Author's Note

So uh...I haven't updated this in awhile...sorry about that...so hear you go.

Back in Town

Ponyville

Twilight was in her study, currently looking over another day’s worth of paperwork which contained a mixture of legislation that Mayor Mare wanted her to look over, special events that needed to be planned out in town almost a month in advance and of course letters from foreign dignitaries wishing to meet and greet with her. It was just like any other day and while Twilight usually went through it all with a positive attitude, today she just wasn’t in the mood. I have to give Celestia and Cadence credit, I’m not sure how they can keep doing this on a daily basis.

She then looked at the journal that was on her desk, the one that she used to communicate with Sunset Shimmer. It had been awhile since she really got to hang out with the girls in the other world, even though she was there just a few weeks ago but considering that was an emergency (like every other time she was there) it didn’t really count. In fact, she hadn’t heard anything from Sunset in awhile but it didn’t particularly bother her. She had been busy herself.

Truthfully, she was feeling kind of lonely in the castle. Sure she still had Spike and she could easily go find and hang out with the other girls but it wasn’t quite the same as it was with Starlight. The two of them had a lot in common and it was more than just her being Twilight’s student. She was starting to wonder if this was how Celestia felt when she first sent Twilight off.

Don’t be ridiculous Twilight, she told herself. She’s going to be back soon, it’s not like she’s gonna end up staying over there. But what if she did? What if somehow the other world appealed so much to her she would come back and-?

Twilight shook her head. She was doing it again, always thinking about some worst-case scenario. Starlight had already made it clear that she didn’t really want to leave. And besides, it wasn’t like she was just going to leave Trixie and Maud behind. She then shuddered slightly as she made a mental note to not allow Starlight to take Trixie over there, ever. She had been tempted to write and say how everything was going but every time she came close to writing she would stop herself, thinking she sounded like she was desperate to have Starlight to come back.

Twilight sighed as she got up. Her mind was too distracted to continue signing papers. Maybe a stroll through Ponyville would be enough to clear her mind. Or even a casual flight up in the clouds.

Suddenly, Spike came in looking like he was going to be sick. “T-Twilight I don’t know if I ate one too many gems or perhaps the Princess-” He then belched loudly as fire shot of his mouth and a letter quickly formed.

“That’s strange, usually you don’t feel that way unless you have multiple letters coming through,” Twilight said as she took the letter with her magic.

Spike breathed a sigh of relief. “Maybe a bad connection?” he asked sheepishly.

“I think the other world’s rubbed off on you too much,” Twilight joked as she opened the letter. As she expected, it was from Princess Celestia.

Dear Twilight,

I’m afraid something has just come up. We’ve had multiple reports of strange phenomenon occurring over parts of Equestria, all saying that they appear to be portals of some kind. I think you and I both know what could be seen on the other side. I’m writing this letter as a word of caution for you and everyone else in Ponyville and any neighboring towns. Luna and I will investigate this matter and if you do happen to see anything please write back at once.

Love,

Princess Celestia

P.S. If it’s no trouble, perhaps you could get in contact with Sunset about this? I have a feeling her world may be experiencing similar events and perhaps she can provide some insight?

Judging by the look on her face, Spike could tell what the letter had said. “It’s bad isn’t it?”

Twilight gave a small nod. “It sounds like the two dimensions are coming in close contact with another. I’m going to get the girls and I think the best place to start is the Everfree Forest. I’m hoping we don’t have to use them, but just in case perhaps we should have the Elements of Harmony. Spike, I’m going to need you to stay here.”

“Seriously, we’re facing a potential crisis and you want me to foalsit the castle?” Spike asked, looking annoyed.

“I need you here in case something bad happens and we may end up needing both Sunset and Starlight,” Twilight reminded him.

“Oh…okay that makes sense.”

Twilight then grabbed the journal and a quill and opened it to the next blank page.

Dear Sunset,

Now, don’t panic but we may have an issue on our hooves. Princess Celestia just notified me of unusual tears in space which are apparently connecting the two worlds. Have you seen or heard anything like this? Please respond as soon as possible. And also make sure Starlight hears about this too.

Your Friend,

Twilight Sparkle

Twilight sighed. “Well, so much for going for a stroll. Spike, if Princess Celestia happens to send another letter, just tell her we’re investigating the matter and Sunset’s been notified.”

“Got it.”

“I just hope things aren’t as bad as they sound. And here I thought we’d go at least another week without any trouble.”

Canterlot

Sunset wasn’t sure exactly when the feeling hit her; perhaps it was went she saw the faint outline of the city or perhaps it was the sign that distinctively welcomed her to Canterlot. It was the feeling any person gets when they haven’t been home in such a long time and at the same time realizing how much had changed. It only reminded her of how much of an outcast she was, despite recent events.

She had finally decided to follow the signs that told her to slow down and obey the laws of the road. The last thing she wanted was to be pulled over. Giving away her fingerprints was not an option.

Sunset currently was wearing sunglasses and a cap to keep her identity hidden. She couldn’t help but glance at all the different shops, most she didn’t recognize from the last time she was here. I guess things really have changed…

However, there was one place that still remained. Donut Joe’s Diner was still on the same corner of Main and Orange Street. She could remember all the times she had gone here when she was younger, mostly with her parents. Sunset smiled to herself. That was one thing about her parents: even though they were rich they never found it beneath them to go somewhere more middle-class. And, her father once admitted, the place had really good donuts.

She then pulled into the parking lot. The place held many memories for her and it wouldn’t feel right to grab a bite to eat. As soon as she put the gear into park, she looked into her rearview mirror and froze.

There was a cop car right behind her and the lights were currently flashing. Sunset couldn’t help but curse. “Are you fucking kidding me?”She could tell where this day was starting to go.

With a loud groan she slowly turned off the engineand the radio before putting her hands on the steering wheel. Luckily she made sure to put her firearm in the glove compartment…hopefully the officer wouldn’t ask her to open it.

The door finally opened and the officer came out with a small notepad, no doubt ready to issue a ticket. And yet…when Sunset looked at the officer she noticed something seemed familiar about her. She then rolled down the window as the officer came up to her door. “License and registration please…”

Sunset suddenly stiffened. She knew that voice very well, despite the fact that she hadn’t heard it in so many years. She looked to the officer and it all came back to her. Despite the shades and the hat the officer was wearing, Sunset had no doubt who it was. “…Spits?”

Now it was the officer’s turn to stare at her. It took her a few moments before she finally said, “Sunny?” as she took off her shades. “…Holy shit, is that really you?”

Sunset smiled. “Long time no see, BFF.”

The two of them had settled at one of the booths, both with a cup of coffee and an assortment of pastries were between them. “Honestly, I didn’t think I’d see you again,” Spitfire said as she took a sip of coffee. “Well…I guess that’a not the right way of putting it.”

Sunset then pulled out her phone and went to the texts she had received last night. “This was you, wasn’t it?”

Spitfire smiled slightly. “I was grasping at straws, but I heard a rumor that someone was causing trouble up in Manehattan.”

“And how the hell did you get my number?”

“It wasn’t easy but I have friends in the department,” Spitfire casually said. She then leaned back in her seat. “Considering that you’re here right now, I can guess why. But before you go do something you regret, the girl isn’t impersonating you…well not intentionally.”

“You’re not making a lot of sense Spits.”

“What I mean is she is you, down to her skin, hair, physique, you name it. You sure you never had a twin?”

“Pretty sure you and I would both know that.”

“Hey, I can’t think of any other possible solution. Were you really planning on confronting her?”

“I…” Honestly, she didn’t really have a plan. She’d find her, demand to know who she really was and then…and then… No, I can’t go that far…not again… “I’m still working on that. But enough about me. Look at you sporting the uniform. Looks pretty good.”

Spitfire chuckled. “If you’re gonna charm yourself out of a ticket, think again.”

“For what!?”

“You ran a stop sign a block down from here.”

“Wh-” There was a stop sign? Wait…it was hiding around an overgrown tree. “Oh come on, you’re not actually gonna pull that on me are you!?”

“Well…I guess since you haven’t been in Canterlot for awhile I suppose I could let you off with a warning…” Her face then turned serious. “Are you gonna tell me why you left all those years ago?”

Sunset averted her gaze, looking out the window. “It’s…complicated…”

“Look, what happened to your parents was horrible but you didn’t have to run off like that. Hell, you could’ve stayed at my place if you needed to.”

“It doesn’t matter now anyway,” Sunset sighed. “I don’t know how long I plan on staying here but…I doubt it’ll be permanent.”

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised,” Spitfire said. “Of course, I wouldn’t blame you. Weird stuff has been happening around here lately.”

“How weird?”

“Like paranormal weird…there’s been a few incidents at the school I’ve heard and one most recently at the Everfree Forest. Of course, it’s just been weird calls mostly. Maybe if I ever become a detective I’ll get to explore the mysteries myself.”

“It’s gotta be better than handing out tickets,” Sunset joked.

“Yeah, especially when you have-” Spitfire stopped as she looked out the window. “Oh crap…”

Sunset looked out the window and saw someone close to her age in uniform coming towards the diner with two coffees in his hand. “Uh…is that…?”

“My partner,” Spitfire groaned. “I kinda left him at the cafe. He was getting coffee.”

The officer came in, looking annoyed as he finally turned to them. “What the hell Spits?” He said as he came over. “I had to wait ten minutes just to get coffee and then you just took off and came over here?”

“First of all, don’t call me Spits,” Spitfire said sternly. “Second, I apologize, I ran into an old friend of mine here. Sunset, this is Sky Stinger. Sky, Sunset Shimmer.”

Sky paused for a moment as if the name rung a bell. “Oh…well with a girl like you I can’t stay mad.” He then smiled as he sat down next to Sunset. “You may not know, but I’m kind of a big deal in the CPD and I’ll gladly show what I’m-OW!”

Spitfire had managed to kick him in the shins while glaring at him. “What he means to say is he’s just a rookie and his mouth tends to get him in trouble more often than he’d like to admit.”

“Oh come on Spits-” Sky then winced as he got kicked again. “Sorry Spitfire, you don’t have to embarrass me like that.”

“I’m technically your superior so I can do whatever the hell I like,” Spitfire smirked slightly.

Sky sighed. “Fine, whatever I’ll behave.”

Sunset rolled her eyes in amusement. “As amusing as this is, I have to get going.” She then got up. “Listen, I’m not sure how long I’m going to be in town so…”

“Hey, you’re not leaving that soon,” Spitfire said. “But there’s one thing…I have to make sure the next time I run into you that it’s actually…well you.”

“Good point…how about this? Address me by ‘Sunny’ and I’ll make sure to say… ‘Side Up’?”

Spitfire snorted. “Sure, we’ll go with that. And if you happen to look at me like I’m crazy I’l know it’s not you.”

Sky looked at the two women confused. “Uh…what are you two going on about?”

“It’s nothing,” Sunset said. “It was nice to meet you Sky. I’ll see you around Spits.” She then walked out of the diner.

Sky then looked to his partner. “So she can call you Spits?”

“Shut the hell up Sky.”