Chapters There's More That's Out There
I looked at the living space of my apartment and the handful of cardboard boxes that sat within it. I had managed to find a nice place downtown, equidistant from Canterlot High and Canterlot University. It was exceedingly well maintained, well within my budget, and allowed pets.
What’s more, I had my own private entrance to the basement condo of the renovated office building. I had been so excited when I found it, and Twilight had loved the photos I sent her. From a follow-up text, I assumed that she was packing a few things herself. I was about to hoist up a box to take down to the moving van when a knock sounded on my door. I opened it to find Twilight outside.
Or rather, I found Princess Twilight outside, a sheepish look on her face.
“Come in, come in,” I said, stepping aside. “Don’t mind the mess, you caught me in the process of moving.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t give you a warning,” she said. “But there’s been something up with the portal and the book on my end. As near as Starlight and I could find, a celestial convergence is giving off some disruptions, but they’re passing.” She tapped her fingers together, looking at the boxes. “Was this a bad time?”
I smiled. “Of course not,” I said, handing her a small box. “Lend a hand and you’ll get to see the new place.”
She relaxed a little and helped me load the boxes into the moving van where my larger furniture had already been loaded with the help of Applejack and Big Mac before they had to head back to the farm. I slid the door shut and locked it. I slid a glance at Twilight.
“You didn’t come all the way from Equestria just to explain why you’ve been silent, Twilight,” I remarked. “What gives?”
Twilight sighed. “Your sister Morning Glory has been to the castle a few times, trying to find you,” she said. “I’m running out of reasons why you aren’t around Ponyville or Canterlot.”
I sighed as I slid into the cab of the van and started it. “I’m sorry, Twi,” I said as the woman slid into the passenger seat. “Glory has always been a bit of a pest. I’m not sure what to do.”
“Well, you'll have to tell her sometime,” the princess returned. “I mean, you are going to be getting married soon. I assume they’re invited?”
“Top of the list right now,” I said, sliding the van into traffic. “But then, my side of the aisle is going to be a little light, given the small number of family I have.”
Silence ruled the ride until we pulled into the parking lot of my new home.
“I guess I’ll have to show them,” I said finally as I pulled a small box that contained toiletries from the van. “But that would leave you with the unfortunate role of gatekeeper.”
“Considering the shock they’ll feel coming through, I think it’ll be tough enough just to get through the wedding,” Twilight responded, sliding out of the van. She gave the building a once-over. “This looks like an office building,” she said, confused.
I smiled as I walked around to the side of the building, stepping down a small stairwell. “It was until recently,” I said, juggling the box to slide the newest key on my ring into the lock. “It was renovated by the new owner last year and I managed to get the last condo. Landlord’s pretty lenient as long as the rent gets paid.” I finally got the door unlocked and we entered the space.
The entire two thousand square feet was mine, and the smooth eggshell walls begging to be adorned with my photos. A large kitchen sat off to one side, linoleum shining in contrast to the dark carpet.I saw three doors along the far wall, two leading to bedrooms and the third a bathroom with a large vanity sink and a tub that was almost large enough to satisfy my wish to be able to submerge to my neck to soak. The windows were set up high into the walls to allow sunlight to trickle in. The living room was bare except for a set of bookshelves built into the wall.
“This is a nice place,” Twilight commented, looking at the bookshelves.
“Says the princess with a castle of crystal back home,” I joked, pleased to see a bit of an embarrassed flush on her face.
“I mean it,” she said. “For what you’ll need, it’s nice, and I know the city well enough to know that this is close to both CHS and the university, and plenty of room for two young ladies.”
“Rarity would insist on more closet space,” I commented, setting my box on the bathroom sink. “But for Sunshine and I, it’s enough. Even room for Spike to play and a dog park around the corner.”
Twilight snickered. “Sorry,” she said, composing herself. “It’s just that I had an image of my Spike frolicking in a dog park.”
I chuckled too.
“Let's get the boxes unloaded so AJ and Big Mac can help me move my furniture in later.” I tied my hair up in a low tail. “Are you staying the night, or heading back?”
She thought for a moment. “Let me send Starlight a note so she can look after things there,” she decided. “I want to do some astronomical observations on this side to see if we can decide why the portal has the cycle it has, if events on both sides are similar, and if there’s any reason why we come out a younger on this side.”
“That would be nice to know,” I said. “Sunshine and I had a shock just after getting back from the cruise over spring break.”
“Oh?”
I gave the quick story of seeing my counterpart for this world as we unpacked the van.
“She appeared to be in her mid to late twenties if I’m any judge of this world’s aging process,” I finished. “Given that I’m roughly twenty-five in Equestrian years, that seems to add up.”
“Twenty-five?” Twilight said, surprised. “I thought you were older than that. I’m only twenty-two and I never saw you before you came to steal the crown.”
“And you were a social butterfly, I assume?” I said lightheartedly.
She looked down and tapped her fingers together. “No,” she said. “You have a point there.”
I patted her on the shoulder. “Don’t feel bad, Twilight,” I said. “I was likely through the mirror and a sad memory in Celestia’s mind when you were her student, at least the last bit.” A wisp of memory whispered through me, having tea at night with her as she told me stories before I returned home.
“Maybe we can use that to figure out the age difference,” she said, eyes starting to light up in a familiar way, though it was odd to see it without some glasses adjusting in the mix. “Maybe the ratio of days to lunar cycles might have something to do with it, as well as the reason why the portal opens naturally every thirty moons.”
“I can tell you right now the numbers are going to be tough to come up with,” I said. “The year here is longer for sure, but the days vary in length. It’s not controlled by an Alicorn, it’s ruled by physics as we orbit the sun of this world.”
Twilight couldn’t have been more confused if I turned into a hydra. I gave her a one-shouldered hug as I locked the doors to the van.
“Don’t feel bad, Twi,” I said. “It took me most of four of this place’s moons to figure out the year.” I grimaced. “As well as some downsides to this physiology.”
She quirked an eyebrow. “I haven’t found much weird outside of bipedal locomotion and fingers,” she said, wiggling said digits.
“You’re only here a few days at a time,” I said. “Females here don’t go into estrus once a year.”
“Sounds like a relief,” she said.
“Every month,” I said.
Her eyes popped wide.
“Well, actually roughly every twenty-eight days, but it can change. Humans spontaneously ovulate, so every month they have to shed the uterine lining if they aren't impregnated.” I found my hand subconsciously laying just below my navel. “It’s not pleasant.”
She giggled nervously. “Say, why don’t we go get something to eat? Or find the girls?”
I pulled out my phone.
“Sound idea,” I said. “But after, Sunshine and I have business to attend to in Equestria.”
Author's Note
So I had difficulty coming up with a reasonable ratio of Equestrian Days to Earth Days. It's likely that the Equestrian year is shorter than ours, but by how much? The only firm indication of time is that the Apple Family Reunion is every 100 moons. The show canon isn't exactly the best indication of time since in some points it could be said that season 1-4 is one year, but since Twilight has been in Ponyville, there has been at least three winters onscreen, Two Running of the Leaves, Two Fright Nights, Two Galas, two Summer Sun Celebrations, etc., so I'm just going to say vaguely that Equestrian years are shorter and ignore the inconsistencies until I have a better idea of things.
There's More That's Out There
I wanted to bang my head against the table as they talked. I really needed to start thinking about things I said at times.
“It’s just a phrase!” Twilight said.
“But think about it,” Sunshine said, positioning her hands to start ticking off points. With her new glasses and clothing choices, she looked less like a twin of Twilight and more like a sister. I wondered if that had anything to do with the way the conversation had veered.
“You were both students of hers at roughly the same time, despite her being several years older than you,” Sunshine said, not unkindly. “While she may not have told you of Sunset until she went to steal your crown, she may have unwittingly started referring to you like that out of a sense of betrayal.”
“But Celestia wouldn’t belittle someone like that!” Twilight protested, looking down at the table to gather her thoughts.
“Not intentionally, perhaps,” came the quick counter. “But subconsciously she may have said it once and never bothered to stop you from using what you obviously took as an endearing nickname.” She smiled and put her hand on her counterparts. “It’s just a phrase and a fond memory for you, but it is a not so subtle slap in the face to Sunset.”
“Which I never said,” I said into the silence. “I merely said it was ironic that Twilight signed her old letters to Celestia as her most faithful student.”
“But it’s true,” Twilight said suddenly, emotions rushing across her face, voice rising in pitch. “I can’t believe I’m still doing this, I’m supposed to be the Princess of Friendship, but every time I turn around I’m missing a point or messing up something I should have known!”
Sighing and wanting to shut down the upcoming torrent of self-recrimination, I reached out and poked her nose. Predictably, she scrunched her nose and reached up to rub it.
“What was that for?” she asked, slim hand returning to the table.
“Ir works on derailing Sunshine’s panic attacks,” I said. “Figured it was worth a shot.” I looked at her and smiled. “It doesn’t bother me, really. It’s even true, considering you made it to the wings and crown.”
Twilight smiled. This was an old rib between us that no longer held any bite. “If you’re sure,” she acquiesced.
“Pretty sure,” I returned with a smile. “Any other concerns?”
“I’m pretty sure I can recreate the book and give you a copy just for you and your sisters,” Twilight said. “I just don’t know how long it will take.”
“Just let me know,” I said. I glanced at my Twilight. “Are you sure you two will make it out ok while I’m gone?”
She leaned over and kissed my cheek. “We’ll be fine,” she shushed. “Besides, it’ll be like a big astronomy sleepover!” She clasped her hands in glee. “I’ll finally be able to use that book…”
“That you got from your brother when you were a filly?” the other Twilight finished, a similar look crossing her face.
“Was never a filly,” Sunshine said. “But yeah, Shiny gave me an astronomy book when we were kids.”
I rolled my eyes. “You two will be just fine,” I deadpanned. “Make sure you at least get some food in between your studies?”
They nodded. Sunshine had wanted to stay behind to start setting up the new apartment, and when she heard that the Princess of Friendship was going to collect information relevant to this world’s celestial events she had volunteered to help, hoping to find a rational reason for the portal’s behavior as of late.
I kissed Sunshine and dropped a few bills on the table to cover my portion of the tab and slid out of the booth.
“See you two when I get back,” I said, a grin flashing as I popped the collar of my jacket. "Make sure the faithful student pays attention," I joked, the two girls giggling.
I flicked my mane from my eyes, seeing Starlight Glimmer standing there to greet me.
“I take it the Twilights are stargazing together?” she said with a smile.
“Probably fighting over the viewfinder as we speak,” I said, walking up and giving her a quick squeeze. “She wanted me to give you this,” I continued, levitating Twilight’s list of notes from the saddlebag my backpack had transformed into.
Starlight skimmed the note, nodding at bits. She then looked at me seriously. “Your sisters are here, by the way,” she said with a grimace. “I hope this goes pretty quickly. The sooner they’re out of my mane the better.”
Sighing, I followed the mare to the dining hall, finding my sisters, Morning Glory and Dawning Dew, seated at the table, sipping tea with Rarity.
“Sunny!” Glory said when she saw me, hopping to her hooves and coming over to nuzzle me. “Where’s Sunshine?”
“She couldn’t make it,” I said. “The Princess required her assistance in a field of which she holds quite a bit of knowledge in.” It was a stretch, but it was the truth.
“I’ll just leave you to your reunion,” Rarity said quietly, withdrawing with Starlight.
“Well, we’re happy to see you anyway,” Dew said, rising a little more slowly to come greet me. I gasped when I saw her.
“You’re pregnant!?” I gasped. “But…when…what…” I sputtered.
Dew blushed fiercely, raising a hoof to her slightly swollen belly. “It appears that Hue and I weren’t as careful as we thought we were last time I went in,” she said, studiously avoiding the word estrus. “So, surprise?”
I stared at her slack jawed. “I’m going to be an aunt? Is that why you two have been hounding the Princess?”
“Maybe,” Glory drawled. “But also, we miss you, silly!”
I smiled. “Well, good news is, in the morning, you two will get to find out just where I’ve been the last couple of years.”
Glory looked fit to burst. “But why tomorrow?” she asked.
“Because tonight we’re going to go out and celebrate the fact that you and I get to be aunts!” I nuzzled both my sisters in turn.
“But what about that one?” Twilight asked.
I pinched the bridge of my nose, pushing my glasses up a bit as I did so. “Canis minor isn’t even visible from the city, Twilight!” I said slowly. “The light pollution makes it difficult to see.” I put the last bit of the telescope in the trunk of Sunny’s car. “It will be much more visible from Shining Armor’s house. And any excuse to visit Cadence is a good one to me.”
She smiled, giggling. “I guess that’s true,” she said. “Are you sure it’s ok to borrow Sunset’s car?”
I held up my keyring, revealing a copy of the car key.
“I believe the terms were ‘Not a scratch’, but yes, she gave me permission.”
“Ok,” she said, hesitantly climbing into the passenger seat.
“I’ve been meaning to ask,” I said as we pulled out. “I know Sunny has an allergy to meat, but when you come through, you have human biology.” I sucked on my teeth for a moment. “So have you experienced any unusual changes in taste perceptions?”
“What do you mean?” my counterpart countered.
“Every time we’ve visited Equestria,” I started. “Oats, flora and other similar staples of pony cuisine were not only edible for me but tasted divine. I particularly loved hayburgers.” I concentrated on driving as we pulled onto the highway.
“I just wondered if you’ve experienced similar situations,” I finished.
“Some,” she said, thinking. “I do know that pizza in Equestria is a lot different, so every time I was here for a sleepover, it was an interesting - and delicious - experience.”
“Any other foods that you’ve found interesting?” I said, some excitement evident in my voice.
“Good interesting? Sure, a few,” she started to fidget. “Bad interesting? More than a few.”
“Like?”
“Well, most of them are the same as dislikes in Equestria. Like quesadillas, for example.”
“What’s wrong with quesadillas?” I asked. I loved the cheesy goodness they promised.
“They’re just so…cheesy,” she muttered shyly.
“That’s kind of the point, Twilight,” I said. “What gives?”
“I…uh…well…” she fidgeted in her seat.
I waited as I merged onto the interstate, the sound of the road a peaceful sound.
“I had a bad experience with one as a foal,” she finally said. “I’d rather not talk about it. Please?”
I nodded and patted the air between us.
“Your secret - whatever it is - is safe with me,” I said.
“Thank you,” she said, leaning back in the seat. “So how many days are in the year on this side?”
We started trading tidbits on the daily cycle of day and night as we drove.
This was going to be such a great weekend!
There's More That's Out There
“Ugh, my head,” I heard a voice say.
I looked at Dew, a smirk on my face. “Looks like Glory’s awake,” I said, lifting my teacup to my lips.
My sister smiled, shifting in her chair slightly, the glass of juice in her jade-colored aura setting down on the table. “She never was a paragon of self-control,” she said, lifting up a mug and the kettle of coffee that had been simmering on the stove.
Glory stumbled into the kitchen of the old house just in time for the coffee to settle in front of her.
“Coffee…oh,” she slurred. The cup stirred in her lilac aura and went straight to her lips.
I raised an eyebrow. “That seems rather rehearsed,” I commented.
Dew nodded. “Glory hasn’t quite made it out of her party years yet,” she smiled in a maternal way, reminding me of Mom. “I’ve lost count the number of times she’s crashed at my place.”
“I’m right here, you know,” Glory muttered. “And could you keep your voices down?”
I leaned over and brushed some of her mane from her face, voice lowering. “You’re adorable,” I grinned.
“Shut up,” she said, taking another sip of the coffee.
“Sunny, come here,” Dew said suddenly.
When I got to her side, she took my hoof and laid it against her side. I felt some movement, faint but persistent. After a moment, it stopped. I looked at Dew, my eyes wide.
“Was that…was that the foal?” I asked.
Dew beamed. “She’s been kicking for a week now,” she cooed, taking another sip of her juice. “It’s usually more annoying than that though.”
I sat back. Second thoughts were starting to trickle through my head about the plan.
“So, Sunny,” asked Glory as she refilled her mug. “Why don’t you spill the beans on where you’ve been hiding?”
I smiled and rubbed the back of my neck. “It’s a long story, Glory,” I said. “And I’m not sure how much you’ll believe.”
Dew frowned at me. “Why wouldn’t we?”
I stood.
“It’s a little out of this world,” I said.
Glory and Dew stared at the mirror, awed.
“So this mirror leads to some sort of another world?” Glory asked.
“Yes," I said. “And there are a lot of similarities with this one, but significantly different.”
“Can we go see it?” Glory continued. “I mean, you’ve been staying over there for some time now, surely you have house there or something.”
Dew looked hesitant. “I’m not sure about this, Sunny,” she said.
“Oh, come on, Dewy!” Glory said. “One last adventure before you take maternity leave.”
My sisters discussed this while I walked over to Starlight.
“Tell Twilight we can replicate these books without a lot of issues,” She said. “We’ll make sure that they get a copy each.” She flashed a look at Glory. “Maybe she’ll stop pestering us.”
I smirked. “I know she’s gotten under your skin, but imagine growing up with her,” I said. “She’s just excited between seeing me and Dew being pregnant. It’ll pass.”
“So how does this work?” Glory called out.
I trotted over, levitating the book into its bracket. “I’ve let the princess and Sunshine know to expect us.” I sighed. “I’ll go through first, I’m used to the transfer. When you get ready to cross into it, rear up a little. Trust me, it helps.”
I looked at my sisters, Glory exhibiting almost Pinkie-like glee and Dew hesitant but not backing away.
“Dew,” I said. “I’ll understand if you choose to back out,” I smiled weakly. “You’ve got two ponies to worry about.”
“I think just once will be ok,” she said. “I do want to see this place you’re obviously so fond of.”
I took a deep breath, then reared as I stepped through, appearing on the other side a few moments later. I immediately stepped to the side, figuring correctly that Glory was going to rush after me.
And she did, and apparently had forgotten my advice as she came through bent over, stumbling as she finished the transfer. I caught her arm and eased her to a seat on one of the nearby benches. I rubbed my head as the ambient magic already started giving me a headache.
Dew came through a moment later, much slower and upright. She wobbled on her feet for a moment, taking my hand for balance. I helped her to the same bench as Glory and waited for the inevitable.
“What…what is going on?” Glory asked in a panicked voice, staring at her arms, then feeling her face.
Dew was calmer about it, but still concerned about the sudden lack of a large belly. She felt her midsection with a worried face then calmed as she compared my and Glory’s shape to hers.
“Well,” I heard a familiar voice say. “You’re early.”
I turned and saw the Twilight’s walking up, mine wearing a purple skirt that fell just below her knees, a denim coat thrown over a tank. The princess was wearing a white blouse and a flowy skirt just a shade darker than her skin tone.
“You two look nice,” I said. “Did I interrupt a date?”
They both flushed, Sunshine coming over and touching foreheads with me for a moment before turning and waving at my sisters.
“Welcome,” she said. “I think we should get you someplace a little more comfortable than a park bench.”
My sisters were talking with Princess Twilight as Sunshine and I fixed tea and some refreshments in my still woefully understocked kitchen. Boxes still sat around waiting to be unpacked.
“What were you thinking, bringing a pregnant mare through the portal?” she hissed at me as she sat saucers on a tray. “We have no idea how it would affect the baby!”
“I gave her the option to stay behind,” I replied. “Then Glory opened her mouth.”
Sunshine rolled her eyes. “You could have pressed the point, you know!”
“And how many arguments did you win with Shining Armor when you were kids?” I returned. “I’m the youngest and would have been outvoted three to one.”
“You only have two sisters,” she said with a puzzled look.
“Starlight would have done anything to get Glory gone.”
“Ah,” she rubbed the bridge of her nose, glasses riding on her fingers. “I want to do some preliminary checks to make sure she’s ok. She’s likely more than a little stressed out and that's not good for the baby!”
“I’m sure she’ll agree to that,” I said, pouring tea into the pot and setting it on the tray.
She lifted the tray and set it out on the coffee table as Twilight finished explaining the events that had led her to this world the second time, having studiously managed to avoid tales of why she came through the first time, at my request.
Sunshine knelt beside Dew. “I’m going to take a quick look to check your vital signs against the norm for a woman with a pregnancy of sixteen weeks.”
They went off to the side, Sunshine taking her pulse and jotting down notes.
Glory looked at me.
“So you’ve had some major adventures since you left, Sunny,” she said. “I almost don’t believe them.”
“I have that same issue myself.”
“And Sunshine is this world’s version of Princess Twilight?” she said, looking down at her hands and the clothes she had been dressed in by the portal. She looked like any fashion obsessed young woman, skinny jeans with slightly distressed sections across the thighs, comfortable looking booties with a tassel and a loose blouse of blue. Dew had been given a loose dress and sandals.
“Do you have a double here?” she asked. She glanced at our sister. “Do we?”
“I can’t say for sure about you or Dew,” I said. “But I’ve laid eyes on my counterpart. She’s a little older than I am and seemed to be doing all right for herself.”
Sunshine and Dew came back over, both with a calm look.
“As near as I can tell, she’s suffered no ill effects from crossing through,” my fiancé said, taking a seat next to me and taking my hand in hers.
Dew smiled at me. “I see she’s wearing Mom’s ring,” she said. “Sounds like you had a surprise as well.”
“I tried to let you know through the princess, but our method of communication has been having issues,” I said. “But this is why I wanted to bring you here. We want you both to be here for the wedding.”
Glory perked up.
“My little sister is getting married!” She started squealing in excitement.
Sunshine leaned into me. “Don’t let her get near Pinkie,” she stage whispered.
Princess Twilight nodded in agreement.
We stood outside the portal, hugging my sisters and Twilight goodbye. The princess had a stack of hand-written notes and a few sketches.
“You’re going to get checked out as soon as you get back, right?” I asked Dew. “Just to be safe, yeah?”
She patted me on the shoulder. “I will, even just to placate you.” She took the sides of her dress and spread them out slightly. “I have to admit, this is pretty comfortable. I’ll have to see about getting something similar made.”
Glory hugged Sunshine. “Don’t be a stranger, ok?” she said. “I want to throw a little celebration for the two of you sometime.”
With a few final words of love and promises of upcoming visits, they departed and my Sunshine and I headed for the car.
“I think that went rather well,” I said.
She looked at me. “You’ve watched NCIS with me, right?”
I nodded, confused.
“Then I hope you’ll forgive me for pulling a Gibbs,” she said.
And then slapped me on the back of the head.
I was walking through a dark hallway, not recognizing it at all. I wasn’t sure of why, but a feeling of dread was seeping through me.
A voice filtered through the air.
“So you’re the one that broke the lock,” it said, a stab of ice going through me.
“Who are you?” I asked, whirling around.
The voice continued to filter around me with no definitive direction.
“There are things in motion now, thanks to you,” it chuckled. “You’ve done much for this world, but your time is over. There's so much more that's out there. It's not just ponies and humans, after all.”
“Who are you?” I shouted. “Show yourself!”
A hazy face appeared in front of me, avian and angry.
“You can’t save them all this time, Seer,” it hissed before vanishing.
I sat bolt upright, feeling like I had been screaming. Twilight had her hands on my shoulders and a look of concern on her face.
“Sunset!” she said, taking my face in her hands. “Are you ok?”
I caught my breath, jumping when I heard a caw outside the window, looking up, I saw a crow just outside.
“I’m ok,” I said. “Just a bad dream.”
She looked at me with some skepticism.
“I’m fine,” I said. “Honest.”
“Ok," she drawled before pulling me back down to cuddle.
I kissed her forehead.
“Big days ahead,” she said. “Bridal shower, Spring Fling, Graduation,”
“Weddings,” I said. “I still can’t believe I’m going to be an aunt in around seven months.”
“Wasn’t Dew four months along?”
“Equine biology, Twi,” I replied. “We have a gestation period of eleven to twelve months.”
She nodded. “I wonder what effect that will have on our kids,” she mused.
I rubbed her shoulder. “I guess we’ll find out one day,” I said.
She looked up at me, then sat up slightly.
“Filly or colt?” she asked.
“Come again?”
She leaned down, her breath tickling my cheek as she whispered into my ear.
“Do you want a filly,” she breathed. “Or a colt?”
I smiled as she started trailing kisses along my jaw.
“I think either will be fine,” I said. “You?”
“I think it’d be nice to have a little girl,” she said, leaning her forehead against mine. “But you are right. One day.”
Author's Note
And now we're officially into Chaos Theory with the end of this story!
