’s punch.

“Fuck! Fuck! Fuuuuck!”

She then slumped over the sink as she continued to breathe heavily.

“Sore loser, huh?”

Sunset looked up at the mirror and saw herself. But the reflection was off. It was her, but her eyes were different. Instead of cyan on white they were cyan on black.

“Oh shut up!” She said to the reflection. “It’s over! First I get the crown and now it gets snatched away from me! Twice now! Twice!”

The reflection looked unamused.

“So you’re going to cry like a little filly.” It asked. “I thought you were better than that.”

“I am god dammit!” Sunset shouted.

Sunset then backed up and leaned against the space between the stall doors.

“What’s the use? It’s over! That fucking Twilight beat me.”

“Not yet she didn’t.” The mirror Sunset said. “We can still beat her.”

Sunset looked up at her reflection.

“Bullshit. Don’t you see? I’m fucked. I am royally fucked!” She said. “There’s no way I’m going to get the crown before the portal closes.”

“Who said you have to wait till then?”

Sunset looked at her reflection.

“What do mean?”

The reflection face palmed.

“The crown doesn’t need to be worn at a certain time dumbass.” It said. “Hell, you could’ve worn the crown at any time between when you first stole it and now. What was stopping you?”

“Because I like winning.” Sunset answered. “You’re my reflection, shouldn’t you know this?”

“Not the point!” The reflection shouted. “You can still win. You just need to plan it right.”

Sunset began to smile sinisterly.

“What do you want me to do?”

“First you go and get some rest.” The reflection said. “Tomorrow you’ll show them what happens when they defy you.”

Sunset’s smile grew.

“Consider it done.”

Sunset then exited the washroom and entered the hall, only to see a poster on the wall that said “Vote Twilight for Fall Formal Princess” across the top, Twilight’s cutie mark at the center, with “A Vote for Twilight is a Vote for Friendship” across the bottom.

Sunset scoffed at this and tore the poster off the wall, leaving the torn corners still taped on the wall.

“You’re going down Twilight Sparkle.”

Chapter XIII - Vandalism