Equestria Girls: Reimagined

Chapters

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Sixteen
Epilogue
Prologue
Chapter Fifteen

Chapter One

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter One
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

The train to the Crystal Empire was slowly decelerating into the station. It was only the third time that Twilight Sparkle—Princess Twilight Sparkle—had visited this near-mythical place, but it never got old. There was magic here still foreign even to her educated mind, and so much culture to absorb. The fact that its ruler was her own brother’s wife—and one of her oldest friends—also didn’t hurt.

“Just a thought, girls, but next time, why don’t we take the royal carriage,” the cerulean pegasus in the group, Rainbow Dash, said with impatience in her voice. Indeed, Twilight had come here today with all of her friends in tow, as Princess Celestia had insisted that they, too, should sit in at the Princess Summit, seeing as they had played a significant part in Twilight’s ascension to Princesshood.

“Now now, this train is a cultural heritage,” Rarity, the white unicorn with a stylish purple mane, reminded her. “Why, only half a year ago, nopony could even imagine what it would be like, dashing through the frozen tundras of the north.”

“Ah’m inclined to agree with Rare on this one,” said Applejack, the hard-working farmer earth pony with an orange hue and a hat. “Ah’m partial to sticking my hooves as close to the ground as possible, if ya don’t mind.”

“Who cares how we got here,” Pinkie Pie, the always hyper party pony, replied gleefully. “We’re about to attend our first ever Princess Summit! Remember when we all thought going to the Grand Galloping Gala was like ‘whoa’!” She reached a hoof around Twilight’s neck. “How far we’ve come.”

“Well, Twi always were a bit higher up the food chain than the rest of us lowly mortals,” Applejack chuckled. “Always had a feeling she’d rise up to greatness.”

Greatness. Mortals. Twilight had to appreciate the fact that her friends could talk about it so casually, because in Twilight’s mind, these notions had barely had time to sink in. Two weeks. That was how long had passed since her wings had sprouted from her back. No time at all. It was only when she was with these five ponies, closer to her than family, that she felt like she was still the old Twilight Sparkle, librarian and student of magic. “Well,” she said, keeping the turmoil on the inside for now, “we’re about to find out how ‘great’ I am.”

The train came to a complete halt, and Fluttershy, a yellow pegasus as shy as her name implied, prodded at Twilight’s purple baby dragon assistant. “Rise and shine, Spike. We’re here.”

He sat up with a start. “Whu? Already? Man, gotta love these trains; perfect for taking a long, nice naps.” Rainbow Dash let out a snort, and then they all joined the crowd of ponies disembarking. Being nervous didn’t stop Twilight from smiling ear to ear as she stepped onto the platform, the great castle centering the Crystal Empire towering ahead. A city lost in time, swallowed by dark magic and only recently restored by Twilight and her friends’ heroic actions. Though most of the credit went to Spike, who had been the one to save the life-giving crystal heart in the end.

“Although, I won’t lie,” Twilight added, the seven of them making their way along the walkway cutting though the field between the station and the city proper. “I am pretty excited. I mean, I do feel like my stomach is being eaten by parasprites from the inside, but I can’t remember when I last felt so giddy.”

“You’re nervicited!” Pinkie chipped. “It’s when you’re over-the-moon jump-up-and-down whoopee this is gonna be great, but at the same time you just want to crawl up into a ball and roll away into the smallest, darkest hole you can find. It’s okay, we’ve all been there.”

“Made-up words aside, she’s absolutely right,” Applejack said encouragingly. “It’s okay to be nervous. Just remember, you’re the smartest, most brilliant pony any of us have ever met. You’ll make an excellent Princess.”

“That’s right, dear,” Rarity said, and the white light of her horn shone from inside Twilight’s backpack. Next moment, a golden crown floated out of it, and landed perfectly on Twilight’s head. The Element of Magic. The physical manifestation of the most elusive Element of Harmony. “So wear this crown proud and tall, Twilight Sparkle.”

Looking at these six dear friends of hers, practically beaming with support, the crown didn’t feel quite so heavy. Even if she herself wasn’t ready to wear the mark of her Princesshood, she would do it for them. “Thank you, Rarity. All of you. Alright, nervicited or not, I have a destiny to face.”

***

“Her Highness, Princess Twilight Sparkle!” one of the crystal guard ponies announced the moment Twilight and company stepped into the throne room. Evertpony was there: Princesses Celestia, her sister Luna—the Princess of the Night—Cadence, who was the ruler of the Crystal Empire and the Princess of Love, as well as her husband Shining Armor, Twilight’s brother. There was rejoicing all around, and more than a few hugs.

“It’s been too long,” Cadance said to Twilight.

“I know,” Twilight replied, returning the embrace, “there’s always some catastrophe or another getting in the way.”

“So, when’s the shindig start?” Pinkie Pie asked, hopping back up and down. “I got the party canons raring and ready to blow.”

“One, it’s an important political discussion, not a shindig,” Rarity pointed out. “Two, when in the world did you prepare those? We only just got here?”

“I’ve got contacts.”

“Actually,” Princess Luna said, “we agreed it would be best to start the Summit tomorrow morning instead. You do look like you could use some rest, perhaps get something to eat.”

“I hear that,” said Rainbow Dash. “I haven’t eaten anything since our last stop, and that was hours ago!”

“Darn tootin’,” agreed Applejack. “Sun’s about to set, too. Feelin’ more than a bit bushed, to be honest.”

Twilight, on her end, didn’t share in the relief. She had been hoping they would get started right away, allow her to get into the discussions, give her the right frame of mind. Now she wasn’t sure she’d be able to sleep at all. Not that she was going to say that. “Sounds great.”

“Let me show you to your rooms,” Shining Armor offered. “So you can unload your heavy baggage. And after that, anypony wanna see the stadium we’re setting up for the Equestrian Games?”

“Do I!” Rainbow Dash said. “You’ve no idea how long I’ve been wanting to see that thing! The end of the year can’t come fast enough!”

“Pass the time however you like,” Celestia told them. “The Summit starts tomorrow morning at nine. But before you go, Twilight, I would like a private word with you. No need to worry,” she added, seeing the expression on her former student’s face, “it’s nothing important, just a quick question.”

While the others scampered off, Celestia lead Twilight through a door to the side of the throne room, into what seemed to be kitchen area. “You’re sure I didn’t do anything wrong?” Twilight asked nervously. “Is it because I’m too nervous? Is it showing on my face? Do I need to be more stoic and serious in front of the representatives?”

“You’re fine the way you are,” Celestia assured her in a calming voice. “I’d be more worried if you weren’t nervous. No, all I wanted to ask you was… did you happen to read the newspaper this morning, before you left Ponyville?”

“Sure, I read it every morning. The front page was something about a new potion being misused in Las Pegasus.”

“Was there anything on Canterlot?”

“Just an article about some traveling caravan of magicians making their yearly visit. Why do you ask?”

Something akin to relief flashed in her face. “Like I said, it’s nothing important. I do like to keep up with current events, though I thought it might seem strange for the Princess of the Sun to go back to Canterlot just to grab a newspaper.”

One look into her eyes was enough for Twilight to know she wasn’t telling her the whole story. “Has something happened in Canterlot that ponies don’t know about.”

“Let’s not worry ourselves with it,” Celestia brushed it off. “It’s a silly thing, really. I’m sorry, Twilight, now is not the time to add to your worries. If you’re sure there was nothing out of the ordinary happening in Canterlot, that’s all I needed to hear.”

It might have fooled anypony else, but Twilight had been her faithful student for many years, and she could tell when something was bothering her. But before Twilight could ask, Celestia said, “Well then, I think I’ll go have a bite to eat myself. I’ve been meaning to try the new jade cakes at the library cafeteria,” before she walked out the kitchen.

Something important enough that she would ask me what’s in the news, Twilight considered. But not important enough that it would be worth going back too check on it herself? But there was no use thinking too deeply about it, was there. If whatever was bothering Celestia became a problem, she would tell Twilight soon enough.

***

The afternoon in the Crystal Empire passed in pleasant uneventfulness. Twilight relaxed in a pool with Rarity, while her other friends were out having fun in the city. Twilight had asked her brother if he needed help with organizing the guards, but he told her he had it all under control. It was nice catching up with him, though.

Twilight’s room was a bit too dark for her taste, but the purple colored crystal wall, matching her coat, was a nice touch. Not long after she was done neatly unpacking her belongings did Spike enter the room, carrying a bag full of gems. “Did I ever tell you how much I love the Crystal Empire?” he said, sitting down on his small bed and put a few gems in his mouth. “Everybody worships me like I'm some kind of hero—which, y’know, I am—and they’ve got the tastiest gemstones in all of Equestria! We should move here, Twi.”

Move here, eh. Twilight stopped levitating her crown onto the desk midway, reminded of another pressing question that had been on her mind since her ascension.

“Uh, Twilight? Are you okay? I was only joking.”

“Oh! Yeah, I know...” She put the crown down gently, and stared at it for another moment. “It makes me wonder, is all. I’m a Princess now, but I’ve no clue what any of it means yet.” She sat down on the bed, facing the dragon. “I’m just… worried, I guess. Now that I’m a Princess, what if Princess Celestia expects me to take up leadership over some distant land, just like Princess Cadence?”

“Twilight,” Spike said deadpan, “that would, quite literally, be the most amazing thing ever!”

“No, it would not,” Twilight insisted. “What if I have to leave Goldenoak Library, and be forced to live in some big empty castle? Besides, just because I have a crown and these,” she flapped her wings, “it doesn’t mean I’ll be a good leader.”

“Sure it does,” Spike said comfortingly. “But if it makes you feel any better, I don’t think Celestia is gonna force you to move away from the friends who help you earn those wings in the first place.”

When put so simply, she almost felt silly. It was hard not to smile back at him. “Thank you, Spike. You always know just what to say.”

“Anytime, ‘your majesty’,” he said with a light chuckle. “Now get some shut-eye. Big day tomorrow.”

“Right… big day.” What she needed now was to clear her head, and start tomorrow worry-free. She tucked herself into the sheets. “Good night.”

“G’night.” And judging from the The baby dragon was asleep within a minute, judging from the snores. As for Twilight, she lay awake a while longer, taking deep breaths to clear her mind. It sure would be easier to sleep without these infernal wings, though, she thought bitterly. Two weeks, and she still hadn’t found a way to get comfortable with them. It was a small miracle she had been able to sleep at all these last fourteen days.

Maybe that was why, now that she needed it, her body shut down almost immediately.

Chapter Two

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Two
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

During the day, the crystal castle was a sight to behold, the light from the sun reflecting into a prism of colored shadows, dancing across every hallway. But during the night, the light of the moon—tonight shaped like a slice of apple pie—bathed the entire castle in a far subtler sheen of gray and blue. It was a soothing, silent color, if such a thing existed. And best of all, nopony was around to tell you no.

Sure there were guards prowling the place, but those were easy enough to avoid. A blend-in-spell here, a small distraction there; the hooded figure could have done this in her sleep. Not much further now. Beyond that door ahead lie the key that would change her life forever.

Even the door hinges were made of crystal, and slid open without a single creak. She opened it no more than necessary, so as not to let the sudden light wake up its occupants. Twilight Sparkle and her dragon assistant were both snoring loudly; perfect. And there, on the nightstand, was the price. The Element of Magic, the most powerful of all the Elements. Useless on its own, perhaps, but where she was going, magic didn’t exactly play by the rules of Equestria. Celestia’s ignorance would be her downfall, thinking this was the safest place to bring not only the Elements, but the old artifact as well.

She picked it up gently with her mouth, and stashed it in her backpack. It was hers. Finally, after years of planning, dreaming, it was in her possession. But she wasn’t in the clear yet, not until she’d made it back to—

Hoofsteps. They were coming closer, and fast! She did the first thing that popped into head, pressing herself against the wall and risking a spell, which temporarily lit up the room. Her coat and backpack had just assumed the texture of the crystal wall when wham, the door was flung open. “Twilight, Spike, wake up!”

“Pinkie…?” slurred Twilight. Ah, so this was one of Twilight Sparkle’s famous friends, the pink party pony.

“My front left hoof’s twitching!” Pinkie told them urgently. “Twitchy-twitch! That means danger from an intruder!”

Curses! She had read about this so-called ‘Pinkie Sense’, but had written it off as ludicrous and unscientific rubbish. Can it sense I’m here? she wondered. Should I make a break for it now? I could probably outrun them.

“Intruder?” repeated Twilight, quite awake now. “Are you sure?”

“Sure as blueberry cupcakes! No clue why there would be an intruder, but I'm sure there's one close-by.”

“I think I know why,” the baby dragon spoke up, pointing to the night stand, absent of its crown. Pony feathers! Left with no other options, the hooded figure used the split second moment of confusion when they realized the crown was gone to bolt out of there. But it only got her so far as the corridor before Twilight yelled, “Stop! Thief!”

It was on now. Running as fast as her legs would carry her, she dashed passed doors that were opening to reveal guards ponies, or more of Twilight’s friends. But they couldn’t stop her now. The room where she needed to go was just ahead; not even Twilight’s famous brother, the captain of the guard, could hope to mobilize his soldiers fast enough to stand in her way.

Bam, she threw the door open. But a large figure was blocking her path.

“Sunset Shimmer,” said Princess Celestia, who stood right between her and the artifact. Her old mirror. “It’s been too long. Five years?”

That exchange was all the time it took for the Element Bearers to rush into the room behind her. A lesser pony would be shaking in her boots right about now. Sunset Shimmer only smiled. Behind her, Twilight said, “I don’t know who you are, but you’d better give me back my crown right now!”

Sunset ignored her, staring right into her old master’s eyes. “Sorry it had to be this way, Princess. But you’re about to find out just how much more I’m capable of.”

“I don’t want to see you hurt,” Princess Celestia said. “This castle is an anti-teleportation zone, and you have nowhere to run. Empty the contents of your bag, or face the—”

Sunset’s body flashed, and just like that, she had done exactly what Celestia had just said couldn’t be done. An anti-teleportation field was, after all, only a series of spells design to cancel out conventional spells by ‘rerouting’ the ordinary magic flow of the caster and their surrounding, and Sunset Shimmer was far from ordinary.

She cast one last look back at the group. The stage was set, and now, all she had to do was wait for things to unfold. She then jumped into the mirror, back to the world that, for the past five years, she had called home.

***

“Who in tarnation was that?” breathed Applejack. Twilight had no idea, but she had a feeling it wasn’t unrelated to Celestia’s inquiry about Canterlot earlier.

Princess Celestia approached the mirror, and put her glowing horn to the glass. Twilight let out a gasp; the reflective surface was at once replaced by a backdrop of dark swirls, in which glowing bubbles were darting to and fro. That’s when she remembered. This was the mirror she had seen in the Hall of Magical Wonders, beneath the library! She had wondered about its purpose many times, but no one had been able to tell her.

The room remained silent for almost half a minute, all eyes on the spectacle, waiting for an explanation. “Okay.” She lifted her head, and the mirror surface reverted to glass. “No immediate danger…

“Sister,” said Luna. “Was that… her?” Celestia nodded. “So the reports of her being spotted in Canterlot…?”

“A diversion, no doubt,” her sister replied. “So we wouldn’t suspect she would be coming back for it.”

“You can stop throwing random prounouns around anytime now,” Rainbow Dash remarked. “Whoever she was, she just stole Twilight’s Element. I’m guessing that’s not good.”

“You would be right,” Celestia said, facing them all. “I’m personally putting an end to the secret; the Arch Mages can say what they will. You all deserve to know.” She motioned for them to sit down, and they formed a sort of semi-circle around her. “The pony you just saw was Sunset Shimmer. Until five years ago, she was a student of mine.”

“You mean like Twilight?” Applejack spoke up. “You mean to say you had other students before her?”

“When you live as long as I have, you end up taking on more than a couple of students along the way. And while most of the ones I have taught grew up to become bringers of great things to our fair country, others, like Sunset Shimmer, succumbed to the call of power. Her downfall was…” she paused. Twilight had never seen her so distraught. “Her downfall was my fault. I tried to impress upon her the importance of humility, but it only made her long for power all the more. Had I made a greater effort to understand her feelings, things would have gone differently, but alas, her wild nature brought out a certain stubbornness of my own.

“But enough self-pity. It was maybe ten years ago now that she created this.” Celestia stepped aside, and let Twilight and the others really have a good look at the oval mirror. “This is a portal, connected to a whole other world, created entirely by magic. One of many worlds brought into existence by a lost Arch Spell of Star Swirl the Bearded, kept from public knowledge by the decree of the Arch Mage’s council.” Twilight’s head was spinning faster by the second. A lost Arch Spell had been what had transformed Twilight into a Princess, and this was yet another one? The creation of worlds? Before Twilight could voice any of her thousand questions, Celestia addressed her directly. “You, Twilight, must surely understand why the decision was made.”

It was childishly simple, when she thought about it. “A whole world of magical creation… I can hardly even imagine how much energy it must contain.”

“Precisely. It is believed that, unless handled with utmost care, a simple spell could disrupt the balance of magic between Equestria and this new world, unleashing untold destruction upon both. When she made the mirror, Sunset Shimmer was still but a foal, and did not yet realize the danger. What she did five years later, however, she did knowing the risks. She returned to Canterlot Castle one day, and broke into the Hall of Magical Wonders, seeking to conduct forbidden research on the mirror and the world beyond. When I tried to stop her… that’s when things broke between us. She accused me of holding her back, and swore that she would, in her exact words, ‘rise above this wretched nation that’s been fighting against me at every turn’. Then she jumped headfirst into the mirror... and I never saw her again…”

“Sister, I hope you understand that nopony in their right mind would place the blame on you,” Luna told her softly.

Celestia let out a breath. “I know. Nevertheless, I am in part responsible for what has happened here tonight. Thus, it is my duty to set things right,” she cast a look at the mirror, and her expression sank, “but alas, much the way Twilight shifted the duty of saving the Crystal Empire when the situation called for it, so too must I step aside when the fate of Equestria hangs in the balance. I don’t know what my former student is planning, but I do know that, were I to face her now, I might struggle to keep my thoughts calm and rational.

“So it falls upon you, Twilight Sparkle. You must step into the other world, and retrieve your crown from Sunset Shimmer before she can use it for whatever scheme she has in store.”

There was a short silence, allowing Twilight to process all of this. She felt like she should be confused, maybe a little scared, to be dealt such a crucial task so suddenly. But most of all, she felt proud. She had been nervous about the prospect of discussing politics with the representatives of other countries, but saving the world? That, she could do. “I underst—”

“Whoa whoa,” Rainbow Dash halted, standing up. “That’s not how things work around here. If she’s going, we’re going with her! The Elements of Harmony stick together, baby!” All of them, including Spike, nodded and stood closer to Twilight.

“Not this time,” Celestia said with a firm tone. “Even knowing Sunset Shimmer was able to pass through the portal safely, we cannot risk straining it more than necessary. But more importantly, it is precisely because you carry the Elements that I cannot allow you to go. Sunset Shimmer’s target was Twilight’s crown alone, and yet, if she knew of the crown, then she must be aware that an Element of Harmony does not work on its own. If I’m right, then all of you rushing after her might be exactly what she’s hoping for.”

“How about we just leave the necklaces at home?” Applejack suggested.

“Your very beings are still connected to the crown. I understand how you all must feel, but there are simply too many variables at play. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Rainbow,” Twilight assured. “I’ll be fine on my own this time.”

Rainbow Dash frowned, but didn’t argue. “Yeah. I get it… just sucks, you know.”

“How are you feeling?” Celestia asked Twilight. “Did you get enough sleep?”

“I think so. I feel more awake now than when I got here.”

“Then you must go at once.” It hit Twilight that, from the moment Sunset had jumped into the mirror, Celestia must have been holding herself back from jumping right in after her. She hadn’t rushed her explanation, either, but taken the time to let the gravity of the situation sink in. It showed just the type of strength of character that Twilight loved and respected so much.

She would not let her down. Twilight walked up to the mirror, which in this state showed no signs of being a portal to another dimension. With one final glance back to her friends, she took the step forward, straight through the glass, letting the magic engulf her.

The sensation was similar to being swept up by a whirlwind. Good thing she hadn’t had much time to consider what traveling between worlds might actually feel like, or she might’ve had second thoughts. Her mind was still there, but her body… oh Celestia, she couldn’t feel her body!

Though she could hear voices. Celestia’s voice? But it wasn’t coming from ahead.

“Spike, no!”

Before she knew it, she was face-down, looking at hard and gray ground.

Chapter Three

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Tree
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

The lack of disorientation was, in and of itself, a bit disorienting. One moment she had been nothing but a disembodied clump of magic, and the next, here she was.

Now she only had to figure out what exactly ‘here’ entailed.

“Twilight?” the familiar voice of her loyal assistant said. She looked around, and saw… a dog. “Is that you…?”

“Spike?” Twilight fought through her mangled thoughts, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. “You’re… you’re not supposed to be here! You heard what Celestia said; the portal…” she blinked, “…why are you a dog?”

“I jumped after you,” he told her. “I figured that, since I’m not an Element of Harmony, it’d be fine. I just couldn’t let you do this alo—hold on, did you say I’m a dog?” Twilight only nodded. Spike spun around in place, his eyes locked onto his tail. “Oh dear. What’s happened to us? What are you supposed to be?”

A chill shot down her spine. From her sense of bodily awareness, she could tell that she most certainly wasn’t a pony anymore, though whatever she was, she was still a creature with four limbs. For a moment, she felt stuck in limbo, no idea what she had become, but not sure whether or not she wanted to find out. Carefully, she lifted her…

…hands?

With fingers?!

Twilight let out an involuntary screech, her mind blanking from sensation overload. She wasn’t a pony anymore! She was a creature with hands, of all things! She followed her gaze down her arms—arms!—her body, her hind legs. She shook each limb in turn, barely keeping herself from hyperventilating. No amount of diligent studying and magical knowhow could have prepared her for this…!

“Twilight, you have to get it together,” said Spike, circling her. She stopped moving for a second, which allowed the rational part of her brain to catch up. Obviously, she was still herself; only the body was different. She just had to take this one step at a time.

She exhaled deeply. “What does the rest of me look like?”

“Uhm, like you,” Spike said, looking thoughtful. “Only not you. Your muzzle is really small.”

“My muzzle?” Twilight parroted, and put her hand to her… nose. Not a muzzle at all. She felt around the rest of her face, then her mane, sensing its texture. Her skin was smooth, hairless, and yet her upper body and most of her legs were covered in clothes: a blue shirt with a ribbon, a purple dress with an imprint of her cutie mark, and some freakishly large boots. How in Equestria was she suddenly wearing clothes? Did the portal—or whatever magical powers had transformed her—design these for her?

“So, I’m a dog, and you’re a… thing with thin limbs and a flat face,” Spike assessed the situation. “Hey, at least we made it here in one piece.”

“You’re right, Spike,” Twilight admitted. Now was the time for calm. She took a good look around.

They were sitting in front of a white statue, resembling the familiar shape of a horse resting on a square block base. Around them was a field of grass, smooth stone walkways extending in all four directions; behind them, a larger stone road separated the field from a collection of what Twilight assumed were houses. Something that looked like a carriage drew by, like some sort of miniature train without carts. Straight ahead, more importantly, was a castle. Or a fortress? Maybe—one could hope—it was a really big library.

“Can you walk?” Spike asked.

“Let me try.” She set off forward, but her movements were sluggish. The front legs were a lot weaker than her hide ones, and her back ached as though it wasn’t used to bending this way. It was almost as if her body wanted her to…

Feeling silly, she pushed herself off the ground to stand on her hind legs. She didn’t fall back down. In fact, standing like this required no effort at all. “Spike, I’m bipedal!”

“And I’m not,” Spike commented. “This is just so weird.”

“Well, we’d better get used to it. We have to hurry after Sunset Shimmer and take back the crown. The longer we hang around, the more of a head start she’ll get.”

“Where do we start looking?”

“In there,” Twilight pointed at the castle-structure. “It can’t be a coincidence that the portal brought us here, of all places. Let me just…” She walked—wobbled—over to the base of the statue, and lightly tapped the surface of the base. It rippled lightly, and she could sense a small burst of magic energy upon her touch. “Okay, that probably means we can go back this way. Speaking of which, Spike…”

“Nuh uh, don’t even think about it! We’re in this together now, whether you like it or not.”

Twilight smiled at him. “That’s not what I was going to ask. No matter what Celestia and the others may think, I’m glad you came with me. I was just wondering, can you still breath fire?”

In response, Spike straightened up, and let out a… burp. “Nope, sorry.”

“Drat, I was hoping we might’ve been able to send messages to Celestia. I guess we really are on our own. Alright, enough talk; time is running out.”

It was quite remarkable how fast Twilight got used to the movements of walking on two legs. As a pony, she could barely do it more than a few seconds at a time—Spike used to tease her for it—but just like dragons, this species was specifically designed to walk this way. She could even hop up the stairs leading to the entrance without losing balance.

“A glass door,” she observed. “Ah, there’s the handle.” She concentrated her magic on it.

Magic that, for all intents and purposes, she had left back home in Equestria. “I don’t have a horn, do I.”

“Nope. No wings either, for that matter.”

Twilight gasped. “Oh my gosh, you’re right!” Only yesterday—and for the last two weeks of her life—those wings had been on the forefront of her mind, a constant reminder of an uncertain destiny, and now they were just… gone. Surely she would get them back once she returned to Equestria, but still, the contrast was staggering.

“Alright,” she said, recovering, “better try these things.” Twilight reached out with her right arm—the one that felt the most natural—and enveloped the fingers around the handles. So this is how Spike pick things up. She pushed the door open. This is so much easier than I thought it would be.

Inside was a spacious entrance hall, with floors of marble and the light brown wooden walls, corridors extending in three directions. There was nobody around. “What do you suppose this place is?” Twilight asked.

“Whatever it is, it doesn’t strike me as a ‘ruler of the land’ type of castle.”

“I agree,” And yet, Twilight couldn’t help but notice striking similarities in architecture to Canterlot Castle; something about the way the pillars were designed. Heck, even the shape of this hallway, with its balconies and corridors leading off into other sections of the building, was similar, only smaller in scale.

Her eyes were drawn to a glass case embedded in the wall. Inside were trinkets like goblets and medals in a frame. She thought for a split second that these might be more stolen artifacts from Equestria, but logic soon caught up with her: that would have meant Sunset Shimmer had been going back and fourth through the portal more than once. Surely Celestia would have noticed.

Or would she? After all, Sunset had known about Twilight and the Elements of Harmony, things that had transpired only a year ago. Either she had some method of spying on Equestria from within this world, or she had, in fact, crossed through the portal many times before.

“So, do we choose a corridor and set off?” suggested Spike. “This looks like a pretty big place; she could be anywhere.”

“You’re right; we’d better start somewhere. First off, we need to find out what kind of place this—”

RIIING.

Not ten seconds after that long, ear-grating ringing, the hallways were filled with sounds. Voices, and footsteps; countless of them. Next second, Twilight got her first real look at the bipedal denizens of this realm, as about hundred of them swarmed into the entrance hall. Their heads were smaller than ponies by far, but they were fairly tall, albeit skinny, and every single one of them were wearing unique clothings. The only features that even remotely resembled ponies were the eyes, and the fact that they all had different skin colors.

Twilight backed up against the wall, so as not to bump into anyone. She quickly realized that she was staring with her mouth opened, and quickly tried to adjust her posture to look natural. Some of them cast glances her way, but kept walking. What were they all doing here, and where were they going? But as she watched a few of them open some metal boxes lined along the walls, putting books in and retrieving others, it all dawned on Twilight.

“This is a school,” she whispered to Spike. “It’s gotta be! Those must be text books.” When Spike didn’t reply, she added. “Are you listening?”

“Ra… rari… I just saw…”

“Speak up, Spike.”

“Whoa.” Someone stopped close to them. “Did that dog just talk?”

Twilight connected the dots immediately: talking dogs equals weird. “What, him?” she said. “No, that was, uh, just me. I’m a ventriloquist!”

“Whoa,” he said again. “Major skills, girl. Respect.” And with that, he walked on. She waited until he had gone far out of ear shot until she squatted by Spike, her back blocking him from view, and said. “Okay, best not make it obvious you can talk.”

“Rarity!” he shout-whispered back. “I saw someone I could’ve sworn looked just like Rarity! She even had the cutie mark on her dress.”

“What? Are you sure? But Princess Celestia specifically told them not to come after me! I’d expect something like that from Rainbow Dash, but Rarity wouldn’t… would she?”

“I know, I know, but I’m telling you, it was uncanny!”

“Which way did she go?” Spike pointed with a paw. “Right, let’s find her.”

The hallway was gradually beginning to thin out, making it easier to pick up the pace to a half-sprint. The way split left and right, and that’s when Twilight caught a quick glimpse of the girl in question as she rounded the corner. That mane—hair—and white skin… “Excuse me?” Twilight called. She set off into a run, determined to catch up to her.

Unfortunately, by doing so, she forgot one of the golden rules that teachers told school fillies from grade one: don’t run in the hallway, or you might slam into someone. And that’s exactly what she did. Both Twilight and the poor student toppled over, books flying everywhere. She was spared most of the impact by landing on top of the other student. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” she gasped. “Are you alright?”

The student—blue hair that stood up at the top, beige skin—groaned, shaking his head lightly; she was pretty sure this was a he, based on the tone of voice and angular face. “Ugh, I’m okay, I think… what about you? Any damage?”

“I’m alright, I… you sort of broke my fall.” She replied, flustered. “I-I was in a hurry, and-and then—”

“Hey, it’s cool,” the guy said, flashing a smile at her. “You’re lucky you ran into me; I can handle some abuse. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen you around; did you just transfer or something?”

“I, uh, yes, that’s right! My name is Twilight Sparkle, and…” She meant to say more, but she stopped herself; what if that was an unusual name in this world?

To her relief, the student just replied, “Cool. I’m Flash Sentry.” Okay, so the same naming conventions seem to apply here as well. Fascinating. “I’m in Class B, and a member of the music club. Allow me to welcome you to Canterlot High.”

Twilight’s brain froze for a second. Canterlot?

The plot was thickening: the skin colors, the names, Rarity; the connections to Equestria was becoming more and more blatant. But what did it mean? Realizing she had been staring, she quickly said, “Oh, uh, thanks.”

“And Twilight,” Flash added, his smile dropping, “I know the school has been going through a rough patch lately, but don’t let it get to you. Most people here are nice enough, just… don’t believe everything you hear. Keep an open mind, okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m afraid it’s kinda complicated, and I’m—” He was interrupted by another loud ring, and he made a face like he had been caught stealing apples from one of Applejack’s trees. “Shoot, I’m late for class.” He swooped up the books he had dropped, muttering, “Cranky’s gonna be extra cranky now. Alright, Twilight, I’ll see you around.” And he took off through the corridor nearly at the same speed as Twilight herself had ran.

A few moments passed before Spike opened his mouth. “He seemed nice enough. Wonder what he meant by ‘rough patch’.”

“I’m not sure, but I can’t shake the feeling it’s not unrelated to our own problems.”

“Yeah, I mean, Sunset Shimmer obviously has something to do with this school, and we know she’s bad news. Could she be the Principal here?”

“At this point, that wouldn’t surprise me. You know what, let’s go find out. The Principal's got to have an office around here somewhere.”

“What about Rarity?”

“One step at a time, Spike. We can’t go around knocking on every classroom until we find her; it’d draw too much attention, and then they might start to realize I don’t even go to this school.”

“I see your point.”

As luck would have it, the Principal's office wasn't too hard to find. Heading up a set of stairs, they found a sign that clearly pointed them further down the corridor. Even the language is the same, Twilight reflected. Both written and spoken. Did that mean the language history was the same too, with the same types of scenarios giving birth to the same phrases and idioms?

“…assure you, it’s a genuine article,” a voice came from around the bend, snapping Twilight out of her thoughts. “I want to make this year’s Fall Formal something more than just a silly dance and an award ceremony. I want it to be something real, something that will inspire competition.”

“What are you really up to, Sunset Shimmer?” Twilight snuck a peek around the corner. And sure enough. The pony who had made her grand escape from the Crystal Castle was standing right there, in her bipedal form: her skin light orange, her thick hair a mix of yellow and red. She was talking to a person that towered nearly two heads over her.

Is that who I think it is?

“Careful with the tone, Principal,” Sunset said in a mock warning tone. “You don’t approve of me, I don’t approve of you; let’s keep the mutual dislike nice and quiet, just like always. Having you fired would be more of a hassle than I care to deal with today.”

“I see,” the Principal replied, her tone dry and even. “Well, I don’t see why we can’t make this crown the prize of this year’s Fall Formal. I’ll take it up with my sister, see it done.”

“Thank you, Principal Celestia.” Sunset turned around, and walked away the opposite direction from Twilight and Spike.

“Principal… Celestia?” repeated Twilight, once the door to the Principal's office was closed.

“But if there’s another version of Celestia here,” Spike said, “and we just saw Rarity.... that means there's gotta be versions of all our other friends, too!”

“What is this world?” Twilight breathed. “How is this world possible? I thought it had been sealed off from Equestria, but this proves there must be a small magic leakage that’s formed a sort of bond, which—”

“How about we leave the nitty gritty magic science for later,” Spike stopped her. “Right now, I’m more concerned about the fact that Sunset just handed the Principal your crown.”

Twilight took a deep breath, and nodded. “Then what are we waiting for? I dunno what you're planning, Sunset, but that crown belongs to Equestria.”

They approached the door, but stopped before knocking. Would it seem suspicious if she showed up right after Sunset? Would she know right away she wasn’t a student here, and throw her out? No, she didn’t have time to dawdle! The actual Princess Celestia was counting on her. So she knocked.

“Come in.”

Hesitantly, she opened the door. The person in question was sitting behind a cluttered desk, and upon seeing her face up close, despite her being an altogether different species, all doubt vanished from Twilight's mind. “Princess Celestia…?”

Celestia's response was a wide-eyed expression of ‘huh?’ But she recovered quick, and smirked. “Well! I do strike an imposing figure, but Princess? That’s new.”

It really isn’t the same person. Twilight knew that, of course, but part of her had wanted to make sure. “Right, sorry. Can I talk to you?”

“My doors are always open to students in need,” she replied, her face every bit as friendly as her pony version. “Sit down.”

Twilight did as she was told. Her brain wrestled for a second or two with how her new form was supposed to best make a sitting position, but just like walking, it came naturally. Now the only question was, how to begin? ‘Hi, I’m Twilight Sparkle, and I’m from another dimension where that crown Sunset Shimmer just gave you is actually a powerful magical artifact, and I really need it back.’

“I like your dog,” Celestia said, effectively breaking the ice. “It’s not very often people bring their pets to school. Ohh, what a cutie.” She scratched Spike behind the ear, which he seemed to enjoy.

“Thanks.” She decided to just go for the first thing that sprung to mind. “Look, it’s about Sunset Shimmer. She gave something to you, didn’t she?”

“Why yes.” She opened a drawer, and lifted the Element of Harmony out, placing it on the desk. “It’s pure gold, and the blue gems must be sapphire, and the size of this star-shaped red ruby… I couldn’t even guess at how much it must be worth.”

“It’s… kind of priceless,” Twilight said, her mind conjuring up a story as she went. “It’s, uh… It’s actually mine. Sunset Shimmer stole it from me; it’s a family heirloom, and-and the only thing I have left from my grandmother. Can I… can I have it back?”

One look into Celestia’s face, and it was clear to her that it wasn't going to be that easy. Different people though they may be, their body and facial language were the same, and this was a face that conveyed not only surprise, but sadness, and a bit of frustration. “I’m so sorry,” she said, speaking slowly. “But as of this moment, I cannot give this back to you.”

Twilight tried to play her part of a normal, heart-broken granddaughter, which wasn’t too hard; the stakes were certainly high enough. “B-but why? Do you think I’m lying?”

“No, I believe you. When you’ve been the head of a school long enough, you can usually tell when someone's lying.” Part of Twilight found it slightly disconcerting that such a bold-faced lie had gone over so well. Applejack would not be proud. “And I truly am sorry… do you perhaps have any concrete evidence that Sunset Shimmer was the one who stole your crown?”

“I… no. Just, you know, circumstantial evidence…”

Celestia let out a defeated sigh. “That is too bad.” Bad was an understatement. What do I do now? The crown was sitting right there; she could try to reach out and grab it, then run as fast as she could back through the portal. But Celestia might grab her before she had the chance, and even if she didn’t, who’s to say she didn’t have the power to lock the doors and swarm the school with guards? But then, it might be her only chance; she wasn’t confident she could burglar the thing later. “I suppose that only leaves one other option.”

Her arms had already tensed up in preparation for the movement when the words registered. “W-what option.”

“Here at Canterlot High, we have something we call the Fall Formal, where we crown a ‘princess’; think of it as a ‘student of the year’ award. Sunset Shimmer suggested that we offer this crown as a prize to whomever wins the title.”

“So what you’re saying is… I have to win this ‘Fall Formal’?”

“Precisely. Although, under normal circumstances, I would have advised against it, seeing as the vote is in only three days, and,” she gave her a knowing smile, “that you’re not actually a student here.” Twilight was hit by a jolt of panic. The gig was up before it had even started! “But if you ask me,” she added, leaning back, “that may be exactly what this school needs: an outsider’s perspective. I want you to answer me truthfully, Twilight Sparkle: are you ready to give everything you got in order to get back your crown?”

Twilight felt a sense of awe surge through her body. In this world or Equestria, Celestia’s charisma, and the trust she was showing her, was the same. She nodded. “I’ll do anything.”

Principal Celestia smiled. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. You hereby have the Headmasters’ special permission to participate in the Fall Formal. But before you go, I believe it would behoove you to know more about what you’re up against. For you see, Sunset Shimmer isn’t just any normal student here at Canterlot High: she is the niece of none other than the head of the Rich Family Corporation, who just so happens to be this school’s financial backer. There was an… accident, a few years back, and if they hadn’t swooped in and forwarded the money to fix it, this school would have been forced to shut down. I can’t say for certain what made him decide to lend us the money—his daughter is home schooled, as far as I’m aware—but as an unfortunate result, for all intents and purposes, his family now owns this school.

“Thus, whatever Sunset Shimmer says, goes. And in her four years as a student, Sunset Shimmer has methodically turned the school into her own personal playground, by means of bullying and extortion when anybody tries to stand against her. She uses people from outside of school to carry out her misdeeds, never leaving solid evidence behind. But proof or no proof, everybody understands the message: messing with Sunset Shimmer will lead to misfortune. Therein lies the crux of our problem, without solid proof, there isn’t a thing we can do to stop her without risking the RFC pulling to plug on Canterlot High.”

“But isn’t there a school board? Some higher authority you can turn to?”

“I’m afraid the RFC is entirely within their rights to demand a payback on the loan whenever they wish. It's unclear whether or not Sunset’s caretaker are even aware of her questionable activities, but one thing is for certain: trying anything against Sunset Shimmer, without a solid case on our side, would spell the end of our school. Thus, I’m willing to settle for the next best thing: beating her at her own game, fair and square. Perhaps that would provide the slice of humble pie she so desperately needs.”

Twilight had many questions. How did Sunset Shimmer, a person definitely not born in this dimension, have rich relatives here? Why target Canterlot High, specifically? But only one thing really mattered: Twilight had to win the Fall Formal, not just to retrieve her Element, but to teach that no-good jerk a lesson! She surprised even herself at how riled up all this was making her, but she figured part of it must be because she, like Twilight, had studied under Princess Celestia. To use that gift, that knowledge, to cause misery for others, wasn’t something Twilight could easily forgive.

“Where do I start?” she asked. “What do I need to do?”

“In order to win, you will need to convince most of the student body that you, not her, is worthy of representing the school spirit. This will be a challenge, as school spirit has all been all but extinguished these days. It used to be that Canterlot High was a young but hard-working campus, known for its spirit of unity, but these ideals have since been abandoned. And as much as I would like to, it can’t all be blamed on Sunset Shimmer; our dept to the Rich Family has led to a severe budget restructuring, resulting in drastic decrease in school events, and a new focus on more segregated, student-driven clubs. Although, Sunset had certainly made sure to use this to her advantage…”

She trailed off. Twilight’s heart clenched seeing that look in her eyes. “I’m tired of this job, Twilight. Me and my sister both. We try and we try, but some days, it’s as if the times themselves are against us. My only hope now is that knocking Sunset down a peg might help spread the message that such selfish behavior doesn’t always pay off. If nothing else, it would definitely help to make us feel better.”

“You can count on me,” Twilight promised, though her actual confidence didn’t quite match her tone. Not that she would let it stop her. It is on, Sunset Shimmer. You are going to pay.

“Then I’ll leave it in your hands. Some might call me crazy, placing such a large bet on a wild card like this, but there’s something about you. I see a spark in your eyes that I like, and a heart that won’t tolerate injustice. I’m sorry, I’ll stop waxing poetics; suffice to say, I’m happy you came here today. Just let the head of the Fall Formal planning committee know you’re interested in running, and you will be on the ballot. If you ever need guidance, don’t hesitate to drop by.”

***

Spike held his mouth until they were far away from the office, in a deserted corridor. “Well, at least now we know what that Flash Sentry guy meant by ‘rough patch’. Are you sure you’re gonna do this, Twilight?”

“I’m sure. I don’t know how in the world I’ll manage it, but I’ll win back that crown fair and square.”

“But what if it’s a trap?” Spike said. “Actually, how can it not be a trap? Sunset wouldn’t just give away one of the most powerful magical items in the world—any world—if she wasn’t planning something. Whatever it is, she’s doing this to bait you.”

“You’re probably right,” Twilight agreed. “But I’ve got no choice but to play along, for now. We got nothing else to go on, and besides, if it’s a fair competition she’s after, I’ll show her who’s the real student of Celestia!”

“It’s the ‘fair’ part I’m worried about…”

“I hear you, Spike. The Principal may not see it, but I’m convinced that Sunset played a large part in that ‘budget restructuring’ business that's been separating the clubs. And if I were a betting pony, I’d put my bits on the fact that she caused the ‘accident’ that put the school in a budget crisis in the first place. It just too convenient…”

“Well, duh.”

Twilight and Spike whipped around. Sunset Shimmer was smirking menacingly at them.

“Looks like there are some smarts in that brain of yours,” Sunset said. “But I’m getting ahead of myself. It’s so nice to finally meet you in a civilized setting, Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia’s pet protege. And speaking of pets, her lowly assistant is showing his true form as the dog he is. Welcome,” she held out her arms, “to the Mirror World.”

Sunset made a pause long enough for Twilight to bite. “What do you mean, Mirror World? What, because we came here through a mirror?”

“You think I’m a simpleton? We are standing in a realm created by Equestria, made to mimic Equestria, but with a few twists. Believe it or not, these creatures that we’ve become are made up of the exact same biological components as we ponies, except for one key difference: they’ve got no magic. They’ve had to make due with just their noggins, and these,” she flexed her fingers. “Ironic, isn’t it; a world of magical creation, where its dominant species has to live without it. That isn’t to say there’s no magic in this world, but let’s just say it’s a horse of a very different color.”

“What do you plan to do with my crown?” Twilight shot back. “It’s useless without the other Elements!”

“Don’t ask for spoilers, Twilight. Although, I will say that my dear old mentor made the right choice not to send your friends along with of you. To say nothing of the risk of collapsing the pathway and dooming all of Equestria, it would have made my victory far too easy, and I need you to stand a fighting chance.”

“How do you even know about my friends? Or about the Elements of Harmony, or anything that’s been happening these past five years.”

“You mean, how did I pass through the portal to where the mirror was stored in the Hall of Magical Wonders? How did I teleport past the protective barrier around it, when all of Canterlot has an anti-teleportation field surrounding it?” She smirked, and Twilight frowned. Whatever else could be said about this girl, the fact that she had used a teleportation spell inside of the Crystal Castle showed that her magical prowess was the real deal. “And how could I have possibly apply some simple lock picking spells on the doors, sneak up into the library that’s in the same building, and read up on everything I’d missed in the annually updated History of Equestria? It’s a mystery.”

“Alright, fine. So why me? How could you be so sure I’d be the one to come after you.”

“Because both you and my dear old mentor are every bit as predictable as I thought you would be. Granted, there was never a guarantee I wouldn’t have to face off against Princess Celestia herself, but I was ninety percent sure she would send you in her stead.”

Twilight knew full well she was dancing by Sunset’s tune. She didn’t care. “You’re on. I’ll beat you at your own game, if that’s what you want.”

“I do like that flare of confidence. I almost can’t believe you’re taking the bait so willingly. The Principal must have told you what I’m capable of. I’m the puppet master of this school! I turned this once prestigious institute into a shadow of its former self. I’ll spare you the thrilling tale of how I accomplished such a feat, but remember this: I’ve been building my influence around this place for five years, whereas you’re just a freshman in a strange new world.”

“If you got so much influence,” Twilight retorted, “why not just take the crown? Why the need to beat me in some contest first?”

“Because I,” she took a few steps closer, and poked her on the nose, “want to see you suffer. I want you—and by extension, Princess Celestia—to crash and burn under your misguided ideals. Oh yes, I know you’ve accomplished a lot back home: Twilight and friends, conquerer of Nightmare Moon. Twilight and friends, who saved the world from Discord. But when it comes right down to it, you’re just one of the lucky few. For most of us, friendship is not a be-all, end-all force of nature that comes with lasers blasts and instant villainy-cure.”

“What do you know about friendship,” Twilight hissed, her patience fading. “You’ve done nothing but drive these people apart.”

“All for the sake of my master plan. If you manage to beat me, maybe I’ll tell you. You could always go back and fetch your little friends, if it makes you feel better. Just be careful how you handle the portal; it can be quite brittle. In the meantime, so long. May the best girl win.”

There was nothing she could do but to watch her turn away and leave, all the while humming to herself. Twilight and Spike stood there for almost ten seconds, before Spike broke the silence. “The dog I am? We’ll show her!”

“We’ll show her,” Twilight agreed, but in a low and meek voice more reminiscent of Fluttershy's than her own. “I’m just not sure how, yet.”

Chapter Four

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Four
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

Even though she was prepared for it, Twlight couldn’t stop feeling incredibly strange, seeing everyone she knew running around in completely different bodies. She fished for the names to some of the more familiar people: Carrot Top, Cherry Berry, Derpy Hooves; even Apple Bloom, Applejack's little sister, was dashing through the corridors with her friends in tow.

Neither Flash nor Celestia had recognized her though, which probably meant that Twilight herself didn’t have a version attending this school. While this made things easier, it also raised more questions: if she wasn’t Celestia’s student, then what was her role in this world? Was she home schooled, or was there another school in this town? How did the cosmic forces decide who would be represented where? Was it all random, or was it based on some magic algorithm Twilight couldn’t grasp? Just thinking about how it all connected made her head hurt.

Not to mention, she was hungry. A fact her growling stomach made sure to alert to Spike. “We really need to find you some food,” he commented.

“Food can wait. First, we need to find at least one of our friends. I do hope they all go to this school…”

“Oh no, Twilight, I’m not about to let you tackle this on an empty stomach. I’ve seen you pull all-nighters without food. Not a pretty sight.”

Images of Twilight pulling at her mane and yelling at bookshelves came to mind, and she blushed. “Point taken. But where do we find food? It’s not like the portal gave me a wallet to go with these clothes, and I don’t even know what these creatures eat.”

Spike sniffed in the air. “Only one way to find out. Something smells good over that way!”

And sure enough. Spike led them into a bigger room, filled with seats and tables, and on the far side, a lady was serving something onto plates from a trolley. The blended sounds of students chatting without any notion of indoor voice made it difficult to think straight, but the smell of food was intoxicating.

“Is that Granny Smith?” Twilight pointed at the lunch lady, who did have the same colors as the elderly Apple Family mare, though her body was somewhat more… corpulent. Then she noticed that they—or, more likely, Spike—were drawing quite a few stares, and she added in a whisper, “You don’t have to answer.” Spike nodded, keeping close to her legs.

Approaching the trolley and grabbing a tray, she was about to have a closer look at the pleasant-smelling goop that was todays lunch, when she caught a glimpse of the person behind her in line. She froze. “Fluttershy?”

The yellow-skinned person with pink hair flinched. “D-do I know you?”

Twilight chided herself. She hadn’t really thought up a plan for when she’d actually find one of her friends. “Uh, no…” she said, thinking fast, “I… I heard you’re good with animals and,” Spike helpfully propped up on Twilight’s leg, “I wanted you to meet my dog.”

Fluttershy, thankfully, beamed when she saw the dog. “Oh my! He’s adorable!” She bent down to pet him, which Spike seemed to enjoy. “It’s not everyday people bring their dog to school. Just don’t bring him into class; the teachers will be really angry. I found that out the hard way…”

“Excuse me, but you and that dog is holding up the line,” a dry voice came from behind.

“Eeep!” Fluttershy let out. “I-I’m so sorry.”

Twilight, sharing in the embarrassment, moved forward, letting the Granny Smith lookalike to pour whatever it was they were serving today. “Mind if I sit down with you?” she asked Fluttershy, when they both had their food. “I’m kinda new here, and you’re one of the first people I’ve talked to so far.”

“Oh, sure, I don’t mind.” They sat, and Fluttershy’s attention immediately shifted to Spike. “Who told you I was good with animals?”

“Uhh, I think Principal Celestia might have mentioned it,” Twilight spun. Swiftly moving on, she said, “So, I was just wondering, what breed of dog is he? His name is Spike, by the way.”

“Spike, eh?” She patted him lovingly on the head. “Hmm, that’s a good question. A beagle, maybe? No, his head is too round-shaped… I’m not sure, to be honest. I could do some research when I get home…”

“Oh no, you don’t need to do that.” Now, how to turn the conversation from Spike to the matter at hand? “I’m sure you’re busy with homework and stuff.”

“Not particularly. Taking care of animals is sort of my thing. I don’t have much else going for me.”

“That’s not true; you’re kind and gentle…” Fluttershy’s confused looks made her stop. “…I-I’m sure. Speaking of which, excuse me if I’m being blunt, but do you usually sit alone?”

“Most of the time,” she replied, and let out a small sigh. “It’s only when someone wants my advice on animal care that they come sit with me sometimes. I don’t have many friends…”

“I’m your friend, aren’t I? Th-that’s to say, I’m sure we’ll be good friends.” She saw Spike roll his eyes.

“I-I hope so,” she replied, a slight blush coming on. “What did you say your name was?”

“Right! It’s Twilight Sparkle. So tell me,” she quickly moved the conversation forward, “what’s the school like?”

“It’s okay. There aren’t many bullies, but I guess that’s because people here tend to just stick to their own group. We used to have all sorts of school activities, but now it’s pretty much just the rock concerts… oh, and the Fall Formal. Sunset Shimmer wins every year anyway, so I don’t see the point… have you met Sunset Shimmer yet?”

“Yeah, we’ve run into each other. But don’t you worry, once I become the Princess of the Fall Formal, I’ll do everything I can to bring back the school spirit!”

Fluttershy spat out pieces of he fruit salad she was eating. “You’re running for the… no no no, that’s a terrible idea!”

“Why’s that?”

“Sunset Shimmer wants to be Princess of the Fall Formal, and when Sunset wants something, she gets it! And she always gets back at those who stand in her way. This one girl reported her for cheating on a test, but then she was the one who got a low score! She never leaves any proof behind, but everybody knows: if you cross Sunset Shimmer, you’re in for it.”

“So nobody stands up to her?”

“Some do. Most people are just happy to stay out of trouble, though.”

“Well, taking care of trouble happens to be my specialty. Celestia told me I needed to ask the Fall Formal Planning Committee to put me on the ballot; do you know where I can find them?”

“They should be in the gymnasium, setting up the stage. But are you sure you know what you’re doing? Didn’t you say you were new here? Do you know anyone in the big seven?

“What’s the big seven?”

“It’s what we call the seven major clubs that almost every student is a part of. There’s the fashion club, the drama club, technology club, cooking club, eco club—that’s where I am—the athlete club and the music club.”

“Oh. Yeah, I met someone from the music club. It’s okay, I’ll just improvise; saved the world a number of times… my world, as in, made my life better…?” she trailed off with a sheepish laugh. “Anywho, I’ll see you around.”

“Uhm,” Fluttershy said, “aren’t you gonna eat?”

***

The meal was short and awkward, but it did give her the opportunity to talk some more with Fluttershy, and thus learn a few more things about the school. Chief of which: there was indeed a library! She made a mental note to check it out later. Fluttershy also mentioned something about ‘free use of school computers’, if you wanted to ‘look stuff up’. Was it like a register of all the books kept in the library? Just thinking about learning more about the world was nearly enough make her forget about her mission. But there would be time later. First thing’s first.

“This should be the gymnasium,” Twilight said, reading the sign that said, quite unambiguously, ‘gymnasium’. “I wonder if the school’s got mandatory gym training.”

“Maybe that’s why everyone looked so fit,” Spike commented. “I’m no expert, but I didn’t see a single person that looked overweight. Except maybe Granny Smith…”

When she opened the door, however, it was hard to picture the hall as having anything to do with sports, what with the big stage, the tables, and streamers everywhere. Her heart leaped; streamers? “Pi-Pinkie Pie?” she called.

Yup. A moment later, she heard the unmistakable high-pitched voice from behind the stage. ”Just a sec!” And indeed in just a second, she emerged, holding a balloon. “Sorry; this baby almost got away from me. What can I do for you?”

This version of Pinkie Pie was, well, exactly the same, save for the clothes she wore: a blue shirt and pink dress. And just like Twilight, her cutie mark was printed onto her dress. In fact, now that she thought about it, didn’t a lot of the students have a symbol of some sort attached to their clothing? It was like these beings did have cutie marks, but they manifested as a separate item, rather than—

“Sooo, did you come to stare at me?” Pinkie Pie interrupted her thought process. “If so, go ahead! They say I’m a sight to look at; maybe it’s because I’ve always got streamers in my hair.”

“Oh! So sorry; I’m actually here to sign up for the Fall Formal competition. Fluttershy said I’d find the committee planner here.”

Pinkie Pie’s smile faded ever so slightly. “Fluttershy, huh. Let me give you a word of warning: she may look all shy and meek, but underneath it all is the cold heart of a real meanie.”

Upon hearing that, Twilight’s heart did a double take. “You two aren’t friends?”

“Not likely. She called me annoying! Can you believe that? I was just trying to cheer her up, and she was like ‘that’s a bit annoying, actually’. Oh well; if she wants to be a sad betty, who am I to tell her she can’t?”

There were so many things wrong with those words, it sent Twilight’s head reeling. The Pinkie she knew would never say that about Fluttershy. Was it simply because, despite it all, these people were really that different? Or could it be that…

“She’s staring again,” Pinkie remarked, talking to Spike now. “You think there is something wrong with her eyes. Like for me, sometimes they get all dried up, and it hurts to blink.”

Spike had the good sense to reply with a dog bark.

“Yeah, good point.”

Twilight snapped out of it. “Say, just curious, but does anybody by the name of Applejack go to this school?”

“Sure does; now that's a friend! And if I’m not mistaken…” the door suddenly opened to the gymnasium, and through it came… “...there she is right now!”

“Somebody order a dozen cases of frizzy apple cider?” Applejack of this world was wearing a white, plain shirt, blue tattered jeans and the biggest brown boots Twilight had ever seen, which carried her apple cutie mark pattern.

“Oh! Oh! Me-me-me!” Pinkie called, waving her arm. Applejack snickered, and put the cases down on the floor. A second person followed; Applejack’s big brother, Big Macintosh. Alright, so Pinkie and Applejack are friends, but Pinkie and Fluttershy are not. Further studies are required.

“So you’re the new girl?” Applejack asked Twilight. “The one who brought her dog to school?”

Twilight made an awkward laugh. “Yeah, that’s me; I’m Twilight Sparkle. It’s my first day; is it not allowed?”

“Not sure there’s a rule against it, but Ah’ve sure never seen anyone do it. ‘Cept maybe Fluttershy, but she’s a bit of a weirdo. You a friend of Fluttershy’s?”

“We’ve met,” she replied, keeping it vague. So I guess Applejack isn’t friends with her, either?

“Didn’t you say something about the Fall Formal before?” Pinkie asked. “Like, you wanted to sign up?”

“Actually, yes, I would,” Twilight said.

“Now that’s cause for celebration!” Applejack said. She snatched a bottle of cider and took a gulp. “That Sunset Shimmer’s been bossing us around for too long, and Ah know Ah’m not the the only one thinkin’ it. What’s yer game plan?”

“Uhm, I kind of haven’t figured one out yet…”

“Well you’d better get to it! Don’t wanna be a negative nelly or nuthin’, but you’ve only got three days, and Sunset’s already got the school around her fingers.”

“I know, I’ll figure something out.” As long as I can figure out where to start. Actually, a thought struck her as she shifted her gaze between the two friends, I already know where to start. “So, uh, if I wanted to appeal to the athletes, who’d I talk to.”

“Ugh, that’d be Rainbow Dash,” Applejack said, confirming her suspicions. “She’s the captain of like every sport in the school, not a humble bone in her body. Good luck winning her over.”

Phew, looks like all five of them goes to this school after all.“ Alright… then, what about the fashionistas?”

“Rarity, I think. Don’t know much about her, but I hear she’s pretty stuck-up. Guess I shouldn’t judge a horse by its color; it’s not like we've ever hung out.”

So, Pinkie and Applejack, friends. Applejack and Rainbow, enemies. Applejack and Rarity, never met. Twilight made a flow chart of it in her head, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Sure, this was another world, and the relationships she knew in her world wouldn’t necessarily apply here, but she and her friends weren’t just any group of friends, they were the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. If this really was a ‘Mirror World’, as Sunset had called it, she found it hard to believe that something as important as the Elements wouldn’t be represented.

Or was it because this was a Mirror World that the Elements didn’t play the same role? What was it Sunset had said about magic in this world? A color of a different horse? Oh, ha ha.

But more than that, she knew these people. A few minutes of conversation was enough to tell her that they were—in essence—the same as her friends back home. That a group of friends as close as them would become enemies was unthinkable. If she could figure out the circumstances behind the bad blood, maybe she would gain a clue as to how to win the school over. Plus, it was a matter of personal pride.

She took the clipboard and the pen, and scribbled down her name. When Pinkie took it back, she looked at it and chuckled. “Wow, you have really bad mouth writing. It’s like you’ve never held a pen before.”

Twilight’s cheeks went red and she laughed awkwardly; she had grabbed the pen with her mouth without thinking. Pinkie’s reaction was one thing, but Applejack was kind of looking at her as though she had tried to shove an apple up her nose. “Well, uh, anyway, thanks for the info, Applejack. I’ll do my very best.”

“Sure thing,” Applejack said, but then raised an eyebrow. “Hey, who’d you know my name is Applejack? I never told you.”

“Oh, you didn’t?”

Pinkie Pie gasped. “I know! She’s psychic!”

“If ya say so,” Applejack said. “Anyway, if there’s anything Ah can do to help, just give me a call. Here, let me give you my number.”

***

Twilight, walking down the corridor, looked at the piece of paper with Applejack’s ‘number’ on it. Who could she ask to learn what it meant? It seemed like something everyone in this world already knew about, so she had to be careful how she phrased the question. She had a feeling this sort of thing was going to happen a lot in the future, so she decided it might be best to nip the problem in the bud before it got out of hand. Next stop, the library.

Though nowhere near the size of the one found at Canterlot Castle, it made her smile ear to ear all the same. It didn’t matter where she traveled, in Equestria or off-world, as long as there was a library, she would feel right at home.

“Now to find a book that will tell you the basics of this place,” Spike commented. “Though that might be a tall order. Imagine if there was a book in Equestria introducing the basic concepts of earth ponies and pegasi.”

“Maybe there’s a children’s section,” Twilight suggested. “Let’s have look around.”

“Excuse me!” a voice called. It took Twilight a moment to realize it was meant for her. “Is that a dog?”

“Uh, yes?”

“In a library?!” The woman seemed outraged. Upon closer inspection, this woman looked like Cheerilee. So she was a librarian too in this world. As the former Ponyville librarian herself, Twilight didn’t know how to feel about that. “Get that mutt out of here this instant, or I’ll ban you from the library for a month!”

Not one to take threats of library banishment lightly, Twilight simply nodded, picked up Spike and backed away, out the door. When Cheerilee was out of ear shot, Spike said, “At least she didn’t hear me talk. That would’ve been real bad.”

“Yeah… sorry Spike, you’ll have to sit this one out.”

“That’s okay. I’ll find someplace to hide; I’ll be able to smell you when you leave.”

“Do I really smell that bad?” Twilight asked, sniffing her arm. “I haven’t exactly had the chance to shower.”

“You smell fine, it’s just that my nose is extremely sensitive. It’s a bit annoying, actually.”

‘It’s a bit annoying, actually’… That’s what Fluttershy had said to Pinkie. She felt a flush of sadness, but also determination; she needed to get to the bottom of this, fast. “Thanks, Spike.”

Cheerilee kept her eyes on Twilight as she reentered the library. Since she had already made it awkward, she figured, what’s there to lose? “Excuse me. I’m sorry about before, but I was just wondering if you could help me with something.”

“Sure,” Cheerilee replied, her irritation replaced by a more professional tone. “That’s what I’m here for. What do you need?”

“Can you tell me what this number means?”

She took a quick glance. “It looks like a phone number. Did you want to know who it belongs to?”

“No, I know who gave it to me, just…” here goes, “…what’s a phone number?”

Cheerilee stared at her blankly for about five seconds. “Are you… oh, I see now, you must be one of those students who just moved into the city from the countryside. You’ve never seen a cell phone in your life?”

“Sorry.”

The librarian drew a short breath, then pulled out a rectangular, flat item from her pocket. “I know it doesn’t look like it, but this here is a communications device. I’m assuming you’ve at least seen a regular phone before, but this one is small enough to keep in your pocket.” Twilight didn’t even care that Cheerilee was talking to her as though she was a toddler; she was absolutely enthralled by the concept. “It can do all sorts of other things as well; take pictures, record video, look up things on the internet… which is like a sort of an information hub,” she added, seeing the look on Twilight’s face. “You visit these pages, which is really just accessing other computers from all around the world, connected through a gigantic, world-spanning electronic network.”

“And you can find any information on there?”

“Almost anything, yes, but be warned, there are plenty of pages on the net that are… less than informative. If you’ve never used it before, I would advice caution. Want me to teach you how to use a computer?” Twilight nodded eagerly. “Then come this way.”

Out of all the things Twilight had seen thus far, this ‘computer’ was by far the most incredible. It was all just projections on a screen, but it was like a whole imaginary world in there. Cheerilee answered every one of Twilight’s questions—albeit somewhat impatiently—and soon, she was comfortable enough to move on to the main course: the internet. She was shown a few basic pages—a ‘search engine’ for entering key words, a site containing user-created videos, a database on the books available in the library—before finally leaving her alone. She felt like a kid in a toy store. I could spend hours in here!

And she did.

She stumbled over one particular site filled with articles on all sorts of topics, and from there she hopped from one topic to the other, absorbing knowledge about the mundane and the important. A few things in particular stood out; first, these creatures were called humans, and were evolved from apes. Second, while magic existed as a concept, it wasn’t considered real for most people. Third, this world did, in fact, have a similar history to Equestria. Not that every detail was identical, but there were general plot threads, so to speak, that were more or less the same.

Wouldn’t that suggest there is no freedom here? That human lives are preordained by some higher energies to force this world into aligning with Equestria? Great many things were different, though; not just historical points, but things like government structure to forms of entertainment. Like the world had taken different paths to arrive at similar states at specific points in time. Was there a sentience guiding the realm? And why is this little high school the equivalent of the capital city in my world…?

“Hey there, Twilight.”

When she looked up, she saw Flash Sentry, the guy she had literally ran into before. “Oh, hey there.”

“Wasn’t this your first day?” he asked. “Already hitting the library, huh. Aren’t you ambitious.”

“I mean, this is a school, why not take the opportunity to learn, right?”

“Hey, I ain’t judging. Just surprised to find someone still here after classes have all ended.”

“Wait, they have? What time is it?” She checked the clock on the wall. “Four-twenty?! Then I’ve been here for… two and a half hours!”

“Wait, didn’t you go to class?”

“No, I, uh, didn’t have to, seeing as it was my first day,” Twilight made up on the spot. “Today was more of an introduction. So, what brings you here?”

“Well, you know… kinda embarrassing to admit to a model student like you, but I flunked the history test last week, so now I gotta retake it. I’ll admit, I'm not the brightest students around, but my folks are not gonna be happy if I drop out because I couldn’t handle one stupid subject. Anyway, I’m just about done for today, so I’m heading home. What about you?”

“I should too,” she replied. She’d been cooped up in there long enough; Spike was probably worried. Also, she had wanted to talk some more with Flash ever since their first meeting. He didn’t seem to mind that she fell into steps next to him; on the contrary, he beamed at her.

“So, you nervous about starting here?” he asked. “What school did you go to before?”

“I’m kind of from out of town,” she told him. Yeah, that’s as good a story as any. “It’s a small village, I doubt you’ve ever heard of it.”

“Probably not. So you must find this little suburb like, insane.”

“It’s somewhat overwhelming,” she felt she could say without stretching the truth too much. “So—Flash, was it?—I kind of had a feeling you were trying to warn me about something before. Was it Sunset Shimmer?”

Flash’s face fell. “Oh no, you met her?”

“Just briefly,” she lied, “but I’ve heard a lot about her from other people. Everyone seems to be afraid of her.”

“She’s a real troublemaker, alright. Probably the biggest bully around; I’m glad she didn’t do anything to you. Wouldn’t surprise me if she’s got her eyes on you now… I’d stay on the down low, if I were you.”

“Thanks, but that’s not going to be an option. After hearing about all the terrible things she’s done, I’ve decided to run against her for Princess of the Fall Formal.”

They had reached the lockers, and Flash was about to open his when he froze, and gave her a shocked expression. “You serious?”

“Absolutely. And yes, I know I don’t have much time, but I’ve gotta try. It’s… well, it’s personal.”

“I don’t know what happened between you two, but you’ve got a tough road ahead. As far as she’s concerned, this school belongs to her, and she’ll resort to anything to keep it that way. I should know. I used to date her.”

This caught her genuinely off guard. “You? Date her? But you’re so nice! A good person!”

“A little too nice, maybe. Dense, too; took me five months to figure out she was only going out with me to exploit my ‘popularity’.” He grabbed his bag from the locker, and they resumed walking. “Not to toot my own horn too hard, but a lot of people do come to our band performances; about the only school event we have left, aside from the Fall Formal. Anyway, it’s not something I’m proud of… but on the plus side, she’s left me and my band buddies alone.”

Stepping outside, the sun was considerably lower now, and people were leaving the school building left and right. All passing the statue in the center of the grounds, none the wiser that it was actually a portal to another dimension. Someone was even leaning against it. Interesting; so these humans can’t pass through it… maybe it needs to sense Equestrian magic for it to work.

“So yeah, anyway,” Flash continued, “you’ve got my vote. Now we just need to figure out a way to convince the people who aren’t protected by a past relationship status.”

“Yeah, that might… wait, did you say ‘we’?”

“Of course! I’ll be backing you up in any way I can. You wanna bring the school back together, don’t you? That’s what I’ve been trying to do all year. You’re just the opportunity I’ve been waiting for… uh, not that I see you as just an opportunity, I mean you’re swell and all, I just meant…”

Twilight just chuckled. “It’s okay, I understand, and I’m grateful for your support.” Flash smiled and blushed. He really was kind of cute.

“Anyway, I’ll give you my number,” he said. “Can I type it into your phone?”

“I… don’t exactly have one,” Twilight admitted. “B-but I’ll get one soon,” she added. Looks like I’m gonna need one sooner or later.

“Alright, hang on.” He pulled out a pen and a notebook from his backpack, tore out a piece of it and scribbled the number down. “Maybe I’ll be the first in your contact list.” She took the piece of paper, and put it into her pocket. “Where do you live? My house is over that way.” He pointed across the road.

“Oh, uh, not there, I’m afraid,” she said, the thought only now occurring to her. I don’t have a place to stay! “It’s kind of far from here…”

“Oh, okay. Guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, absolutely. See you tomorrow.”

He left her standing there. So, now what? She had to find some place to stay, preferably close to school. Her eyes were drawn to the statue of the horse. It’s already endured three trips through it; maybe two more wouldn’t hurt? But the idea immediately made her feel ashamed; she would not risk the collapse of two entire worlds just because she wanted to sleep in a comfortable bed.

“Yup, definitely a nice guy.”

Spike’s sudden voice behind her made her jump. “Oh! There you are.” He jumped into her arms, so they could speak to each other quietly. “Sorry I took so long; I lost track of time, and—”

“It’s okay, I knew you would. Believe it or not, I got to hang out with Fluttershy for a bit; she’s got an animal shelter real close to school. It was like a spa treatment, I’m telling ya. Though she kept talking to me the whole time. That girl’s got some serious abandonment issues.”

Sad to hear, but not surprising. “Did she say anything about the rest of our friends?”

“Not much. She seems to like Rainbow Dash well enough, but it doesn’t look like they’re friends, more of an ‘admire from afar’ kind of deal. You’d think she was crushing on her or something.”

“Better than being enemies, that’s for sure. So we have team Pinkie-Applajack, and Rainbow-Fluttershy; one way, at last. I wonder how Rarity fits into this.”

“I hope we get to meet her soon,” Spike said with enthusiasm. “Sure wouldn’t mind her giving me a scratch behind the old ear.”

“For now, though,” Twilight looked around, the ground steadily emptying of people, “we gotta find a place to spend the night. Maybe Miss Cheerilee will let me sleep in the library?”

“Sure, and I’ll just find a nice locker or something.”

“You’re right, sorry. I don’t wanna risk going back through the portal… guess we’ll have to find someplace outside to—”

“Howdy, Twilight!” Applejack approached them, smiling broadly. “Heading home?”

“Y-yeah, just about to—” But Spike smacked her on the arm, then nicked his head towards her. Hint hint. Oh! “Actually, not really; thing is, I haven’t found a place to stay in this town yet.”

“You started school without a place to bunk?” Applejack asked. “I though the faculty was supposed to handle that sorta thing.”

“Well, you know, things got delayed,” she said, hoping the awkward laugh was as much of a get-out-of-awkward-situations-free card as she hoped. “So now I’m kinda stuck, and…”

“Say no more! You and your pooch are welcome to stay at my farm tonight.”

“You mean it?” Twilight beamed. “Oh, thank you!”

“You’re the one taking on Sunset Shimmer. Can’t have you living on the streets, can we? Come on, it’s just a short bus ride away.”

Chapter Five

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Five
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

Twilight quickly learned that this Applejack, just like her Equestrian counterpart, also lived on a farm on the outskirts of town. The converted barn looked nearly identical on from the outside, although Twilight was facinated by how all the furniture on the inside seemed bigger than what she was used to, so as to accomidate for the taller human bodies.

She had not been mistaken about Granny Smith being the lunch lady, and she welcomed Twilight with a big, friendly hug. Apple Bloom launched into all sorts of questions: where she was from, what she thought of her first day at school, how long she would be staying. Dinnertime was lively, if nothing else. And delicious.

Applejack’s room was bright and cozy, if messy. “Let me just get the spare mattress,” she said, and began rummaging through the closet. Spike was already asleep on Applejack’s bed. “Here we go. So Twi—can I call you Twi?”

“Sure.”

“So Twi, have you given some thought as to how you’re gonna take on Sunset Shimmer?”

“Uh, not a whole lot,” she admitted. “B-but I’ve talked to the head of the music club, and he says he’ll help me.”

“That doesn’t surprise me; good ol’ Flash’ll help just about anybody who isn't a downright criminal. Though I suppose this time it’s a lot more personal, Sunset being his ex and all.”

“I’ll have to talk to Rainbow Dash first thing tomorrow,” Twilight said. Applejack scoffed, and Twilight decided to just go for it. “I'm guess something must have happened between the two, huh.”

“Nah, she just gets on my nerve, is all. You know how it is, sometimes some people just aren’t meant to be friends.” The words felt like literal stabs in her heart. “But if you can find a way to get her on our side, Ah promise Ah won't make a fuss. If there’s one thing we can both agree on, it’s that Sunset Shimmer needs to be be put down a peg or three.”

Applejack retrieved some sheets and blanket from the closet, and was making the bed. “I could help you with that, if you—”

“Psh, nonsense, you’re a guest here tonight. Say, why don’t you go take a shower; it’s to the right, just past Apple Bloom’s room. Or maybe you’re the shower-in-the-morning type.”

“A shower does sound nice,” Twilight said thankfully.

“Take your time.”

A trip down the corridor later, she found the right room. Pulling her clothes off—some garments requiring more effort than others—she spent some minutes studying her hairless body in in the mirror. The exposed human skin was softer than a pony’s, and from the feel of it, their muscles not as well-toned. Also, it was prone to cold. She turned on the shower and stepped inside. Without the thin layer of pony fur, the drops had more of an impact, but she soon grew to enjoy the sensation.

A moment of peace. A moment to think. Showers were the same in any world. And right now, her friends occupied most of her thoughts; or more specifically, the other-world versions, who weren’t technically her friends yet. She had to keep reminding herself that these weren’t actually the same people. And as strange as it seemed, they might not even have anything to do with the Elements of Harmony. Just because this was a Mirror World, it didn’t mean that it reflected Equestria one-to-one.

That being said, everybody else seemed to have the same overall personalities, so she didn’t buy the idea that Applejack and Rainbow Dash ‘weren’t meant to be friends.’ There was a very real possibility that an external source of trouble had come between them. Somebody who relished in planting seeds of distrust.

Wasn’t there an article Twilight had once read on inverted magic properties? She had done some major research on the subject after Discord, the spirit of chaos and disharmony, had wreaked havoc on Equestria. There was this theory, the principle of magic reversal, that stated that magic put through dense magic fields could change its fundamental nature… and this world right here was definitely a ‘dense magic field’.

Maybe—though she couldn’t prove any of it just yet—those five were connected to the Elements of Harmony after all. And in order to harness that power for her own ends, Sunset Shimmer had created a rift between them. That’s why she needed Twilight’s crown which, if the principle of magic reversal was correct, would have turned into a vessel for disharmony when brought through the portal. That was the only explanation that made sense. Heck, that was probably the reason she had messed with the school’s social structure to begin with. She wanted to use Twilight’s own Element against her, give her the ultimate humiliation, and then…

Then… what, exactly? Conquer Equestria? That couldn’t be it; Sunset wouldn’t risk breaking the portal. She herself had pointed out the dangers of overusing it.

She wanted this world, Twilight realized. She wasn’t content being a figure of power and wealth. She wanted to rule it all. Create a nation of her own, to rival Celestia’s. Well. Twilight wasn’t about to abandon the people of this world so easily. Tomorrow, the battle would begin in earnest.

***

Between Applejack’s snoring and the constant pressure of what was about to come, Twilight didn’t fall asleep until after 2AM, despite how tired she had been the day before. This left her with five hours of sleep before Applejack’s alarm clock went off.

“Wha, wha? What’s the fire?” Spike said, jumping around on the bed in a half-awake state.

“It’s not a fire, Spike,” Twilight yawned, “it’s just…” But then she remembered herself, and clasped her hands to her mouth. Spike’s eyes widened, understanding what he’d done, and did the same.

They waited in bated breath as Applejack stirred. Her hair looked as though it had been hit by a hurricane, and would probably make Rarity faint. “Hey,” she said, “does your dog talk, by any chance?”

“W-what? No, that’s silly.”

Applejack yawned. “Ah know, must’ve been dreaming. Well, time to face another day. You can go ahead and get some breakfast while Ah take a shower.”

Twilight happily obliged, leaving the room, both of them letting out a sigh of relief. Downstairs, Granny Smith was in full blast making breakfast.

“Hello, dear,” she greeted. “Had a nice sleep?”

“Nice enough,” she replied, though truth be told, her head was still all foggy. With a soft smile, she added, “Must be hard work, cooking dinner to your family, and then go straight to school to do more cooking.”

“It’s what Ah live for,” Granny Smith replied. “Apple Pie?”

“Oh yes, please.”

Applejack came along before she had time to finish it, fully clothed. Was it the same clothes from yesterday, or an identical set? And for that matter, what Twilight was wearing seemed to be her only set. Wearing them two days in a row was probably fine, but eventually she would have to find a way to wash them.

Speaking of things she needed to take care of. “Say Applejack, where can I buy a phone around here? Preferably one that’s not too expensive…”

It made her eyebrows raise. “You don’t have a phone?”

“Nope…”

“Now that might be a problem if you’re gonna try and get people on yer side; they’d wanna be able to get it touch with ya.” Her face suddenly lit up. “Hold on just a moment!” With that, she ran up the stairs. She really did only have to wait a moment before she came back again, holding a small red object. “You can just plain have this one. I was my very first phone; a bit old now, but it should get the job done. Got some money left on the card, too.”

“Your first? Are you sure?”

“Well Ah am counting on y’all to get rid of Sunset Shimmer for us; Ah’m just tryna help in any way Ah can. Go on, take it.”

“Thank you.” She gave it a careful look-over. “How do I turn it on?”

“There’s a button in the side, see?” And so Applejack spent a couple of minutes showing her how to navigate the phone and entering numbers; it even had things like dictionaries and calculators. Apparently, some people even read whole books on these things!

Done eating breakfast, Applejack went upstairs to wake up Apple Bloom, and before too long, they were riding the bus towards the school. These local train-like transport on wheels still fascinated her, but they were incredibly noisy. In the very back, she spotted Fluttershy, and a few rows ahead, she saw a multicolored hairdo that could only belong to Rainbow Dash. I’ll get to talk to her soon, she told herself. But not here. This is worse than the cafeteria!

The bus stopped, and she was back on the school grounds of Canterlot High. She and Applejack were moving with the crowd towards the campus, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. “Best of luck to you, Twilight Sparkle. Looking forward to a fair competition.”

Sunset’s Shimmer’s greeting caught the eyes of many. Some averted their eyes, others looked on curiously, but why were so many of them snickering?”

“Don’t we all,” Applejack replied for her. “Now if you’ll excuse us.” She all but dragged Twilight off. She saw Sunset crack a grin, before too many students blocked her view.

“Here’s what Ah’d do if Ah were you,” Applejack began, arriving at a wall of lockers. “Skip a class or two, and head straight for the northwest wing; that’s where the fashionistas do their fancy fru-fru thing. Rarity should be there now; her classes won’t start until eight-thirty. She’s a safer bet than Rainbow Dash, and right now, we need to get people on your side stat. Ah did not like the look on that smug face.”

“Neither did I,” Twilight agreed. It worked out perfectly; she was going to have to ‘skip’ class anyway. “Alright, thanks for everything, Applejack.”

“See ya later, sugar cube,” she replied. “Give me a call when ya need me.”

***

“Hey look, it’s her.”

“Got used to the city yet, pumpkin?”

“Good luck at the Fall Formal!”

These were only some of the passing comments Twilight had received on her way to the northwest wing. Was being from out of town really so exotic and amusing that they needed to laugh at her for it? Maybe there were more bullies at this school than she’d thought.

“This should be the door,” Twilight said, because of the sign that said ‘Fashion Club’. Spike was running around her legs, his tail waggling at full speed from the excitement of finally getting to meet Rarity. She opened the door.

“Hello?” she called. It was a cozy little room, the wallpapers bright and decorative, some sewing machines on a table by a corner, and a a few sofas in the middle of the room. A green-haired female student that wasn’t Rarity looked up at her, and for some reason, gave her a chuckle. Undeterred, Twilight asked, “I’m looking for Rarity, whom I’ve been told would be here.”

“I’ll bet,” the student said with a laugh. “She should be in the side room over there.”

“Did I hear someone was looking for me?” Rarity said, who appeared through said side room just a second later. She didn’t have her horn, obviously, but otherwise, this was Rarity. She wore a light-blue shirt, and deep purple dress with a picture of her cutie mark on it. Her eyes met with Twilight’s, and she startled. “Oh! Well, I’ve certainly been expecting you; right this way.”

“Excuse me? I mean, you have?”

“You’re not the first, dear; fixing up disguises has become a bit of a side business.”

“She’s the best!” the student vouched. “You think this is my real hair?”

“Now hold on!” Twilight said, but Rarity had already ushered her into the small room and closed the door. “Why do I need a disguise?”

“Your build seem to be around the average,” she muttered, clearly having entered ‘the zone’. “The hair might pose a problem, but with a hair net, you could pull off something like what Summer Breeze has, if you don’t mind big and bushy.”

Already she was taking measurements. Spike was looking at her with a dreamy expression, but Rarity only had eyes for her work. “Please, could you explain why—”

“That dress you’re wearing is exquisite! It’s too bad we’ll have to chuck it out; too recognizable.”

“Stop it!” Twilight lashed out. This finally got Rarity’s attention, though she looked almost hurt. “I’m sorry, but could you please just tell me what's going on? People are laughing at me in the corridors, and now you’re telling me I need a disguise?”

Hurt switched over to horror. “Oh dear… you haven’t see it yet?”

“Seen what?”

“She hasn’t seen it yet,” she said, mostly to herself. Then she took a deep breath, and pulled out her phone. “Alright, sweetheart, I’ll show you, but uh… prepare yourself for a bit of a shock.”

Though Twilight didn’t know what, she had a fair idea of who. “I can take anything Sunset Shimmer can dish out.”

“Good.” She pressed the screen, and a video started playing.

“Students of CHS,” Sunsets voice, as silky as it was insincere, played over a picture of the high school, “as you all know, the Fall Formal is just around the corner, and this year, we have a treat for you: a new challenger. Very new; young Twilight Sparkle,” the video cut to Twilight walking through the corridor, taken from around a corner, “has only just transfered to our school. But instead of letting the new school life sink in, and enjoy everything we at CHS has to offer, Twilight thought she would jumps straight into thick of it, and challenge yours truly for the title of Princess of the Fall Formal. And of course, I couldn’t be more delighted.”

The video changed, now showing Twilight in the library, talking to Miss Cheerilee. It was during the time when she had shown Twilight what a phone was. “But I see a few, uhm, complications. It appears our Twilight Sparkle is so new, her brain seems a little, how should I put this, underdeveloped.”

Sunset’s voice gave way for sound recorded from the camera people’s hiding place. “…but this one is small enough to keep in your pocket,” Cheerilee was saying. “It can do all sorts of things as well; take pictures, record video, look up things on the internet… which is like a sort of information hub.”

Then it cut to Twilight sitting by the computer, the librarian explaining what a mouse pointer was. The image froze on a very unflattering image of Twilight, who looked as though she was a cave pony—human—discovering a rock for the first time. “I mean, maybe I’m being unfair, but I think our school deserves better than this. Best of luck to her next year, but for now, learn how to work that refrigerator, honey.”

It showed the school again. “The Fall Formal will happen in just two days. You know who to vote for.”

Twilight only stared, even as the video ended. “You see now,” Rarity said, pocketing the phone and picking the measurement tools back up. “If you’re to have a slimmer of a chance to beat her now, you can’t associate yourself with this Twilight on in the video.”

“This is ridiculous!” Twilight exclaimed. “It’s slander! People around here can’t be stupid enough to buy into that!”

“Oh, I don’t think they are,” Rarity assured. “Most of us understand you’re not an imbecile. The only problem is, this is how Sunset wants us to see you, and it’s much easier to simply play along, have some fun while you’re at it, than to stand up to it and risk getting caught in a backlash.”

“This is so much worse than I thought...” Twilight groaned.

“Yes, well, like you’ve just witnessed, this is life under Sunset’s Shimmer’s reign. So how about red? Or would that mesh poorly with your purple skin?”

“Rarity, I’m not getting a disguise,” Twilight told her firmly. “Nor am I backing away from this. I’ll show them all that I won’t let myself be pushed around, and that neither should they.”

“Easier said than done! If we stand by you and you lose, Sunset is going to wreck havoc on this school. Ohh, it might not even end at school; I heard one story of a boy who gave Sunset a hard time, and his mail box was filled with stink bombs when he got home! That sort of thing will only be the beginning… and honestly, even if you do win, she might get even worse!”

“That’s all the more reason we can’t let her win,” Twilight urged. “I understand what’s happening: Sunset Shimmer is a threat to your well being, so nobody wants to step up. But that’s why we all need to do it, because if we as the people of the school become a wall she can’t breach, it won’t be a simple matter of getting petty revenge.”

“I don’t know, Twilight,” Rarity said, still uncomfortable. “Sunset will graduate in only two years; many would say waiting it out would be a much safer option.”

“And let that crook do whatever she wants? So the school will be safe, but what happens after that? She will think she can get away with, and start grasping for power elsewhere. She might become mayor of the city, and then what? What if she rises to be the ruler of the whole country!”

“That’s…” Her eyes were darting back and forth. “I understand what you’re saying, but we’re risking our futures here.”

“No, Rarity, if we don’t do something, then we’ll be risking our futures. All of our futures, not just this school. But help me now, and you will have helped rid the world of a future tyrant.”

“I… oh, you and your gilded tongue! I’m in, gosh darn it!” She grabbed her hand and shook it with a smile. “I must admit, I’ve been wanting an excuse to get back at Shimmer for a long time now. Thank you for giving me the courage. I’ll see what I can do to convince the rest of my clique.”

“I appreciate your support.” Spike put his paws on Rarity’s legs, his tail still waggling furiously. Twilight snickered. “Spike says thanks too. I think he wants a rub behind the ears.”

“Oh, what a cute little darling,” Rarity cooed, squatting down to giving him a scratch. “With you on our side, Sunset won’t stand a chance, no she won’t.” She looked up at Twilight again. “In all seriousness, I do hope you have some sort of plan.”

“Kinda,” she said. “I’ve already got the music club on my side, and Applejack… oh, and Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie too, I think.”

“Not the strongest lineup, unfortunately,” Rarity said. “Just as long as Pinkie and Fluttershy doesn’t have to interact too much; those two are impossible. What we need is a boost in your reputation. And as much as I hate to admit it, the sports team captain is your best bet. If you can convince Rainbow Dash you’re ‘cool’, that should win over her admirers as well, of which I understand there are quite a few.” Rarity gave a wide grin. “Ohh, this is so exciting! It’s almost like a revolution, isn’t it.”

“I know, right?” Twilight, though she knew full well what was at stake, was starting to enjoy herself. She was usually so organized, the type who planned everything ahead to a tee, but there was something exhilarating about playing it by ear, taking each challenge as they presented themselves. It was, after all, a skill she would need to master if she were ever to become good at this whole Princess business. “Where can I find Rainbow Dash right now?”

“I’d imagine she’s in class, but if you wait until nine, she should be at the track behind the school.”

Chapter Six

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Six
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

There were a few people around the track when Twilight arrived. A rather impressive track, she had to admit, surrounding a grass field where some students were playing what looked like hoof ball, but with only two legs. The sheer balance of these humans never ceased to amaze her.

She spotted a gallery by the end of the track, where people were sitting and talking, or fiddling with their phones. A few of them laughed when they saw Twilight, but she ignored them, and they got bored pretty quickly. Eight fourty-five; another fifteen minutes until Rainbow Dash would get here. Time measurement, as far as she could tell, was indentical to Equestria, which struck her as weird, since the rotation of the globe—read from the articles online—was considerably slower in this world. Perhaps the planet was larger, or denser in mass. Either way, this was brain candy of the highest quality; for all of Sunset’s fault, she couldn’t claim she didn’t understand her fascination with this world. One could spend a lifetime here, comparing, contrasting, learning…

“…lo, Twilight.”

If Twilight hadn’t been so used to Fluttershy’s near-inaudible greetings, she would have missed it. She looked up to she her standing right next to her.

“Hi, Fluttershy,” Twilight greeted. “Are you having gym class soon?”

“Not exactly. I was just trying to pass out fliers for my animal shelter.” The stack in her hand told her it wasn’t going too well. “Can I sit here?”

“Of course!” Twilight said, beaming. “C’mere, Spike.” The dog leapt onto Twilight’s lap, and Fluttershy took a seat next to her.

“I like coming here and watch Rainbow Dash play,” she told her. “And I’m not the only one; she’s got something of a fan club. It’s just as well; this way, I can stay invisible…”

“Why’d you wanna stay invisible? Wouldn't you rather go talk to her?”

“T-t-talk to her?” Fluttershy stammered, her face bright red, as though she had suggested she would kiss her.

“Have, uh, you two never even talk to each other?” Not being friends is one thing, but the pony versions grew up together!

“Oh, we have… a long time ago. We went to the same grade school. We even used to play together out on the swings.” The memories made Fluttershy smile. “But now look at her; she’s gone so far, and me… I’m almost peddling backwards.”

“You can’t keep putting yourself down, Fluttershy,” Twilight said, trying to sound confident. “I’m sure she still wants to be your friend. You just gotta take the first step.”

“You make it sound so easy. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I don’t have the best people skills—eep, here she comes!”

Rainbow Dash was running out onto the field, keeping her eyes on a football soaring through the air. She caught it with her leg, and it bounced in a perfect arch, then squashed it under her foot before it could make a second bounce. The small audience cheered. Smiling to herself, she started making what Twilight assumed were stretching moves. In those casual shorts and sweater—the latter of which had the rainbow lightning bolt cutie mark printed on it—she looked wild, like she was born ready for action. Another perfect representation of Twilight’s pony friend.

“Alright,” said Twilight, “I’m gonna go talk to her about the Fall Formal. You wanna come with me?”

“What? N-no, I…”

“Please?” Twilight tried. “You saw the video Sunset made about me, didn't you. It will look better if somebody vouched for me.”

This was, of course, just an excuse to help Fluttershy out of her shell, but the prompt seemed to work. “O… okay.”

So they left the gallery and walked out onto the field. She would have prefered a smaller audience, but at least class hadn’t started yet.

“Hey, it’s Sunset’s new target,” Rainbow Dash greeted as they approached. “Oh, and hey there, Fluttershy! Haven’t talked to you in a while.”

“H-hello, Rainbow Dash…”

“They tell me you are the person to talk to if you I wanted meet the captain of the athletes,” Twilight said, sparing Fluttershy from carrying a conversation she clearly wasn’t ready for.

“That’d be me, yeah. And let me guess, you’re looking to get my vote for the Fall Formal.”

“Uh, yeah, that’s kind of the gist of it,” Twilight admitted. “I mean, aren’t you tired of having Sunset Shimmer always—”

“I’ll stop you right there. I know your heart is in the right place, and of course I’d love to see Sunset get hers as much as anybody, but uh,” she made a small laugh, “you? The girl who started her semester without even knowing how to work a computer?"

“I can work one just fine now!"

“Yeah yeah, I’m sure you’ve done your homework like a good little student. But here at CHS, we have this little thing called standards. Sunset Shimmer might be the queen of jerkballs, but she’s at least got pizazz.”

Twilight had known her pegasus friend to be a bit high and mighty from time to time, but this version must have nurtured that part for years without anybody putting on the breaks. It's okay, Twilight; they're not the same people.

“B-but Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy suddenly spoke up. She looked scared, but kept going. “I-I thought you hated Sunset Shimmer. You’re always talking about how you wish you could give her the ‘what for’.”

“How do you know what I've been saying?” Rainbow Dash replied with a skeptic look. “You been stalking me or something?”

“No! That’s to say, I haven’t been… not a lot, anyway…”

“Speak up, I can’t hear you.”

“O-okay, yes, I have been stalking you!” she blurted out, finally showing some assertiveness. “I’ve been watching all your matches, a-and I listen to you talk to your teammate. I know you’ve been too busy to notice me… b-but the point is, I never imagined you could be so… so…”

“I’m what, Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash took a step towards her, a frown on her face. She backed away. “I’m what?”

But Fluttershy stomped her foot down hard, and straightened her back. “Shallow!” she exclaimed, which coming from her made it sound like a shout. “I can’t believe you care about that awful video. Is ‘pizazz’ more important to you than doing the right thing?”

Something in that outburst seemed have to hit a note, because Rainbow Dash looked uncomfortable, scratching her back absentmindedly. “School’s changed, you know. It's not as simple as just ‘doing the right thing’, there is a pecking order now. You gotta be smart.” As much as Twilight didn’t want to, she understood now why Applejack wasn’t her friend. “But tell you what, Twilight Sparkle,” she added, before Twilight could tell Fluttershy they were wasting their time, “we’ll have a game of one-on-one, right here, right now. First to five goal wins. If you win, you got my vote.”

“You're on!” Twilight said without hesitation. Nevermind that she was going up against the school's top athlete, and nevermind that a small crowd was forming around them. She’d show them all. Bullies like her was the reason the likes of Sunset Shimmer could get away with anything. She absolutely could not afford to lose.

***

She lost. Oh boy, did Rainbow Dash ever mop the floor with her. Just because she didn’t have wings, it didn’t mean she didn’t fly like a hurricane; Twilight had no idea humans could move like that. At this point, she was just happy that none of Rainbow’s shots had hit her in the face

“That’s game,” she called.” Laughter rung out from the spectators. Twilight just collapsed onto the ground. Could this day get any worse? How in Equestria was she going gain anybody's trust now?

“So,” said Rainbow Dash, who was stretching out her hand for Twilight to grab. “How can I help you be princess instead of Sunset Shimmer?”

Twilight blinked, confused. “But… I lost…”

“Of course you lost! I’m awesome! I was always gonna give you my vote, but I wanted to see what sort of gal you are. It takes a lot of nerve to agree to a match with me on your second day of school, and that shows you’ve got determination. I like that.”

Relief washed over Twilight, melting the frost that had accumulated in her heart. So she wasn't a meanie. She was the same caring person she knew, thank Celestia! Grabbing her hand, she rose to her feet.

“There you have it folks!” Rainbow Dash called out to everyone watching, maybe twenty people or so. “Rainbow Dash’s vote goes to Twilight Sparkle, and if you’re awesome like me, so will yours. Let’s give Sunset Shimmer the what for!”

Some did cheer, though it was lot more muted than what Twilight had hoped. But it was a start. Plus, Fluttershy was approaching them again. “I-I-I’m so sorry!” she said, her eyes watering. “I-I didn’t know you were just acting… at least I should’ve… I’m so sorry!”

“Why’re you sorry? You were supposed to think I was a jerk. Maybe I should be the one to apologize… actually, let's just call it payback for never coming up and talk to me.”

“B-but how could I? Every time I tried to get your attention, you’d walk right past me…”

“Well, yeah, I didn’t recognize you at first—your not ten-year-old anymore—and by the time I realized it was you, you kept averting your eyes. I thought you hated me or something.”

“No no, I would never… oh,” Fluttershy said, understanding flashing in her eyes. “Oh, gosh, now I feel so silly.”

“You and me both,” Rainbow Dash agreed with a laugh. “But we’re friends now, right?”

Fluttershy’s whole face beamed. “Friends.” Rainbow Dash hugged her. Fluttershy could not have looked happier.

“So what’s next, chief?” Rainbow asked Twilight. “When do we start campaigning? Two days is already cutting it pretty tight.”

“I’m honestly not sure,” she told them truthfully. Once, she would have panicked right about now, unable to cope with the lack of a plan in such a high stakes situation, but ever since she had moved to Ponyville, and learned the magic of friendship, she liked to believe she had matured enough to know when to ask for help. “What we need is a committee meeting. I’ll call Applejack…”

“Ugh, why do we need her for!” Rainbow Dash whined. “Trust me, I know pretty much everyone at this school, and Applejack’s attitude problem is the last thing we need.”

“But Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy cut in, “the whole point of this is working together to defeat Sunset Shimmer.”

“I guess. Fine. Who else you got?”

“Well, there’s Rarity…”

“Lame!”

“…Flash Sentry from the music club…”

“He’s pretty cool.”

“And Pinkie Pie, I think; I never got her phone number.”

“On second thought, maybe we don’t need everyone to win against Sunset,” Fluttershy sulked.

“I’m sorry, girls, but there’s a method to this madness, I promise.” She typed in the quick-dial to Applejack. “Hello?”

***

The atmosphere in the room could best be described as fridgid.

All of the five ‘friends’, plus Flash, had gathered in an unused classroom. But aside from Flash, none of them looked like they much wanted to be there. On the right of the front desk stood Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, and on the left, Pinkie Pie and Applejack. Flash and Rarity were just kind of leaning against the wall.

“Alright, people,” Twilight began. “You all know why you’re here.”

“I know why I’m here,” Rainbow Dash retorted. “But I still don’t get why she’s here.” She pointed at Applejack. “I mean, Pinkie, fine, she’s the one taking care of the decoration and stuff, but what godd's she ever done?”

“I actually wanted her to—” Twilight started.

“How about supplying the whole thing with apple cider?” Applejack shot back. “And what’s wrong with just plain wantin’ to help? Heck, even Fluttershy is here!”

“She’s here because—”

“What’d you mean, ‘even Fluttershy’? You know how withdrawn she is; it took major guts for her to come here.”

“Exactly, and I think she—”

“Pfft, guts schmuts,” Pinkie said. “Fluttershy’s just trying to cover up all that meanie beanie underneath!”

“Just because I don’t go around smiling at stuff that isn’t funny,” Fluttershy said, low but quite audible. “Would it hurt you to say something sincere once in a while?”

“What?! Sincere is my middle name: Pinkie Sincere Pie! Everybody knows that!”

“Honestly Twilight,” Rarity spoke up. “You haven't even told us your plan, and I'm already having second thoughts. One hot head with an attitude problem, we could handle, but now there's three? And no offense to you, Fluttershy, but you’re hardly the ‘campaigning’ type.”

“I know it seems that way, but—”

“Don’t you start too, Rarity,” Rainbow Dash told her. “At least Fluttershy step up when it counts; you, on the other hand, don’t seem to care about anything that’s not related to fashion! Remember that time I came around and asked if you can fix a bunch of my clothes? I just wanted to get a couple of holes fixed, but you turned them all frilly! Oh, and before I forget, I’ve heard a few things about your grades too. It’s like you’ve given up on your academic life or something.”

“First off, you’re hardly the one to lecture me on tunnel vision, miss Captain of All Sports, and second, I was doing you a favor, as you sorely need to diversify your—”

“Please!”

It wasn’t Twilight who shouted, but Flash. “Come on, people, we're all here to listen to what Twilight has to say. Let her speak.”

“Thank you, Flash,” Twilight said, grateful for the opportunity. “You know what I see when I look at you? I see a microcosm of what this school has become. Is this really what you want to remember when you think back on your years in high school?”

“Duh, of course we don’t!” Pinkie Pie said. “That’s a really obvious question, Twilight.”

“Yes, well, if we let Sunset Shimmer keep doing what she’s doing, who’s to say it will stop at high school? She might rule the whole city someday. Just look at what she’s done to all of you! You could have been friends!”

“Now hold yer horses," Applejack said with a raised eyebrow. "You think she’s the reason we can’t get along?"

“It’s a nice theory, darling,” Rarity said, “but not all our problems can be traced to her. It wasn’t Sunset Shimmer who ruined the walkway show by bringing fireworks, Pinkie!”

“Whoa whoa whoa! Whoa! I never brought any fireworks to a walkway show!”

“Don’t play innocent. You sent me a text and everything, saying you wanted to ‘improve’ my show. I agreed, because I thought you only meant the decorations!”

“But I never sent a text!” Pinkie Pie said, sounding confused.

Twilight smiled to herself. Things were unraveling just the way she had suspected. Now, once Sunset’s involvement came to light, they could start on rebuilding their--

“Yes you did, look!” She showed the phone to her. “I have it saved right here.”

Pinkie Pie took a glance at it, and her eyes shot up. “Oooh, that text! Yeah, guess I did; completely slipped my mind. What can I say, your show needed more wazoom!”

Twilight’s heart sank. Or not…

“It was a walkway! ‘Wazoom’ wasn’t part of the program.”

“Well it should’ve been!”

“It’s always the same with you, Pinkie, I—”

And the room devolved into chaos. Three or four conversations at once, all throwing accusations at each other. Flash just kept quiet by the wall, and Twilight couldn’t blame him. This complicated matters. Clearly Sunset Shimmer's plan didn't involve any ‘inverted Elements’. Maybe it was time she admitted that the simplest assumption might be the correct one: different upbring, different circumstances, different people. After all, for as humbling as it was to consider, Twilight couldn’t deny that she had played an important roll bringing her Equestrian pony friends together.

Well, I’m here now!

“Stop it, right now!” she yelled, so loudly that they all fell silent at once. “So you don’t like each other. You don’t have to. But you all share a common goal: dethroning Sunset Shimmer. And for that to happen, all of you are going to have to at least tolerate one another.”

“Yeah…” Rainbow agreed with a sigh. “I said I’d help you, so I’ll put up with these bozos.”

“Right back at ya,” Applejack said. “Tell us what to do, Twilight.”

“I have a plan,” she said, and for the first time since she got here, she actually did. “Applejack, I want you to bring us Sweet Apple Acre’s finest cider for tomorrow. The best you got!”

“Ah suppose I could whip up a few fresh batches, if Ah use some o’ the spare apples from the cellar. Is it important?”

“Very important. Pinkie Pie, do you still make those gorgeous frosted cupcakes with vanilla sprinkles?”

“Aye aye captain!”

“Good, we’ll need at least a hundred! Fluttershy, you were handing out fliers before, weren’t you? Do you have a printer at home?”

“I-I do, yes.”

“Do you think you could design a flier for a meet-and-greet tomorrow at nine, and print out fifty copies?”

“Th-that sounds like a big responsibility… b-but I’ll do it.”

“A get-together, huh,” Flash said. “Want me to bring the music?”

“None of this will come together without it,” she told him. “I’ve got a song in mind that I think might get the message accross; I’ll bring you the lyrics tomorrow.”

“Looks like I underestimated you,” Rarity said, a smile returning to her face. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Well, I will need to look my best. Think you can make something that screams ‘Fall Formal Princess?’”

“I was born to. Leave it to me.”

“No way I’m gonna be outdone,” Rainbow Dash said. “You do have something for me too, don’t you?”

“Yes dear,” Rarity said, “she wants to you stand a corner and practice acting civilized.”

“Why would the captain of every sport need to ‘act civilized’.”

“Nobody is asking you to be civilized!” Twilight cut in. “I mean, please don’t be uncivilized, but especially now, I need you to be yourself. I want you to be the one to hand out the fliers, talking to people while you’re at it. Make a splash with that colorful personality of yours.”

“Sounds right up my alley!”

“Good. Then we all have our assignments. We’ll meet up again after school. We also need to exchange phone numbers, so you can call me with any questions.”

One by one, Twilight received the full set of numbers. “Awright, guess it’s time to get to it,” said Applejack. “Ah've, uh, justone small question. How’d you know Apple Acre made cider? Ah don’t think I ever told you.”

“And you knew about my vanilla-sprinkled cupcakes!” Pinkie added. “I knew it, you are—”

“Psychic, yes! I’m psychic!” Twilight said proudly, because at this point, it was the easiest explanation to give. “Now let’s go make Sunset Shimmer pay. Good luck, all of you.”

***

“Is it really gonna be okay?” Spike asked, when they were finally alone in the corridor. “Looks like they all respect you well enough, but I have a bad feeling about that meet-and-greet.”

“You think so? I have a feeling things are gonna work out just fine.”

“Oho, you got yourself a plan.”

“It is a gamble,” Twilight admitted. “And it could just as well blow up in my face. But I’m a Princess now, Spike. Who am I if I can’t set my people on the right path?”

“I'm guessing this isn’t how you imagined your new role to be put to the test, huh.”

“To tell you the truth, I still haven’t completely wrapped my head around the fact that I’m in a whole other world! But right now, I need to focus on what’s in front of me, and that’s talking to Principal Celestia. I need to secure a room where I can host the meet-and-greet, and if she's willing, ask her a small favor.”

Spike started to reply, but cut himself short. There were footsteps from around the corner.

They nearly walked into Sunset Shimmer. “Whoa! Oh, Twilight. How are the preparations going? Can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for me.”

“You keep talking down to people while you can,” Twilight returned. “If a shaming video is the best you can do, I don’t think I’ve got anything to worry about.”

“My best? Oh dear, no, that was my worst! I’m actually ashamed; I never should have resorted to such childish tactics. You’ll know when I get serious. Fun chat, Twilight.” She walked away, humming.

She knew she shouldn’t be, but that smug face still left her worried. She had fought many villains in the past, and the ones that had given her the most trouble had always been the ones with the unwavering confidence.

Chapter Seven

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Seven
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

“I think I can accommodate,” said Principal Celestia, as Twilight told her about the favor. “It’s a cheap price to pay, considering. And I have to say, I’m delighted to hear you’ve been making progress.”

“Let’s not celebrate just yet,” Twilight replied. “I need to get this thing off the ground first. To be honest, part of me feels like I'm crossing into a moral gret area...”

“Compared to what Sunset has been up to, you’re a saint. Don’t worry about it; I’ll see it done.”

“Thank you, Princess—Principal.”

“That’s the second time you’ve called me Princess,” Celestia said, a curious look on her face. “Do I perhaps remind you of someone you know?”

“I… yeah, kind of. My, uh, my mentor, so to speak. Back in my home town…” The line between truth and fiction was proving a hard one to walk. She mentally prepared herself for the follow-up questions, but to her surprise, they didn’t come.

“I see. Well, I’m honored you would treat me with the same respect as this ‘Princess’ of yours. I’ll do my best to measure up.” And with that slightly awkward exchange, Twilight excused herself.

Before long, she was headed towards the northwest wing once again. Her goal wasn’t Rarity, but just about anyone else who belonged to the same club. Luckily, the girl who had been there the first time was sitting in almost the exact same spot.

“Oh hey, it’s the Fall Formal Princess to-be!” she said. “Looking for Rarity? Good luck getting her attention now; she’s in the zone.”

“Actually, I’m not here for Rarity.” How to go about asking this… “Say, when it comes to sewing... would you you’re as good as Rarity?”

“Hah! Not even close. I mean I’m good, but if you want the best of the best, Rarity is the queen of the needle.”

“Oh, I'm not looking for a new gown or anything. Maybe you'd be willing to help me out instead?”

“Depends. How hard’s the work, and what’s in it for me?”

“You know the stuff Rainbow Dash wears? I just wanted three extra pairs of those…”

“Is that it? I could churn that out in a lunch break! If it’s for operation Get Back At Sunset Shimmer, I’ll even do it for free.” On the inside, Twilight sighed in relief; the issue of compensation was a kink she hadn’t entirely worked out yet. “I'll have it done in one hour!"

“Thank you.”

Out of the west wing, Spike asked in a whisper. “Are you going to let me in on the plan yet?”

“You’ll see. Next stop, Pinkie Pie.”

***

The pink party planner, on special leave from the Principals, had been allowed to start the cupcake preparations early, and so Twilight was making her way down a street near the outskirts of town, trying to find the right house.

“It’s at times like these I wish I was back in my pony body,” Twilight complained. “These legs are pathetic! You’re lucky you got four of them, Spike.”

“I’ll take two strong dragon legs any day. Did she say Fullberry Road, number five? That’s four over there, and that’s the river…”

All in all, the town wasn’t much bigger than Ponyville, the most notable difference being there were roads everywhere. It made sense; with legs like these, humans needed alternate modes of transportation. Looking up at those mountains, she could almost imagine she was back in Equestria. Except she was watching them from higher off the ground than she normally would. And the air tasted different. It was the little things that tripped her up.

“So yeah, I think that’s her house,” Spike said, pointing ahead. As the house in question was painted bright pink, Twilight felt rather silly she didn't notice it before. Also, the mail box was shaped like a cupcake.

Twilight knocked on the door.

There was the sound of rummaging, and with a click, the door opened. “Heya, Twilight. Come to oversee the production? It’s going pretty great; can’t let you taste them just yet, but you’re welcome to marvel at the sight!”

The Cake family ran their business in a small café downtown, but that wasn't to say their home kitchen wasn’t impressive, even more so right now that it was in full use, all kinds of bowls containing all kinds of ingredients scattered around it.

“As you can see, batch one and two are done and done, and I’m in right in the middle of mixing up three and four. It's delicate work, mind you; I can’t chat for long. And don’t get any funny ideas, Spike; I’m onto you. Wouldn’t surprise me one bit of you’re one of those talking dogs from another dimension that has the sweets for cupcake frosting!”

At that, Spike shifted his eyes nervously, and let out a meek ‘woof?’

“That’s what I thought.”

“That's okay, I was only came here to ask you something,” Twilight said.

“Sure, ask away.”

“Do you think you could make one of the batches banana flavored? I do like banana.”

“Banana flavored, eh? Interesting concept, but I’m not too sure that would work well with the recipe. Then agaaain… I don’t need to replace all the vanilla with banana powder, maybe just about half of it? What do you think, Spike?”

“Uh, sure?” Spike answered without thinking.

“Yeah, that would… wait a minute!” She turned around and stared right into Spike’s wide opened eyes.

“Woof! Woof!”

“That’s more like it. Whew, the sugar must be going to my head. I need to cut down on the taste testing. Alright, one batch of banana cupcakes, coming right up!”

“Also, do you think you could bring a few samples to the meeting this evening?”

“You got it!”

“Then I won’t take up more of your time. Keep up the good work.”

Once they were far enough away from the house, Spike said. “So is she on to me or not?”

“Who knows with Pinkie. Hopefully, no one will believe her if she told anyone.”

After a few minutes more walking, Spike said, “Banana cupcakes, though? I thought you didn’t like banana.”

“Oh I don’t, but Fluttershy does. Her pony versio, anyway; I’m assuming the same goes here.”

“You know, I think I’m starting to see what you’re trying to do. But do you really think they’ll fall for it?”

“We’ll just have to wait and see. But first, I gotta pass by the library again, and send a couple of emails. At the end of the day... as they say around here, fingers crossed.”

***

The end of the day rolled around without any hassle. One by one, her friends came to join her in the classroom where the meet-and-greet would take place.

“Alright, before we do the progress report, we need to to move these desks and chairs.”

They set too it. For the first few minutes, the work was done mostly in silence, though Rainbow Dash seemed to be determined to out-stack Applejack at any cost. Twilight was worried this would take up all of her focus, but soon enough, her priorities shifted, and she said, “So, Rarity... thanks for finally fixing my clothes. You didn’t have to make me all new ones, but I appreciate you going the extra mile.”

“I did?” she replied, looking somewhat confused. “I don’t remember getting back to your order… then again, I take so many these days, it’s hard to keep track sometimes.”

“You left a note and everything, saying you’re sorry for being late.”

“That does sound like something I’d do; customer satisfaction first, and all that.”

“Guess you’re not so bad after all.” Rainbow Dash said, smiling. Twilight held back a smile of her own. So far, operation Friendship Push was a go. Now for part two.

“Whew,” Twilight said, the task of moving tables over. “That’s that. Pinkie, did you bring the samples?”

“Did I ever!” And in no time at all, an array of cupcakes were sitting on one of the desks by the wall. “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

“Did… did you bring the banana ones?” Flutershy asked meekly.

“I sure did!” Pinkie said, and presented one with yellow topping. “Enough for everybody! Apparently, Twilight is really into bananas, so she asked me if I could make an extra batch of… but hold on, how did you know I was making them?”

“You told me. I was surprised when I got an email from you, since, you know… we haven’t exactly gotten off on the right foot.”

“Huh. Did I do that…? Must’ve been during one of my sugar blackouts. Wait, it couldn't have been; the only reason I thought to pack any for you was because that email you sent me, apologizing for that mean comment you made.”

“I…” Fluttershy seemed more than a little confused, but decided to just nod and say, “oh yes, uh, I did that.” She took a bite of the cupcake. “Oh my! Pinkie, this is amazing!”

“Speaking of amazing and apologies,” Rainbow Dash said, patting Applejack on the shoulder. “Sure, I’d love to come watch the Canterlot Soccer League match with you this weekend. How the heck did you even score those tickets?”

“Was that what the tickets were for?” Applejack asked, eyebrow raised. “I found them in my locker this morning, with a note that said ‘from an ally’. For a second there, I thought they were from you.”

“But you sent me an email! Look!” She showed her the phone, and Applejack read the screen.

“I didn’t write this!”

“Wait a minute!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “I call shenanigans! Rainbow Dash gets new clothes that Rarity doesn't remember making? Applejack makes an invitation she didn't know about And worst of all, now that I think about it, I never even had any sugar blackouts this time!”

“Yeah, and this email is sent anonymous, with a ‘signed, Applejack’ at the end! It’s weird enough that I’d go out of my way to send an email, when I could just text ya.”

“Oh yeah, that too,” Pinkie Pie agreed.

“And, uh… I never sent an apology,” Fluttershy said. “I’m sorry…”

“So if we didn’t send those emails, then…” As if a giant light bulb had lit over all of their heads at once, they turned around and exclaimed together: “Twilight!”

“Who me?” she played dumb, but doing a poor job of it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Drop the act, Twilight!” Rainbow shot. “Geez, do you think we’re stupid?”

“Yeah, Twi,” Applejack agreed. “I get that you wanna give us a ‘push in the right direction’, but honesty is important!”

Pinkie Pie nodded. "You can’t just force people to be friends. It’s gotta happen on its own, or it doesn’t count.”

“Pinkie is absolutely right,” Rarity said. “If we are to trust you, you are going to have to promise us never pull a stunt like that again.”

Twilight made a sighed. “You caught me. I’m sorry, girls, I just wanted you to stop arguing. You’re right, I should never have tried to force it.”

"As long as you’re sorry,” said Applejack. Then a silence filled the room, that awkward ‘now what?’ kind of silence. Spike looked up at Twilight with an expression that communicated ‘was that your whole plan?’.

“But, uh,” Fluttershy spoke first. “It, uh… it was a very delicious cupcake…”

“Oh, uh, thanks,” Pinkie Pie replied. “Glad you liked it…”

“Uh-huh.” She took another bite.

“And, um…” Pinkie Pie continued. “You did kind of give me an apology just now. Remember, ‘I never sent an apology, I’m sorry’?”

“Oh, I-I guess I did.” Another silence, though this time it didn’t last as long. “Listen, Pinkie Pie... I don’t think you’re that annoying as a person... just sometimes, when it’s quite inappropriate…”

“When’s it ever inappropriate for a party?”

“When the animals in the shelter are trying to sleep? It was supposed to be a silent auction.”

“Ohh… I remember now.” She averted her gaze, looking very uncomfortable all of a sudden. “Mayhaps I mighta sorta jumped to conclusions a teeny tiny bit hasty…”

“With all due respect, it wouldn’t be the first time,” Rarity spoke up. “You do have a bit of a reputation, dear.”

“I know, I know. I just wanna help lighten up the mood, you know, and…" Her expression deflated a little. "Maybe I’ve been trying too hard, what with Flash's band always drawing these big crowds, and only a handful of people seem interested in my parties anymore.”

“It’s not really a competition, Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash offered. “It’s a different type of entertainment for different folks, and these days, Sunset doesn't really like to leave room for the fun and joyful kinds of celebrations. But hey, that’s what we’re here to change, isn’t it?”

“‘Not a competition’, says the sports nut,” Applejack chuckled. “Guess you’re not all one-track.”

“For your information, Applejack, my grades are pretty darned decent. They've gotta be, or they wouldn't let me skip so many classes to play all those sports. The amount of homework I do insane.”

“Really?” Applejack said, looking genuinely surprised. “And despite all that, you still take time off yer busy schedule to help out here.”

“Duh, It’s for the school. But you know… I do have some time this weekend, and since you got those tickets anyway…”

Applejack hesitated, thinking it over. “Aw what the hay! Let’s give it a whirl.”

It was a subtle change, but it made all the difference in the world. Twilight smiled as she watched that familiar spark ignite between the five friends. With any other group of people, her plan would have been foolish, idiotic even, but she knew these five better than she knew herself. She knew how fundamentally compatible they really were.

Now it was up to her to fan that spark into a fire.

***

“Welcome to my humble abode,” Rarity said as she opened the door to her room. Applejack hadn't been the only one to offer up her home to Twilight for the night, and Rarity in particular had insisted she stayed with her.

As she was still in school, Rarity obviously had no time to run her own fashion boutique like back in Equestria, but the way she had decorated her home was nonetheless a similar sight, making it obvious she spent just as much time working on her craft at home as she did at school.

“It’s a bit of a mess,” she admitted, “but I like to call it organized chaos. You're welcome to sleep on the sofa.”

“Thanks a lot for this, Rarity,” Twilight said.

“Oh don’t thank us, you’re the one putting the school back together.” She sat down on her bed, and Spike promptly hopped up onto her lap. Petting him lovingly, he looked like he was in heaven. “And after all I’ve seen today, I’m more convinced than ever that you are the right girl for the job. You knew exactly what you were doing with that little scheme of yours, didn’t you.”

“Kind of,” Twilight said, seeing no point in hiding it. “I hope you’re not mad.”

“Not at all… well, it wasn’t exactly the most honest things you could have done, but who can argue with results? I'm impressed, more than anything; it's like you knew exactly what would make each of us tick. Are you actually psychic?”

“I’m not, really; it's just, I think I've got a pretty good sense for this sort of thing. Sorry if I came off as invasive.”

“I like that you’re being humble about it; it’s a nice counterpoint to Sunset Shimmer’s high horse. I do look forward to the meet-and-greet; why, I wouldn't be surprised if half the school showed up.”

“I’m worried half the school won’t be enough,” Twilight said. “We’ve showed them I'm not about to back down, but other than the endorsements from you and Rainbow Dash, I haven’t given them a reason to believe in me yet. That’s what I intend to change tomorrow, in what I’d like to call ‘Operation Helping Hoof’.”

“Hoof, darling?”

“The school mascot is a horse, isn’t it? I’ve been thinking, maybe we should have a proper name for this movement. Something for our ‘followers’ to rally behind.”

“Not a bad idea. So, horse themed, hoof… The Pegasus? The Unicorn?”

“No, it has to stick out.”

“Hengroen? As in, King Arthur’s horse?”

“The Wondercolts,” Twilight said, nearly whispering. It came in a flash of inspiration, and it clicked perfectly. “We’ll be the Canterlot Wondercolts!”

“That works too, I suppose,” Rarity said. Then her eyes lit up; Twilight thought she could see stars in them. “I’ve got it!” she yelled out triumphantly, standing up so quickly that Spike tumbled to the floor. “I mean, uh, perhaps I have something to add. Let me see where I put them.” She dug through some drawers, then a stack of clothes, until, “aha!” She held up what looked like a pair of clip-on accessories. Horse ears, and a tail. “What if we we all wore these as a sign of unity? It will turn heads, let people know that the Wondercolts have come to bring the school together!”

“That perfect!” Twilight beamed. “Rarity, you’re a genius!”

“I know, but thank you. So tell me more about the operation.”

“As things stands, there is a huge split between the big seven clubs at Canterlot High,” Twilight said. “And I’m convinced Sunset Shimmer created this split, for her own selfish desires. Operation Helping Hoof, in short, aims to show everyone at this schools the benefits of working as a team.”

Rarity clapped. “Sounds marvelous! How can I help?”

“Oh, I have plenty of ideas. Hear me out…”

Chapter Eight

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Eight
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

Twilight slept like a log that night. She had pushed her sleepiness off to the side for so long, she had completely blacked out the moment she pulled the blanket over her.

It was no wonder, then, that she overslept. When she checked the clock on her phone, her eyes shot up, the fog in her mind swept away. “Ten past eight?! Oh no, I’m late! Rarity?”

“Whaaat?” came Rarity’s sleep-saturated voice. “Just a few more minutes…”

“We’re ten minutes late for school!” She practically shoved the phone up to her face.

“Wha? Ten past…?” Finally, she got up. Rarity slept in a silk night gown that, even half-asleep, made her look as elegant as ever. “Oh dear, guess that is a bit late. Not to worry, my classes don’t start until nine.”

Sense returned to Twilight. She wasn’t actually a student at CHS, and the only reason she wanted to be there early was so she could better fit in. But really, more than likely, nobody cared, and even if they did, they would assume she was too busy preparing for the Fall Formal competition to go to class. “Oh, right…”

“But, I suppose we’d better get up.” She sat up and stretched her arms. “Did you sleep well?”

“Oh yes, very,” she told her, pulling off the pajamas Rarity had lent her and started putting on her regular clothes.

“Uh, not to be rude or anything, but how long have you been wearing those?” Rarity asked, pointing.

“A couple of days…?”

Rarity got off the bed, picked up the shirt and gave it a quick sniff. “Hm, not too bad. It’ll have to do for today; after all, you’ll be wearing my extra special dress for tonight.”

“Maybe I could borrow something from you in the meantime?” Twilight suggested, feeling suddenly embarrassed.

“You could, but then it wouldn’t have your mark on it.”

“You mean my cutie mark?”

“Exactly. You don’t want to go to school without showing off your mark, would you? I suppose I’d be willing modify some of my own clothes, but then we really would be late.”

“That’s okay, I’ll just wear what I have.” So cutie marks don’t appear naturally on the body, but it’s something people want to wear? Like, on instinct? But since Twilight couldn’t think of a way inquire further without giving away that she was actually from another dimension, she pushed the thought aside.

Once teeth were brushed and Spike woken up, they set off. Rarity’s house was about a ten minute’s walk from school, so Twilight took the opportunity to ask Rarity, “Is it true what Rainbow Dash said? That you don’t care about your academic career?”

“You can hardly blame me,” she replied with a dry voice. “I'm not the only one. I’m lucky to have found my passion, and that it’s something I can practice at school, because when it comes to the usual curriculum, I don't suspect I'll be attending my graduation anytime soon. I do show up to class, otherwise they would toss me out, but I spend most of that time coming up with new designs. It’s more common than you might think at this school, and Sunset Shimmer hasn’t exactly made it any better.”

While perusing the articles on the internet, Twilight had studied up on the school system of this world. It seemed these people put a great deal emphasis on scores and diplomas, companies often judging new applicants based not on what they were instinctively good at, but how well they had performed during their school years. In other words, cutie marks over here didn’t grant that same instinctual guidance that ponies got from theirs. One might say that adolescence in this world was one, long cutie mark crusade.

“Won’t they hold you back a year?”

“Not at Canterlot High, they won’t. Ever since they got into debt, they simply can’t afford to. But I know I’ll be okay; as long as I have my expert needlework and a good sense for all things fabulous, I have a bright future ahead of me.”

“If you say so.” As horrifying as it seemed, having to stay in school, even though you’d all but given up on it, it wasn’t Twilight's place to question the rules and ethics of other cultures. What baffled her the most was that, around these parts, Rainbow Dash was the one who cared about her academic achievements, and—

“Students of Canterlot High,” Sunset’s voice resounded, coming from the direction of the school. She was using the school speakers, loud enough that it most likely resounded across the whole town. That sweet, silky but obviously fake enthusiasm was grating to Twilight’s ears; it was as if Sunset considered everybody in school to be babies compared to her. “The Fall Formal is tomorrow night, and as you all know by now, this year sees the bid between myself and the newcomer, Twilight Sparkle. I understand she has already made a positive impact around campus, and some of you are no doubt considering casting your vote for this newcomer, but I have a few simple reminders to all of you as to why voting Twilight Sparkle might come with a few problems down the line.

“First and foremost, why change what has worked so well in the past? Let us not forget that it is because of my dear uncle Rich that we all get to enjoy going to high school in this small suburb. Could you imagine having to commute all the way to Crystal Prep in the city, only to be kicked out by their ridiculously high standards? Why, we would be a town of imbeciles! Vote Sunset Shimmer, and I can guarantee the school will remain funded for years to come, long after my own graduation.

“My second point is something I think will speak to all of you personally. Very personally. After all, personal secrets are so easy to find out these days, what with cell phone being wide open for hackers, not to mention your lockers being anything but locked to a skilled thief. And don’t we all hate it when some embarrassing fact you happened to have scribbled down on a piece of paper in the depth of your backpack—which you thought was safely stored away—becomes public knowledge? For example, did do you that a certain student—not naming any names, of course—made a triple sugar croissant to give to one of the Principles, and that it made her sick for days? The poor students was given a week’s worth of extra homework. You get my point. Vote Sunset Shimmer, and allyour secrets will be forever safe.

“Remember, Sunset Shimmer cares about Canterlot High. She knows the school inside and out. Twilight Sparkle does not. So vote for the one you feel deserves the title.”

By the time the broadcast ended, Rarity and Twilight had reached the school. Twilight stared into space, the temperature in her head rising. “She… she’s blackmailing them!” she exploded, throwing her arms into the air. “She’s holding people’s secrets at ransom?!”

“This… might be bad,” Rarity agreed with a worried tone. “Everybody’s got something to hide, and I’m sure Sunset Shimmer and her goons has been collecting them for years. A good many people are going to be affected by this threat.”

“And that bit about funding,” Twilight said, head reeling. “She made it sound as though she'll shut down the school if she doesn't win!”

“I’m sure she won’t go that far,” Rarity said, “but it might mean we can no longer count on the Principals for support.”

“I’m sure that was the plan,” Twilight said, still fuming. “Well, if she thinks that’s all it takes to douse the school spirit, she’s got another thing coming!” She opened up her bag—borrowed from Rarity—and extracted the clip-on ears and tails. “Time for the Wondercolts to get to work!”

***

The drama club held their activities in what looked like a big storage room by the gymnasium, converted to fit a stage. When Twilight Sparkle entered, the rehearsal in play stopped. She hadn’t meant to draw so much attention, only have a word with the one in charge, but now all six of the people present were staring at her.

“Hello,” she greeted. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I’m here to—”

“We know why you’re here, Twilight,” some guy with red hair and a purple vest said from the stage. “And we’re sorry, but you’ve already lost our votes.”

“B-but I haven’t said anything yet.”

“Sunset already did,” a green-haired girl with a beret spoke. “And we’re the drama club. You get what we’re saying, don’t you?”

“I’m not sure I do…”

“She’s saying we’re the school weirdos, geez,” said a blue-skinned girl with striped hair of white and turquoise. She seemed awfully familiar. “Out of all the people in CHS, who do you think has the most ‘embarrassing personal secrets’? That’s right, we do!”

“Oh,” Twilight said.

“Well spoken,” the red-haired guy remarked. “‘Oh’ sums up exactly how we feel. We’re really sorry; nobody wants to get back at Sunset Shimmer more than we do, but she’s got us by the collar.”

Twilight was afraid of this would happen. Today was going to be a a bigger challenge than what she’d hoped. Fortunately, a straight-up begging for votes had never been part of the plan to begin with; this only meant she had to wiggle a little. “I understand. Of course I won’t ask you to do anything that would put your own happiness at risk.”

“Yeah, sorry,” the beret-wearing girl said. “You seem cool, though. I like those ears; wanna join the drama club? You haven’t joined one any club yet, right?”

“I’ll pass for now. Actually, the Fall Formal wasn’t the only reason I came here. I was told you guys were short of costumes?”

“It’s not so much that we’re short, just that everything we have is old and and ragged. We’d love to get some new ones, but the guys and girls over at the northwest wing charge way more than we can afford.”

“That’s sort of what I came here to talk to you about. People have told me it’s been a while since you last performed a public play. The fashionistas wanted me to tell you that they're willing to fix up everything you need, free of charge, as long as you name them as your sponsors.”

“Did they now?” the red-haired guy said. “Well, we have been thinking about getting back into the game… but as I recall, last time we tried to collaborate with them, they flat-out told us it wasn’t worth their while. Why would they change their minds now? Are you sure this isn’t a campaigning trick?”

“No no; it’s just that I've been talking with Rarity, and she agreed it was a good way for her club to reach out to new potential customers. This isn’t about the Fall Formal.” For the most part, but a little white lie never hurt anyone…

“I’m still skeptical,” the blue-skinned girl said. “If they wouldn’t listen to the Great and Powerful Trixie, why would they change their tone for you?” Oh, that’s where I knew her from! “Why, I’m practically the second top dog at this school. If it wasn't for Sunset, I’d so be Fall Formal Princess.”

“Then why don’t you run?” the girl with the beret commented. “The door has opened up for competition; now’s your chance.”

“W-well, this isn’t Trixie’s time."

“Just admit it, you’re afraid of Sunset Shimmer, just like the rest of us.”

“Okay fine, I admit it! If people found out where I’m from, and what I had to do to get here, I’d…ahmph,” she cleared her throat. “Not that it’s of any concern of yours… Twilight Sparkle, was it? While we appreciate your playing the mediator, I’m afraid you’re wasting your time. Maybe you don’t have any embarrassing secrets, but us normal suburban folks have more than a few skeletons in our closets. Regardless of your intentions, listening to anything you have to say right now is too much of a risk. And and mark my words, it will be the same everywhere you go.”

“W-we’ll be happy to consider the offer after the Fall Formal,” the beret girl said. “And I’d totally vote for you, if my hands weren’t tied. You understand.”

***

“While healthy snacks for our long work sessions would appreciated,” a glasses-wearing purple guy, introduced as Micro Chips, told Twilight during her visit to the computer hall, “it’s obvious to me you are merely trying to score points for the upcoming Fall Formal.”

“I dunno, Chips,” said the other person in the room, a short, yellow girl with poofy orange hair, also wearing glasses. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been so absorbed in my work, I've forgotten to eat all day! A bowl of apple snacks at the ready would help out out a lot. We could design that website for the cooking club in no time; it doesn’t have to have anything to do with the contest at all.”

“Oh no, Scribble Dee,” Micro Chips said. “I know what you’re thinking, but this time, we’re playing it safe. As the head of the technology club, I need to do what’s best for the future of our members. Aiding in Sunset’s opposition, in any small capacity, seems like just the kind of thing that would result in in a sudden influx of viruses.”

“But we’re always dealing with viruses and stuff,” argued Scribble Dee. “Like every other week; it’s like Sunset’s hired her own team of elite hackers just to mess with us. And don’t try to pretend it’s not her sending them; why else would she be doing all these ‘routine visits’ that none of the other clubs have to deal with? I’m telling you, she has it in for us.” Twilight had a suspicion she was right. From the sound of it, hacking seemed a lot similar to magic—much like Sunset had ‘hacked’ the anti-teleportation field—and as a high level student of magic, there was no way she would resist testing the boundaries.

“All the more reason to keep our heads low,” Micro Chips insisted. “There’s nothing we can do against power and influence. She could have us shut down like that.”

“Not if we put our minds together and start working on that firewall,” Scribble countered. “Y’know, like I’ve been saying for years? I don’t understand why we’re still cowering in the shadows when we could do some good around here, like I dunno, protect people’s phones from being hacked?”

“And I don’t understand why you feel the need to go poking the bear, Scrib? If you want to give your vote to Twilight, that’s on your head; the technology club is officially backing away. Tell the cooking club we can’t accept their offer.”

Scribble Dee let out a groan. “Well, Twilight, looks like that’s how it’s gonna be. I’m sorry, but I guess you’ll have to settle for my own measly vote.”

“Don’t worry about it; I’m grateful for your support,” Twilight replied, and though she meant it, she hid her underlining disappointment reasonably well.

She leaned back on her chair ans sighed. “I guess I shouldn’t blame the others too much. I understand she’s a dangerous bear to poke, but I can’t help it, she just makes me so mad! Anyway, I’ll do what I can to talk it over with other members, but don't expect a miracle.”

***

Though she had failed her appeal to the club, at had at least secured one vote. This shouldn’t be downplayed; if anyone knew perfectly well how a single new friend could turn the tide, it was Twilight. Still, Operation Helping Hoof was going nowhere fast. If nothing else, she now had at least one person from every club on her side. Minus the dramas…

Don’t be discouraged, Twilight. You are making progress, step by step. All you need to do is keep banging your head against the problem until cracks start to appear!

The moment she stepped into the greenhouse that was the ‘club room’ for the eco club, the aroma and calm nature helped untangle her nerves. She took a deep, soothing breath.

“Hey, I know you.” A sudden voice made her yelp. “You’re that Twilight Sparkle! Fluttershytold us about you.” A girl with long green hair and a hat approached her. “She usually keeps to herself, but yesterday, she was more talkative than I think I’ve ever seen her, and she’s been giving you glowing reviews. The name’s Sweet Leaves, by the way.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” she replied. Sweet Leaves then held out a hand, which Twilight stared at for a moment, unsure of how to react.

“Oh, you’re more of a fist bump person?” She clenched her hand into a fist, and held it closer.

Fist bump… oh, hoof bump! “Uh, yeah, hehe.” She bumped her clenched fist onto hers, which actually kind of hurt. Hands were no substitute for hooves. “I-I’ve heard heard good things about you as well,” Twilight said, trying to remember what she actually knew about these people. Which, she quickly realized, was nothing at all, so she took her best guess. “You’ve been doing a great job keeping the school yard clean.”

“Thanks.” Phew, bingo. “You wouldn’t believe how many people think the yard is just another trash can. If only we’d get money to install more actual trash cans around campus, it wouldn’t be a problem. But, as we all know, this whole place is strapped for cash. Just imagine all the good we could do if we had a decent budget.”

“Such as?” Twilight asked, sensing this was a prompt.

“I’m glad you asked,” she said, her face suddenly beaming. “The plumage is super old and leaks in several places; new ones would cut down costs as much as 12%. Not to mention the whole issue with the power supply still being hooked up to the old fossil fuel grid.” Ah yes, fossil fuel; the articles had mentioned those, how they polluted the air, and could result in long-time changes in the the world’s eco-systems. “That’s like 80% of the power costs gone right then and there if we could install solar power instead, which we already got several lying around, by the way! Oh, and don’t get me started on all the ‘broken’ equipment we could fix up; I had to fight tooth and nail to convince them to keep the old heaters around.”

“You, uh, seem well versed in economics,” Twilight said.

“Duh, we’re the eco club. That’s ecological and economical. You’d be surprised how much one depends on the other. So how about it, Twilight? Wanna join up with us?”

“I-I might consider it later,” she told her. So that was her angle. Still, it was vindicating to see that Sunset’s shaming video had made virtually no impact. “But as for now, I might have a suggestion for you. I’ve talked to Pinkie Pie and Applejack from the cooking club, and they’ve both agreed to the idea of hosting a bake sale to raise money for clubs that might need it. And it sounds to me that helping this club will end up freeing up money for us all.”

“They’d do that for us?”

“Yup, and that’s not all; the music club’s getting in on the action tool; they’ll be playing some tunes during the sale. A ‘come for the food, stay for the music’ situation.”

“Twilight, you are a genius! Let’s see, the average successful bake sale racks in somewhere around $400, and with the music, that might get bumped to to $600; then we could pay the techies to install the solar panels, then use the rest for professional pluming…” She was muttering fast, no doubt doing precise calculations in her head. “…and we’d have money to spare for for some quality trash cans! When can we get this show on he road?”

“As early as next week, I’d imagine.”

“Neato! Seriously, thanks for this… but now I kinda feel like a jerk.” Twilight’s heart sank, because she knew what was coming. “I get it, you wanna get our votes for the Fall Formal, but I’m sorry. You heard what Sunset Shimmer said: she’ll cut the schools budget like that, and then we’d have to start making bake sales just to keep the lights on.

“Yeah… that’s alright,” Twilight said. “And really, this isn’t just about the Fall Formal; I really do want to make the school better place.”

Sweet Leaves gave her an apologetic smile. “We need more people like you around. Again, I’m sorry. Between you and me, I’d really like to see you win that crown.”

Chapter Nine

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Nine
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

Lunchtime was just around the corner, and Twilight’s operation had all but ground to a halt.

“I know I keep saying this, but this school is in worse shape than I thought,” Twilight told Spike, alone in the corridor again. “At this rate, I’m not too sure the meet-and-greet is going to work out. We need to inspire confidence and positivity, but I just don’t have a clue what would work anymore…”

“Maybe we could do it with a song,” Spike suggested. “Like, in the middle of lunch break, just burst into a catchy tune and make everyone cheer for you.”

“Yeah, that probably wouldn’t fly in this world,” Twilight said. “I haven’t had the urge to burst into song once since I got here. Not even Pinkie Pie’s so much as hummed. That being said, there is a music club, which leads me to believe music's is important to humans, even if it isn't a natural instinct. And I do have song in my head for the meet-and-greet, but I’ll need the other’s help to finish it. There’s some choreography involved, too. Oh Celestia, I hope it’ll be enough…”

“Why don’t we go to Celestia?” Spike suggested. “If there’s anyone here with as much skin in the game as you, I’d be her. She did tell you to come back if you ever needed guidance.”

Even if it wasn’t the same Celestia, the idea of receiving more help from at least a version of her mentor made her smile. “That’s a good idea, Spike.”

A few minutes later, they were greeted by the tall figure of Celestia’s human form, standing by the window in her office. “Oh, hello Twilight.”

Though her back was straight, her face made it obvious that she hadn’t had much peace of mind as of late. “Hi…” Her mind froze for a second. What would she ask her? When in doubt, start with the obvious. “Thanks for those tickets yesterday.”

“Oh, it was nothing. I’m glad they helped.”

Her even tone made Twilight worried. “Are you feeling alright?”

“I didn’t sleep a wink last night,” Celestia admitted. Then, affording her a meek smile, she added. “You, on the other hand, have done wonders, bringing some of the most unlikely allies together. I never thought I’d see the day when Rainbow Dash and Applejack would talk to each other in the hallway.” Her smile fell away at once. “But Sunset has made my worst fears come true. You heard the announcement.”

“About cutting the funds?”

“She isn’t joking, Twilight. She knows you’re serious now, and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Our only solace is that Sunset Shimmer is a proud one, and now that the race is underway, I find it hard to imagine she would try anything too underhanded, as it might undermine her victory. That’s not to say she hasn’t done plenty of damage already. I can no longer carry favors for you, or even lift a finger to help in any practical way. All I can offer you now is my words.”

“Your words are more than enough,” Twilight said, walking over to her. “I’ve tried mending the chasm between clubs, but Sunset’s threat is still too fresh in their minds. I need to convince them that we need to stand together as one, united school, but the way things stand…”

“You’ve done remarkably well as it is,” Celestia said. “I have tried these sorts of ventures in the past myself, but none of them went over especially well. People already have their concerts by the music club; to them, that’s more than enough. It’s how the social echo system has functioned ever since before the Rich family ‘saved’ our school…”

“But the drama club and technology club seemed open to my ideas,” Twilight protested. “I even had one student tell me outright she wanted to help.”

“And this, my dear, speaks to your strength of character.” Celestia afforded her another small smile. “They recognized the charisma that made Rainbow Dash side with you, and your effort in spreading the word has no doubt engaged a lot of people. Who knows, maybe all we need is a little extra something that pushes the over the edge.”

“Something that…” Glorious inspiration flooded through her head. “I’ve got it! Or rather, I think I’ve got it. First I need someone to agree to help…“ She trailed off, then shook her head. “No, it has to start with me, doesn’t it…”

“What’s on your mind?”

“They’re all afraid of having their secrets exposed,” Twilight said, “but what if we took that fear away?”

“You intend to convince a school full of teenagers that their own personal secrets are less important than the uncertain promise of a better future?” Celestia asked, eyebrows raised in skepticism.

“I know what it sounds like, but that’s exactly why I gotta be the one to set the example. If I can get just a few more people to follow my lead, It might send a strong enough message…” It was a fifty-fifty shot at best, but right now, it was the best Twilight could come up with.

Celestia looked into her eyes for a couple of moment, as if contemplating something. Then, lowering her head, she said, “Very well. Desperate times do call for desperate measures, and you’ve certainly showed me you have a smooth tongue. If anyone call pull it off, I believe it’s you.”

Twilight nodded. This was going to be tricky; her only secrets was that she was actually from a world populated by talking little ponies, and that she was a real, actual princess. Since that was off the table for obvious reasons, she would have to make a few things up. Could she do that while sounding sincere enough? Maybe if one of her friends took the lead instead…?

But even the slightest of consideration made it clear that asking someone else to do this for her was unacceptable. Lead by example. Even if those examples would be a bit embellished.

***

“Attention, all students!”

Lunch, the one time you could be sure every students were gathered in the same place. Seeing them all together like this, it occurred to her that this wasn’t a very big school, its student body consisting of maybe a little more than a hundred students. She wasn’t too nervous; she’d talked to bigger crowds before. But then, Sunset Shimmer was in this crowd, sitting in a corner, ready to judge and counterattack.

“Back in the mountains where I came from,” Twilight began, once she was sure every eye was on her, “we still used diapers at the age of ten!”

She let it sink in. Was the lie to obvious? But just like she hoped, a good many people burst out laughing. Fluttershy and Applejack looked the most embarrassed, while Rarity and Pinkie seemed to snicker along. Rainbow Dash’s expression was simply non-plussed, like she wanted to know where this was going.

“And that’s not all,” Twilight continued. “When I was a young teenager, I didn’t know you weren’t supposed to use diapers in school, so on my first day, people would laugh themselves silly when they saw white sticking up from my bulging pants.”

A few laughed harder, but more and more were beginning to look really uncomfortable.

“And if you think that’s embarrassing,” Twilight said, quite proud of this one, “the name ‘diaper girl’ stuck so hard, I accidentally introduced myself as diaper girl to my first crush!”

“Hey, you wearing any diapers now?” called one of the people who had laughed, while a good portion of the crowd looked like they really didn’t want to be there right now. Exactly the reaction she was hoping for, which made the comment easy to brush off.

“And you wanna hear hear about the time I called my crush’s mom instead of my own? You’re gonna—”

“Stop it!” someone shouted; one of the drama people, the one with the beret. “No we don’t want to hear more of your diaper stories! Why are you telling us this!”

“Because none of this matters in the least!” Twilight said, finally getting to the point of it. “I did those things, and I’ve learned from them. They are part of who I am, and I like who I am. What I’m trying to say is, accepting your past, especially when it’s just silly things that makes for fun stories in the present, is an excellent way to prepare yourself for the future. Because our past is not today! Not unless you decide to let it.”

Twilight cast a glance at Sunset Shimmer that nobody could miss. And looking out over the crowd, it seemed a lot of them, if not most of them, understood what she was getting at. She expected Sunset to speak up at any moment now, but Rainbow Dash beat her to the punch. “Well I, for one, agree with diaper girl. But man, Twi, diapers? That’s nothing; when I first went to school, I was walking around with an embarrassing hole in my pants all week. Fluttershy can attest to that.” Fluttershy immediately shrunk into her seat. “Let’s face it, we’ve all had more than a few stinker moments on our lives.”

Almost as if in sync, more-so than Twilight could have possibly planned for, Applejack pitched in, “Hey, Ah live on a farm! Ever had to stay up all night taking care of a sick pig, and then try to explain why ya smell like manure the next day?”

The people who had laughed at Twilight were now laughing harder than ever. Beret girl, on her end, looked like she was about ready to snap. Which she kind of did. “Sure, it doesn’t matter; except when people are laughing at you!”

“Laugh with you,” Pinkie Pie corrected. “They’re only gonna laugh at you if you act like it’s the end of the world. Take me for example; I made the Principals sick with a sugary croissant, and… wait, Sunset already said that. Well, what about mixing up sugar and baby powder, ‘cause I did that too! That was one interesting cupcake!”

“And I sang off-key during my junior high theater festival!” It was Scribble Dee from the technology club. “And then I made this five-second pause in the middle of the song; I thought I was gonna die! There, now the whole school knows!” she pointed at Sunset. “Do your worst!”

“And like, I had a crush on Rarity, once,” Minky from the fashion club said. “Oh, gosh, I said it!” In the corner of her eye, Twilight saw Rarity blush.

“That’s not a secret, anybody with eyes see that,” said a girl with an accent—Photo Finish, if memory served. “I once published a photo without realizing my little sister was in the shot, all naked! It nearly cost me my career.”

People were still laughing alright, but the quality of the laughter wasn’t quite the same. The tension and embarrassment had been replaced by something else, something friendlier, like they were all in on a big in-joke. “I collect dolls,” one guy said. “So sue me!”

“I threw up in front of my hero last year!”

“I’m a hoarder! My whole back yard is a dump!”

“I’m a failed magician!” Trixie shouted out. “I lived out in the woods! I had to save up money by working on a rock farm!”

Twilight’s smile widened; things were definitely turning around. She knew perfectly well that this hardly equated to every student suddenly voted Twilight, and that all this would be for nothing if she didn’t follow it up with some real, substantial effort. After lunch, it was time to set Operation Helping Hoof in—

BAM!

Twilight jumped. The blast had come from behind her; from the kitchen. The students became dead silent, the same face of ‘what in the heck’ plastered on every face. Next moment, the door to the kitchen swung open, and a figure covered in a black mantle rushed out of a haze of black smoke, straight towards the other door, then fled out the corridor.

“Stop!” Twilight called, and by her practiced sense for facing danger, she ran after the figure. She could hear people follow behind her. The perpetrator was fast, but for some reason, they stopped by the corner to look back before continuing, almost as if they were waiting for her to catch up.

That stature, that skin color; it reminded her of… but that was ridiculous!

Again cursing her weak limbs, Twilight nonetheless kept her pursuit… that was, until Rainbow Dash, well, dashed past her. The figure nonetheless managed to disappear behind another corner. Dash followed, but then came a ‘whoa!’ and she jumped back into view.

When Twilight finally rounded the bend, she saw the figure holding a big sledgehammer, in a pose that told her she was ready to strike.

“Who are you?” Twilight demanded. “What did you do in the—”

The figure swung the hammer. Not at her, but at the wall… no, not the wall, an open case attached to the wall. The case containing the fuse box.

There was a loud crack, accompanied by a firework of sparks, marking the end of the machinery. And with it, no more electricity to the school. All lamps dimmed, casting the corridor into semi-darkness.

The other students were finally catching up. As if the figure had waited for enough of them to arrive, they pulled off their hood.

Twilight was so shocked, she couldn’t even say her name. So Rainbow Dash did instead. “Principal Celestia?!”

The Principal of the school only stared blankly at her students. Then, with a small sigh, she spoke, “It’s over, children. Canterlot High has no future. I’ve spent months trying to pretend it isn’t true, but it all ends now.”

“Are you out of your mind?” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “You don’t like your job, so you’re just gonna blow up the school equipment?”

“Absolutely insane, isn’t it,” Celestia replied. The pain in her voice was so thick, Twilight couldn’t find it in her to muster up the appropriate outrage. “I’m at my wits end. Watching the school decline day in and day out, with no hope of change…”

It was at this moment that the rest of the teaching staff came running. Cheerilee, she recognized, and also Fancy Pants, and Cranky Doodle. Even Zecora, Twilight’s zebra friend in the pony world. And Luna. Celestia’s little sister, her hair two shades of blue against light blue skin. Her eyes traveled to her sister’s face, then to the sledgehammer. “What is the meaning of this?” she demanded.

“This, ladies and gentlemen,” Sunset Shimmer said, making her way to the front of the crowd, “is just what it looks like. One of the school’s own Principals has taken a hammer to school equipment! But not before she set off a bomb in the kitchen!”

“You did not!” breathed Luna, giving her sister a look of terror.

“I made sure all students and staff were out of harms way,” she assured her. “But yes. It had to be done.”

“This is almost too delicious!” Sunset was saying. “Oh, you can bet Mr Rich will have a field day with this. I can see the headlines now: Principal of high school loses her mind and destroys property.’”

“Mr Rich will find that the Principal did not destroy any school property,” Celestia replied. “I turned in my form of resignation earlier today. I even handed him a copy personally. What I did today is on m,e and me alone.”

The smile on Sunset’s face dropped instantly. “Hmph,” she scoffed. Something about the look the two of them exchanged right them seemed… off. Twilight couldn’t quite put her finger on it. “Still, have fun rotting in a prison cell for the next year or so.” With a laugh, she added, “Geez, you must’ve just hated your students. You’re a smart woman; you must know that all you’ve really accomplished here is making life all the more miserable for all the poor students who has to live with your mistakes. And this kind of damage isn’t going to be cheap, you know…”

“My sister Luna will take care of things in my absence,” Celestia said. “I trust that she will find a way to salvage the situation.” The sentence was immediately followed by a quick glance at Twilight. It went by so fast, she almost missed it, but she knew what it meant. Her heart skipped a beat; suddenly it all made sense! “As for my prison sentence, that’s assuming the police will be able to find me. I am quite good at hiding. On that note, I bid you farewell, children.”

They all watched her run down the corridor. Nobody followed, not even Rainbow Dash. Before she had even disappeared from sight, Sunset gave another laugh. “There you have it, folks! How very appropriate; now it doesn’t matter whether or not you’re worried about some silly little secrets, because if you don’t vote for me, there’s no guarantee my uncle will restore everything to normal, is there. Imagine your school life with no food or electricity; no sewing machines for the fashionistas, and the dramas will have to practice in the dark. And the ever so popular music club won’t be able to power up their amps. But vote Sunset Shimmer,” she stretched out her arms, as if she meant to embrace them all, “and all of your worries will be washed away.”

“No,” Twilight said firmly, taking a step forward. “No, they won’t. Because Sunset isn’t going to just ‘fix it.’ All she’s going to do is put the school in more debt than ever! The Rich Family will own every single aspect of your education, and if you think this isn’t going affect the rest of your lives, you’re wrong. I’m not going to defend Principal Celestia’s action,” she added, but in her heart, she knew that wasn’t true. She understood perfectly well why she had done it, and the task she had left in Twilight’s hands. “But she did it because this school had driven her into a corner! She wanted nothing more than to make this a better place for everybody, but she felt powerless to do so. It’s a shame she never realized that we had that power all along!”

“Ugh, you just love your long-winded speeches, don’t you,” Sunset moaned. “Fine, how are we going to fix it?”

“I’m glad you asked! Sweet Leaves,” she addressed the eco club member, “you told you had a bunch of solar panels lying around, but you couldn’t install it on your own. Techies, how fast do you think you can help them set them up?”

“We can’t do it from here; we’d have to manually insert the cables in all sorts of different places,” one from the technology club members responded. “That’s assuming these solar panels are of a compatible model…”

“They are, I’ve double checked,” Sweet Leaves interjected.

“Okay, but even then it’ll still take us five hours, at best!”

“Then you have your work cut out for you,” Twilight told him. “We’re all counting on you.”

“Hey, none of us signed up for this,” another member complained. “Why should we have to stay behind at school just because the Principal went psycho?”

“I’ll give you cupcakes,” Pinkie Pie pitched in.

“And Ah’ve got some o’ Apple Acre’s best cider.”

“Not to mention,” Rarity said, and approached the guy with the sweetest smile on her lips. “You would be the heroes of the school. I would be ever so grateful.”

“Uh, sure, when you put it that way…” Ah, same old Rarity.

“Pfft, don’t let her feminine viles get to you,” a female member cut in. “I had a TV show to watch this afternoon!”

“Look, nobody’s forcing anybody to stay.” It was Flash Sentry who spoke up. “I understand we all have our lives to take care of. But I, for one, care about this school a whole heck of a lot. So you let me know if there’s anything I can do to help, Twilight.”

The female member faltered. “I-I mean, I guess I could just have mom record it for me…”

“I mean, why not?” a guy from the crowd agreed. “Someone’s gonna need to take care of this, why not us?”

“I could bring food! I bake some pretty good scones, if I do say so myself.”

“Are we gonna live on scones until we graduate?”

“No no, just until they can fix the kitchen… oh.” The girl in the crowed seemed to catch on to the dilemma.

“Yes, I’m afraid unless we can fix up the kitchen, we’ll just have to ask Mr Rich after all.”

“Darn tooting!” Granny Smith’s voice could be heard from somewhere back. “It’s a battlefield back there. Ain’t nobody gonna put those ovens back together.”

This put a damper on the momentum Twilight had built up. Sunset snickered. “Well well, unless there’s anybody who can magically fix broken ovens,” as if to mock her, she glanced at the remaining Principal, “how about we let Principal Luna here make the phone call.”

“Wait,” someone from the crowd said. Yellow skin, blue and pink hair; Twilight recognized her as Bon-Bon. “I-I’m in the cooking club, and uh, like I said before… I’m a hoarder. I actually have two old oven stored in the back yard that I’m not using. Couldn’t we have them brought them here?”

“Oh please, as if two ovens are gonna be enough for the whole school,” Sunset remarked.

“What about the old home-ec ovens?” Applejack suggested. “The eco club refused to throw ‘em out. Couldn’t our techies here fix ‘em up?”

“We’ll have our hands full with the power!”

“I’ll call for repairs,” Rarity spoke up. “On me.”

“Are you sure?” asked Twilight.

“Of course I’m sure; not to brag, but it’s petty change compared to what I rake in.”

“Really, Principal,” Sunset shot at Luna, “are you just going to allow the students to do the professionals’ job? This is slave labor! Their parents will complain.”

“I’m sure some of them will,” Luna agreed. “But others might be pleased to learn that this school is teaching them a thing or two about resourcefulness. Surely Mr. Rich will understand the importance of saving money wherever you can.”

Sunset face darkened. “Fine. I look forward to seeing how far you can make it on your own. And I hope for your sake those secrets of yours don’t mean anything to you.”

“Hah!”

Every head turned, as Scribble Dee walked forward with a grin on her face. “Did you hear that, everyone. Sunset just said she was going to out our secrets! Right from the horses mouth, no subtlety whatsoever.”

Her eyes narrowed, and the two exchanged looks where words such as ‘poisonous’ and ‘murderous’ came to mind. She’d had the vague impression before, but now it was fairly clear to Twilight these two had some sort of history together. “I confess nothing,” Sunset said. “What are you trying to say?”

“Only that your thoughtless comment just now has painted you into a corner,” Scribble replied. “And as you are well aware, we of the technology club know a thing or two about hacking. There hasn’t been a virus you could throw at us that we haven’t been able to delete. Just try to leak any of our secrets now; it won’t matter how well you cover your traces, we’ll all know it was you. Sure it wouldn’t hold up in court, but I think Mr Rich, good with numbers as he is, would be capable of putting two and two together. Or the school board.”

“You…!”

“…can go right ahead and leak those secrets, if you dare. Who knows, you might even get away with it, but like we demonstrated earlier, a lot of us don’t care about those secrets anyway. Seems like a lot of risk for a relatively small reward.”

To Twilight surprise, Sunset didn’t even look mad. “Well played.” And with those two words, she walked away. Twilight was convinced Sunset would return with a bigger, meaner scheme in the future, but for now, the battle was won.

“Nice going, Scribble!” Rainbow Dash said, reaching her arm around her neck. “Way to give her the what for!”

“Yes, well, I must admit,” said Micro Chips, who looked quite a bit more humble than before, “that was, uh, quite remarkable.”

“Thanks,” Scribble said. “I’m just sick of her trying to boss us around, is all. I think it’s about time we put an end to Sunset's reign of terror, and I don’t know about all of you,” she turned to Twilight, “but I think this girl right here is just what we needed.”

“Thank you, Scribble Dee,” Twilight told her, beaming. “And thank you, everyone! I’ve only been in this school for a couple of days now, but during that time, I’ve seen kind, strong, passionate people that are masters at what they do. Each of you possesses incredible skills on your own, but if we put them together, I truly believe we’re strong enough to make it past this bump in the road, and make a better future for us all!”

Not everyone seemed enthusiastic, but the number of people smiling, nodding and murmuring to their friends gave Twilight hope. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a well-needed push in the right direction.

***

As one might expect after the headmaster had smashed the fuse box with a sledge hammer, there were no more lessons the rest of that day. The twelve members of the technology club were the stars of the show, but while many did go home, many more stayed and helped clean out the kitchen; ‘battlefield’ was indeed an appropriate term to describe the aftermath. Others still were helping in the home-ec room, where Pinkie Pie and Applejack, together with most of the cooking club, were whipping up goodies. All in all, Twilight liked how things were progressing.

But it had only just begun. This wasn’t going to guarantee votes, but thanks to Scribble Dee—who was letting everyone know on a regular basis that Sunset was still keeping the secrets off the internet—people seemed less afraid, and as a result, more open to one another. It had created an opportunity Twilight could not afford to miss, and that was exactly why she and her friends, including Flash Sentry, were gathered in a small café close to school to discuss.

“I still can’t believe Principal Celestia did that,” Rainbow Dash was saying. “She always seemed so calm and collected. I used to look up to her.”

“I agree, but seeing how things turned out,” Rarity argued, “one has to wonder if it wasn’t all part of a bigger plan, to give Twilight a good opportunity to make her grand speech.”

“I dunno,” said Flash. “She did look pretty sad. Did you guys see the look in her eyes?”

“I did,” Twilight said. “But even so... I think Rarity’s right. I talked to Celestia in her office before lunch. She hadn’t slept all night, and she looked like she had been deep in her own thoughts. She must have been planning like this for a while, and thought that this was the best opportunity she was ever going to get. Like it was her way of handing over the torch to me…”

“Who cares about why,” Rainbow Dash prompted. “It’s not like anybody got hurt, and now that we have the torch, let’s make sure we use. That’s why we came here, isn’t it?”

“Yes, the meet-and-greet,” said Twilight. “Now more than ever, we need a way to drive home the message of togetherness. Flash, you said your music draws a crowd, didn't you?”

“Sure does,” he replied. “And especially after something like this, I think the students will appreciate a surprise concert; it’ll be a good way of saying thanks for the hard work. How’s that song coming along?”

“About that. I, uh, know what kind of song I want, and I’m thinking we need a dance number too, but… I haven’t actually written anything out yet. I was hoping we could all do it together… right now?”

They all stared at her, and Twilight thought she could feel the criticism blasting from their eyes onto her skin. Except, it was probably just her imagination, because Rainbow Dash broke out into a grin. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s hear your ideas, and we’ll go from there.”

“I-I like to write song lyrics,” Fluttershy offered timidly. “Some say I’m pretty good at it…”

“It’ll be cutting it darn close if we want time to rehearse,” said Applejack, “but what the hay! In for a penny!”

“Good thing I brought my guitar,” Flash said. “Do we need something upbeat? How about this?”

Chapter Ten

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Ten
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

Sunset Shimmer was quite aware that, from the student’s point of view, it looked like she wanted nothing more than to keep the clubs separate. And yes, while it did make them easy to manipulate, it was as if she despised the idea of teamwork. After all, it was the principle upon which Equestria was founded. She refused to count herself among one of those clichéd, over-the-top villains her nation encountered on a regular basis, who only wanted power for the sake of it. She was an Equestrian at heart, and her only wish was seeing it prosper under a worthy ruler.

Princess Celestia was not a worthy ruler.

Neither, as had become abundantly clear, was Twilight Sparkle. Oh, she had a way with words, and she couldn’t deny that she possessed a certain charisma, but her ideals were just as naive as her mentor’s. Her pet protege, given everything on a silver platter, never questioning, always happy just to be in her presence. Twilight probably hadn’t had to deal with a single day of real hardship in her life. The idea of stripping her of her pride, seeing everything she loved fall to pieces before her eyes, gave Sunset shudders of glee.

But it would have to wait. Walking down the corridors this evening, she was forced to admit that, the way things were going, her scare tactics had done little to deter her adversary, and because of Principal Celestia’s foolish little stunt, Twilight was in a far better position than she had originally anticipated.

And that insufferable twerp, Scribble Dee. There were always one or two in every club that didn’t seem to understand the hierarchy around here, but nobody had the ability to get under her skin quite like that girl. But oh, she would get hers in due time.

This wasn’t to say Sunset’s plan wasn’t proceeding, for the most part, as she had imagined. For now, why not let Twilight have her little show? My counterattack will come, just you wait.

Sunset stepped into the crowded classroom, where students were mingling, having their fill of cupcakes, cider and apple pie. Not the entire school, but a decent crowd nonetheless, perhaps somewhere around seventy people. There was a small stage covering a big chunk of the room, and the lamps were on, which meant the technology club had managed to install the solar panels in time. Bah, a few solar panel wouldn’t be enough for continuous use of electricity in the long run, and good luck using them in the winter. That Twilight had managed to sell them on such a temporary solution was, in its own way, quite impressive.

Speaking of her competition, she was nowhere to be found. Nor her friends. She snickered. “This is quite a meet-and-greet,” she told the nearest person. “Can’t even bother to show up themselves.”

“I, uh, think I saw them before,” the poor guy stammered, “and… have you tried the cupcakes? They’re really good; I’m gonna go have another one.” And he swiftly moved away, as far away as he could manage without leaving the room.

Most people made sure not to establish eye contact with her; no surprise there. It made no different, and she was so used to it by now, it was hard to imagine it any other way. Ponies or humans, friendship was only a word. ‘All you’ve ever done is drive people apart,’ Twilight’s voice echoed in her head.

Privileged brat. People drive people apart.

Once, she had thought Princess Celestia would be different.

The lamps suddenly dimmed, and a beat sounded through the room. A rhythmic tapping coming from the speakers. Wasn’t that her ex boyfriend up on the stage, and his motley crew of musicians? The beat picked up, catching the attention of everyone. Then the melody started, and with it, Twilight’s band of friends appeared—wearing clip-on accessories resembling horse ears and tails— hopping across the stage in an obviously practiced routine.

“Hey hey everybody, we got something to say!” they sang. “We may seem as different, as the night is from day!”

The dance was silly, and the lyrics were trite and cliché. And yet, there was a genuine passion to it, in a way that practically radiated happiness. Indeed, Sunset couldn’t deny there was so much pizazz to the song that, even as the words ‘magic of friendship’ were sung, she couldn’t even bring herself to cringe.

“So get up, get down, if you’re gonna come around; we can work together helping Twilight win the crown!”

Darn it, this is toe-tappingly good! A sentiment shared by the audience, because they were either bobbing their heads or dancing outright. The dance choreography on stage, now that it got going, wasn’t half-bad either. Who knew Fluttershy had it in her to perform in front of so many people? But she suspected that was exactly the point of it: these individuals, all from different clubs and life styles, were coming together under the banner of unity. ‘Together, we are strong.’

Finally, Twilight Sparkle herself emerged onto stage. Her part in the song was particularly unsubtle, but again, her charisma made up for it. “If you follow me, we’ll put our differences aside; we’ll stick together and start working on that school pride!”

Just as Twilight sung that last drawn-out note, the drummer pulled on string next to the set, which all of a sudden made those horse ears and tails rain down from tipped-over boxes cleverly attached to the ceiling. A lot of the students, seemingly amused by the display, picked them up and started attaching them to themselves.

Sunset couldn’t stay in the room for another minute. The meet-and-greet had all but turned into a dance party. Curses, she thought, striding down the hallway, after only a couple of days, she acts like she owns the place. Outside the school building, she stopped, and took a deep breath. She had to calm down. This changed nothing. There would still be time to snatch the victory right from under her nose.

She just hadn’t counted on the students rallying behind her so quickly.

Eyes on the price, she reminded herself. Tomorrow, Twilight will know the bitter taste of defeat.

Muted by layers of wall, Sunset could still hear the music. “…turn around, start now, make a change, help her win the crown!”

It did nothing to calm her down.

Chapter Eleven

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Eleven
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

“Three cheers for Twilight Sparkle, savior of Canterlot High!” Rarity toasted.

Twilight and her five friends were gathered at Applejack’s house, because as she had put it, ‘this here victory calls for a celebration, and Ah won’t hear nothing against it!’ Twilight had wanted to invite Flash too, but he had politely declined, saying he needed to put away the equipment, and he didn’t want to make them wait for him. Twilight suspected he was probably just shy about it.

“I danced in front of so many people!” Fluttershy was saying, but with a big smile on her face. “My heart is still pounding.”

“I know what you mean,” Rainbow Dash said. “I do all kinds of sports, but dancing? That’s a first.”

“Yeah, Ah’m kind of embarrassed mahself,” Applejack told them. “That was amateurish on a whole new level.”

“That was the whole point, dear,” Rarity offered. “We may not be perfect, but together, we can be a fine work of art. And I think everyone got the message.”

“But will it be enough?” Twilight wondered. “I noticed there were a lot of students who didn’t show up. I get the feeling Sunset still holds sway over many.”

“Perhaps, but you shouldn’t underestimate the splash you have made tonight,” Rarity said. “You’re a symbol of hope, a reminder that things can change at Canterlot High. Never forget that.”

“She’s right,” Fluttershy agreed. “Whether or not you win the crown tomorrow night, you’ve made a real difference.”

“Thank you. I’m just worried Sunset Shimmer is gonna find a way to pull the rug from under us. I saw her in the crowd, but she didn’t try anything; she just watched us for a while, then left. I dunno, I feel like this is all going too well.”

“You worry too much,” Pinkie Pie said, rubbing Spike’s belly. Twilight felt bad for Spike that he couldn’t join the conversation—he hadn’t been allowed to speak for a while now—but she was grateful for his presence nonetheless. “Whatever that evil meanie beanie comes up with, we’ll be ready!”

“Then again, she does have a point, Pinkie,” Fluttershy spoke. “We can’t afford to relax just yet. If I were Sunset Shimmer, this is where I’d want to surprise her with something really nasty.”

“Pfft, lighten up, will you? Look here.” She picked up her backpack from the floor with one hand, and then Spike with the other. “Spike here represents the Fall Formal, and this,” she shoved Spike into the bag, “is where we got this.”

“Life is not always a party,” Fluttershy muttered. “I wish you’d see that sometimes…”

“Hey, I know that! Life is only a party most of the time. Especially when some mysterious girls who claims she’s from the ‘mountains’ appears out of nowhere and starts making friends with everyone with the help of her demon dog from another dimension.” She looked down at Spike with a glare. “Yeah, I’m still onto you.” He let out a whine.

Fluttershy did not seem amused. Twilight was reminded that these friends of hers, though not enemies anymore, still weren’t nearly as chummy as their pony others. “Well, he’s not a demon dog,” Twilight said, trying to carry the joke. “But I guess I did kind of show up from nowhere, huh.”

“I've been wondering, actually; did you perhaps know Sunset Shimmer before you came here?” Rarity asked. “It's just that you seem to know just what to say when she’s around.”

“I, uh… no, I’ve never met her before.” It almost wasn’t a lie. “I didn’t have many friends up in the mountains.”

“What's it like to live up there?” Fluttershy asked. “People say it’s dangerous because of all the bears in the area, but bears aren't dangerous. Not if you leave them in peace."

“Yeah, we’ve never had a problem,” Twilight invented. “I lived in a… in a house, with, uh, with my big brother. He was my best friend growing up.” At least that part is true…

“I bet it’s one of those small, backwater villagest where everybody knows your name,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Oh yeah, absolutely. My next door neighbor used to give me sweets all the time.”

“Hey, just asking, but is this village in a mountain like ten miles north of here, called Cloudsdale? Cause that’s where I was born.”

Thinking it might be best to play it safe, Twilight replied. “Uh, n-no, that’s not the one. My village is more to the east…”

“Oh. Bummer.”

“East, huh,” said Applejack. “But Ah thought there was a national park in that direction.”

“Yeah, but like, beyond that…”

“That’s an awful long way to go move for school. Wouldn’t Manehattan have been closer?”

“Oh let’s not look a gift horse in the mouth,” said Rarity. “Your arrival was a blessing. A righteous heart, a clever mind and a smooth tongue is a hard combination to come by.”

Twilight blushed a little. It was really just a matter of having more experience with people under her belt. And though it was hard to tell for sure, Twilight thought she was probably a few years older than then them. “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

***

Twilight’s head was spinning way too fast to even think about sleep.

The other four had gone home, and Twilight listened to Applejack snore peacefully. Whenever Twilight did drift off into sleep, images of Sunset Shimmer grasping at her invaded her dreams. One involved Sunset picking up the students and juggling them.

A sudden buzz put her at high alert. It was her phone. Applejack had told her to put it on soundless mode, but the vibration on the floor was still make an awful racket. Applejack kept snoring, while Twilight checked the message.

‘I want a word with you. Now. Meet me outside.’

Twilight knew only two people in this world with such a demanding tone, and Rainbow Dash would never talk to her that way. She rose from her bed—her jammies would be fine outdoors, right?—which stirred Spike awake. She shushed, and motioned for him to follow.

“What’s up, Twilight?” he whispered once they were out of the room. He smacked his lips. “Man, haven’t talked in ages.”

“Sunset Shimmer,” Twilight answered grimly. “She just texted me; told me to meet her outside.”

“And you’re just gonna?”

“How am I suppose to sleep knowing she’s waiting outside the door? What if she retaliates but letting the pigs escape or something?”

“If you say so—uh…”

Big Macintosh was standing in the stairway, a bright pink pony toy in his hand. Staring at both of them wide eyes halfway between shock and confusion. Twilight’s mouth hung open, trying to think of a way to explain away the talking dog.

“Oh, uh, ya see, these are Apple Bloom’s and—” Big Mac started saying.

“He doesn’t talk, I’m a mime and—” Twilight said at the same time. They both gave each other looks, making it clear that neither one was buying the other’s story.

“How about we didn’t see nothing if you didn’t see nothing,” Spike hissed, pointing his paw.

Big Mac looked down at his toy, then up at them. “Eyup,” he replied quietly, then swiftly walked past.

Not until they were out of the house did Twilight dare speak again. “That was a close one. Why’d he keep his stuff downstairs, anyway?”

“I dunno, maybe Granny Smith was hiding them from him, and he was up looking for ‘em. Not that I’d know anything about that; I don’t play with little mare’s toys.”

“Spike, I know about your Mini Donkey collection.”

“How could you—I mean, they’re action figures!”

“Please, everypony plays with Mini Donkeys.” It was Sunset Shimmer who spoke, appearing behind them. “Come, the pig sty.”

Spike and Twilight exchanged looks, but did as she asked. Once inside, door closed, Twilight began, “So what’s your game? What’s so important you couldn’t wait until tomorrow.”

“Relax, it’s got nothing to do with our silly little competition. I just figured, since we’re both from Equestria, we might as well have a friendly little chat. Is that so wrong?”

“Coming from you?” said Spike. “Definitely. I haven’t forgotten the whole ‘dog you are’ comment.”

“Princess Celestia,” Sunset said, ignoring Spike. “How is she?”

Twilight considered not answering. Even now, her tone was hard, spiteful. Then again, she considered, maybe that was just her way of coping with the fact that deep down, she missed her. “She’s distraught,” Twilight said. “She didn’t come here herself, because she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to face you. She still cares about you... even though you broke her heart.”

“Broke her heart, did I?” A grim, humorless smile spread across her face. “Glad to hear it. Just what she deserves.”

“You called yourself one of her students!” Twilight said, her volume rising. “I heard you were one of the best! Why did you throw it all away?”

“The real question is, how can you stay?” she shot back. “I’ve read all there is to read about you, Twilight Sparkle, and now that I’ve seen you in action, I’ll admit it: your mind is as sharp as mine. How can you stand it? Knowing there will always be a ceiling to stop you from taking flight?”

Twilight bit back a heated retort, and sighed, collecting herself. “Because I trust in Princess Celestia. I’m not ignorant of my potential, but I’m afraid of how it might manifest without guidance. The ‘ceiling’ is there for my own peace of mind.”

“And that, dear Twilight, is the difference between you and me. I wanted to be a phoenix, but under Celestia, I was nothing more than a common bird in a cage. I’ve heard all I wanted to hear. Thanks for coming out here.”

She rushed past Twilight and escaped into the night, ignoring Twilight’s call for her to wait. She had so many questions left, but Sunset wasn’t about to just give out answers, was she.

“What was that all about?” Spike said. “It’s not like we told her anything she didn’t already know.”

“I think… I think she might have just wanted to vent,” said Twilight. “I know she’s not a good person, but I’m beginning to see the logic behind her madness.”

“Really? Cause all I see is cold, bitter heart.”

“Bitterness born from neglect.” Twilight simply stood there, deep in thought. Spike waited, recognizing that this was a situation where he only needed to be quiet and let her noggin work. Drastic times call for drastic measures… “Spike, I have a job for you.”

This immediately straightened his back. “I’m ready for anything.”

“It’s a risk, but with you, it might be alright… I need you to go back through the portal.”

“Are we calling for backup?”

“Not exactly. All I need is for you to tell Celestia and the others what’s going on, and to gather some information, specifically on Sunset Shimmer. Celestia must have kept some of her things. If we could find aclue as to what happened in her past that caused all this bitterness, we’re one step closer to understanding how her mind works.”

“You think that’ll help you win the crown?”

“Maybe not. But this is way bigger than the Fall Formal. It always was.”

“I understand, Princess Twilight,” Spike said, making a salute. “You want me to get on it this instant?”

“I think you’d better. Time is running short.”

***

“Here ya go, dearie,” Granny Smith said, as Twilight came out of the bathroom next morning. “Yer clothes are all washed and dried.”

“Oh! Thank you!”

“Not a problem. By the by, ya didn’t happen to hear someone sneak up in the middle o’ the night, did ya?”

“Uh, no ma’am, not that I recall.”

“Oh well, maybe it’s just my imagination. Ah thought I heard Big Mac’s voice last night. Must’ve been me dreamin’. There was a talking dog, too.” She chuckled. “Have fun at school, dearie.”

I’m cutting things way too close, Twilight thought, getting dressed and rushing down the stairs to join Applejack at breakfast. But I guess I’m doing the best I can. It’s not like I had any time for prepare for any of this. I wonder how Spike is doing…

Once downstairs, she was met not only by Applejack, but… “Hi there, Twilight,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Hi,” Fluttershy followed.

“These two thought they’d come to school with us,” Applejack told her. “I’m as surprised as you are; never knew they could be so neighborly.”

“I can be ‘neighborly’ when I want to,” Rainbow Dash retorted. “Though I guess the whole friendship song must’ve rubbed off on me. You did a good job on those lyrics, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy smiled with a light blush. Oh gosh, she really does have a crush. Is that how pony Fluttershy feels, too? “By the way, where’s that dog of yours.”

“Oh, he’s off hunting squirrels,” Twilight brushed it off. “I sometimes let him out for a couple of hours so he can play around.”

“In the middle of town?” Fluttershy gasped, looking mortified. “Twilight! I thought you knew better than that.”

“H-he’ll be fine; he always makes it back in one piece.”

“That’s not the point;. I'm sure it was fine where you're from, but here in the city, he could get run over by a car! Or get kidnapped? Or leave a trail of droppings on the sidewalk, and then you’ll get in trouble from the police.”

“Now now, Fluttershy,” Applejack said, “there’s a forest area close by; if it’s squirrels he’s after, that’s probably where he ran off to.”

“I-I suppose. Still, Twilight, you should just walk him more often. You’re not in the mountains anymore.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she promised. Okay, maybe not the best cover story. She helped herself to apple pie. “So, who wants to bet Sunset’s got a surprise for us?”

“I’ve checked her video channel, and nothing there,” said Applejack. “Who knows, maybe she’s gonna try some actual, honest-to-goodness campaigning.”

“That’s not really her style, is it,” Rainbow Dash said. “Though I bet she’s starting to feel that her usual method’s been backfiring one time too many. I think she’s either gonna try to bribe people, or she’s gonna pull out the big guns and start breaking the law.”

Breakfast done, the three of them left the farm. Once they had boarded the bus, they were greeted with cheers, and almost everybody wanted to talk to Twilight.

“I think I’m actually gonna vote for you.”

“Even if you don’t win, you’ve chanced the school forever.”

“Can I have your autograph? I feel like it’s gonna be worth something in the future.”

Twilight wasn’t entirely comfortable with everyone treating her as if she was the hero in all of this. None of this would have been possible without everyone supporting her. But, like Rarity had said last night, Twilight had become a symbol. Uncomfortable or not, she had to be the hero, someone that people could looked towards.

She had to be a Princess.

After thanking people, answering questions and signing stuff, it wasn’t long before they arrived at school. And as fate would have it, Twilight didn’t even have to go inside before she saw the results of Sunset’s next scheme. A group of people were gathered around a large billboard, reading something posted in large text.

“This can’t be good,” Applejack spoke Twilight’s mind. They all made their way to the billboard, where they saw Pinkie Pie and Rarity. “What’s she done this time?”

“I dunno,” said Pinkie, “I was just about to look at this here news paper article. Let’s see… WHAT!”

The picture that headed the article was of the gymnasium, all of its decorations smashed to bits.

“Fall Formal Sabotaged, and Twilight Sparkle Exposed,” the headline read. “All were shocked and dismayed by the sudden dark turn of Principal Celestia, but one cannot deny that that the Principal’s actions, ruining the electric fuse box and blowing up the kitchen, has resulted in something of a tonal shift around campus. A spirit of togetherness, a can-do attitude transcending club boarders which, while seemingly a blessing, one has to point out is a rather conveniently benefit to one person more than the rest: Twilight Sparkle, racing against Sunset Shimmer in the bid for Fall Formal princess.

“Was it all a well-planned, two-person crime? Did one sabotages the school, while the other rallies the students to recover from this self-inflicted damage? This would have forever remained a mystery, if Twilight Sparkle hadn’t been greedy and reached too far. Not content with the goodwill she had accumulated through her sabotage scheme—and the admittedly catchy song number—she snuck into the school tonight, crashing the decoration that our very own party girl Pinkie Pie had worked so hard to set up, all so that she could start the cycle anew. She would have gotten away with it too, if the security cameras hadn’t caught a cloaked figure leave the premise. And judging by the height, it really does leave little room for imagination.

“It makes one question her motives, doesn’t it? Does Twilight Sparkle, capable of such dirty methods, simply want power for the sake of power? To satisfy her own selfish ambition? Similar accusations has been leveled at Sunset Shimmer, but at the very least, she has always looked out for the well being of the school. Under her rule, there will always be light in our ceilings and delicious food on our plates. For the safety, and honesty, of our school, a vote for Sunset Shimmer is a vote for your future.”

***

“It took days!” Pinkie pie exclaimed furiously. Twilight and friends were all gathered in the gymnasium, surveying the damage. “It was gonna be one of my best parties yet!”

“Credit where credit is due, that was an ingenious move,” Rarity said. “The ‘Celestia did it on purpose’ theory was already floating around, and now it’s on everybody’s mind!”

“Then let’s douse it with the truth!” Rainbow Dash said. “We’ll clear Twilight’s name, and get her back on track.”

“How’re we supposed to do that?” Applejack asked. “There’s no evidence. Plus, and I hate to be the one to say this, but Sunset’s story does kinda check out. Twilight shows up out of nowhere, and the next day, Celestia goes bonkers?”

“Twilight Sparkle?” a voice came from behind them. Principal Luna stepped into the gymnasium. “A word, if you please.”

“I promise you, I didn’t do it!” Twilight pleaded. “I didn’t make any plans with your sister either. You have to believe me!”

“I would very dearly like to,” Luna said. “And since there is no evidence supporting your guilt, I of course cannot stop you from your bid to be crowned Princess of the Fall Formal. Just be warned, while no hard evidence exists against you, circumstantial evidence are abundant. And while I’ve been keeping quiet about it on my sister’s behest, many of the staff members are starting to suspect the truth: that you are not really a student at this school.”

“WHAT?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed again.

“These are you friends, are they not? In light of these events, I suggest you not try to hide any more secrets from them. I sincerely hope you can turn this around.” Her face lowered. “You may quite literally be the last hope for this school.”

She turned around and left. Slowly, Twilight turned to face her friends again. “Twilight,” Applejack said in a low-voiced tone of shock. “You don’t go here?”

“Hah, I knew there was something fishy about you!” Pinkie Pie said. “Let me guess: you’re from the ancient order of psychics trying to brain wash us all into your own personal cult!”

“Sure Pinkie, that’s probably it,” said Rainbow Dash dismissively. “But seriously, like, who cares if she’s from this school or not. She’s done nothing but help us out since she got here!”

“We care, because it puts her entire story into question,” Applejack insisted. “Remember how she kept stammering and ‘uhh’ing every time we asked about her home town last night? So tell us, Twilight, where exactly did you say you were from?”

“I-I, uhh…”

“See! You’re not even from the mountains at all, are you.” Twilight couldn’t think of a retort; twisting the truth, or even offer a harmless white lie, she could do, but she had never been good at outright lying. “Why would you lie about that?”

“Did you lie about Spike too?” Fluttershy asked. “Are you sure you didn’t just let him go last night, because he was in the way?”

“What, no, I—!”

“Girls, girls, I actually agree with Rainbow Dash,” Rarity interjected. “Why would she go through so much trouble if she wasn’t genuinely trying to help? If all she wanted was power, one would think joining up with Sunset Shimmer would be the quickest way to do it.”

“You underestimate the minds of liers,” Applejack said. “To them, once a small lie becomes okay, they’ll keep making ‘em bigger and bigger, until you can’t trust a single word they’ve got to say! How about this then: where were you last night? Don’t think I didn’t noticed that you sneak out.”

“Oh, I… I met with Sunset Shimmer,” she admitted. “I got a text from her… she wanted to talk.”

“You met Sunset in the middle of the night? What on earth did you talk about?”

“Y’know, stuff, nothing important…” But she realized right away that it was the wrong thing to say.

“Why can’t you tell us!” Applejack exclaimed. “What’re you hiding from us? Don’t tell me you actually joined up with her, and this is all just an elaborate plot.”

“That doesn’t even make any sense!” Dash came to her defense. “Give her a break. Maybe she’s homeless or something, like Trixie. We’ve all got things we’re not proud of.”

“And she’s the one who held this big speech in the middle of lunchtime about how we shouldn’t be embarrassed of our pasts!”

“Was that a lie too?” The disappointment in Fluttershy’s voice cut deeper than the accusations. “Because I… I was really moved by it.”

“I meant every word, but listen to me, I have a good reason why I can’t talk about it! I admit it, I had heard of Sunset Shimmer before I got here. I didn’t know her, but… there’s a reason why I really need that crown back.”

“Like using it to turn yourself into a demon so you can mind-control everybody?”

“Quit it, Pinkie,” Dash complained.

“Well, I appreciate you coming clean about that,” said Applejack. “But here’s the thing, Twi, you’ve made an incredible impact on this school, and it’s all because of your simple message of friendship and trust. And until I feel like I can completely trust you again, I… I can’t stand behind you.”

“Me neither,” Fluttershy agreed.

“Not you too, Fluttershy!” said Rainbow Dash. “I thought you were cooler than that.” Fluttershy flinched, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

While the five of them were arguing, Twilight quietly backed away. Applejack watched her go, but didn’t stop her.

Chapter Twelve

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Twelve
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

Twilight was deep in it now.

On her many adventures, there had been times when she had felt completely defeated—the battle against Discord came to mind—but unlike back then, this time,, there was no mind control involved, no kidnapping situations, nothing that an above-average dose of magic wouldn’t have solved. Not that she had any magic here to begin with. All she had was her brains and her bonds of friendship, but apparently, as was quickly becoming clear to her, those might not be enough.

She was hiding out among the shelves of the second floor of the library. When she was younger, she would often hide out in Canerlot Library whenever she felt scared or overwhelmed, and though this place was nowhere near as vast or maze-like, she was pretty sure nobody would find her here. She needed time to think. To calm down. To put her head back together enough to work out counter-plan. But what would make her friends trust her now? What would make anybody in this school trust her? Find Celestia and have her tell them it wasn’t a planned effort? No, that would come off as desperate? Continue the campaign with only Rainbow Dash and Rarity by her side?

No. The Wondercolts were all of them together. Apart, she might as well give it up now. And the only way to get Applejack and Fluttershy back on her side was to tell them a truth they would never accept.

No matter how much she racked her brain, her mind kept coming back to one answer. Give up on the contest. Grab the crown, and run back through the portal. She had lost the battle, but she could still win the war.

All she needed to do was abandon those who needed her. Run back to Equestria with her figurative tail between her legs…

It was with a heavy heart that she made her way down the stairs, out the library, and through the corridors. All the while, thinking, pleading to herself, to come up with a better plan. Go talk to Applejack again! Make up a more convincing story Perhaps that could’ve work if she’d had more time, but the Fall Formal was tonight, and now that momentum was lost, winning back those votes would require a miracle.

Celestia would understand. Desperate times, and all that.

“Hey, Twilight!” Flash Sentry’s voice called as she walked across the entrance hall, and next moment, he had run up to her. “Good thing I found you. Man, Sunset just won’t give up, will she. But listen,” he seemed out of breath, but kept talking anyway, “don’t let it get to you. I’ve been talking to a lot of students, and there’s still many who believes in you.”

“Thanks… but she’s already gotten to me. To my friends. Applejack, Pinkie and Fluttershy; they think I’m a liar, and… I guess I am. I haven’t exactly been honest about where I come from, or what I’m doing here.”

“You’re not here to win the crown and unite the school?”

“Of course I am! But… I’m not from the mountains, and also… I have what might call an ulterior motive for doing this.”

“Oh, is that all?” Flash said, looking actually relieved. “Listen, nobody's asking you to to be the absolute paragon of justice; I think most of us understand that you got your own selfish desires, just like the rest of us. And I don’t think they necessarily cancel each other out.”

“Thanks, Flash. But…” she let out a sigh. “People think I’m a cheating crook now. How am I suppose to prove my innocence and win back people’s trust in just a few hour?”

“Twilight, you got it all backwards. You’ve got nothing to prove; you didn’t sabotage the gymnasium, so don’t act like you did. So you might have embellished the truth a little; we rallied behind you because we saw what was in your heart.”

Twilight stared into Flash’s eyes. His smile was like a balloon of warmth filling her up. He made it sound so easy. “Thank you, really. It means a lot. You’re right, I shouldn’t give up just yet… it’s just that, with my friends still fighting, I don’t know how to get my message of unity across. I sort of hinged my whole campaign on them…”

“Well, if the problem is they’re not sure if you’re legit, why not tell them the truth? Lay it all on the table.”

Tell them the truth… that she was a being from another world. Even by Equestria’s standards, that was crazy-talk. Could the solution really be that simple? After all, if they didn’t believe her, it could spell victory for Sunset Shimmer. The end of their world as they knew it.

Could she really trust her friends with the fate of the world?

She immediately let out a laugh. Of all the silly questions!

“I’ll do it,” she told him. “Could you do me a favor and round them up, tell them to meet me at the gymnasium?”

***

“Alright, Twi,” Applejack sighed. The five girls and Flash were once again gathered in the wrecked gym, and Twilight could see by just a glance that the rift between them had not yet mended. “Let’s give this another shot. The truth, this time.”

Twilight took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. “I’m… not from this country,” she began. “I’m from a place called Equestria. It’s a place far, far away, but also very close by. And in this place, I’m not even a human… I’m… I’m a pony.”

“Hah, I knew it!” said Pinkie. Then her expression shifted, as if she was letting the words register. “I mean, WHAT?!”

“I come from a world where magic is real, and everywhere,” Twilight plunged on. “In Equestria, ponies are the most common inhabitants, but there are also griffins, dragons, deadly manticores and hydras. We are ruled by the Princesses Celestia and Luna, who raises the sun and moon each day. I am—was—Celestia’s personal student, before I became a Princess myself. I know how insane this must sound, but this world is a mirror to my own. All the students who go here have versions of themselves back in my world. And back home… you five are my best friends.”

That was a good place to stop and let it sink in. Did she go too far? Judging from the open mouths and big stares, she might have.

“By granny’s apple sauce,” said Applejack. “You’re not lying anymore…!”

“Uhm, in case you missed it, she just said she’s a pony from another world,” Rarity remarked.

“Yeah, but, there’s this look in your eye when you’re telling a lie; she had it before, but now she doesn’t. Either she’s one heck of a good liar, or…” she faltered, unsure of how to finish that sentence.

If only Spike was here, Twilight thought. Seeing a talking dog might’ve helped drive the point home. That wasn’t to say she was out of ideas. “I knew about your cupcakes, Pinkie, because I’ve been to many of your parties. I knew Fluttershy back home likes bananas, which is why I had you make a batch banana cupcakes.”

“I do like bananas,” Fluttershy said, eyes full of disbelief.

“And if I’m not entirely mistaken, Rainbow Dash is a big fan of Applejack’s cider.”

“W-well yeah, but isn’t everyone?”

“And speaking of Applejack, I know you have family in Manehattan: your Aunt and Uncle Orange, as well as your cousin Babs Seed.”

“It’s true!” Applejack said.

“I mean, she could have looked that up online,” said Rarity.

“Is it true you have a cat called Opalescence?” Twilight asked.

“Well, yes! But I never mentioned…”

“And your sister, Sweetie Belle, she’s not the best cook, is she.”

“The worst! But how…?”

“I know all this, because in my world, you five are the greatest friend a person could have. In fact, we aren’t just any group of friends; we are the chosen bearers of Equestria’s most powerful magic: the Elements of Harmony, which is fueled by the magic of our friendship itself. That’s why I chose you, out of everyone at this school. I couldn’t stand seeing the people I love so dearly never knowing what they might mean to each another.”

The group, still dumbfounded, looked at each other, then at Twilight. She swallowed, barely breathing. “So… what you’re saying is,” Flash Sentry asked, “you’re from a parallel world, where the six of you are some kind of magical super hero team?”

“Uh-huh…”

“Twilight…” said Rainbow Dash. “That is just… so awesome!” Her whole face beamed. “Tell me, what’s pony me like?”

“W-well, you’re a pegasus, the fastest flier in Equestria…”

“Do I still have mah farm?” Applejack took over.

“Yeah. You’re a hard-working earth pony with a heart of gold.”

“Oh, oh, what about me?” Pinkie Pie said. “Wait, don’t say anything; I have a toothless alligator called Jummy! No, Jimmy! Wait, that doesn’t sound right…”

“So you believe me?” asked Twilight. “You’ll… accept who I am?”

“It’s a doozy, Ah won’t deny,” said Applejack, but her smile was mirrored on all of their faces. “But Ah reckon Rainbow Dash was right all along. You’re the best thing that's ever happened to our school, and if you’re saying you’re a pony princess from another world, that’s fine by me. What matter is that your heart is in the right place, and well… sorry Ah was givin’ ya such a hard time before.”

“A-and I-I’m sorry about what I said about you and Spike…” said Fluttershy.

“It’s totally fine. It's clear to me now I should have been honest from the start.”

“So there’s a whole other world out there?” Flash Sentry spoke, grinning. “Not gonna lie, you’ve pretty much made most of my childhood fantasies come true.”

“Tell me about it,” said Rainbow Dash. “How did you get here? Can we go to this world?”

“The portal is at the base of the horse statue outside, but unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like regular humans can pass through it.”

“Bummer,” said Pinkie Pie. “I would’ve loved to meet a pony version of myself. Could you imagine there being two of me? Someone should write a story about that!”

“Not to sound ungrateful or anything,” said Flash, “but what brings you here in the first place?”

“Sunset Shimmer,” Twilight told them simply. “Just like me, she was a student under Princess Celestia. She was considered one of the greatest magic users of our time, but ambition turned her greedy and dishonest, and that created a rift between her and the Princess. She’s actually the one who created the pathway between our dimensions, and she’s been using it to hide out in this world, biding her time.

“Well, that time has come. The Fall Formal crown is more than just a fancy jewel: it's a magic artifact that she stole from Equestria, the catalyst for the Elements of Harmony. Even I’m not sure how she plans to use it, but my guess is, she want to conquer this whole world and rule over it with an iron hoof.”

“I’ll believe that,” Flash said. “It’ll be just like what she’s doing to the school, but on a global scale. Sounds just like her.”

“But why would she need to win the Fall Formal?” Fluttershy asked. “If she already stole it…”

“It’s her way of throwing down the gauntlet, one former student of Celestia’s to another. By beating me, she wants to prove that the Princess’ ideals are wrong. All to satisfy her broken pride…”

“But we’re not gonna let her, are we,” said Rainbow Dash. “I see what you’re doing: we’ll beat her at her own game, not only saving the world, but crushing her ego in the process! So how do we do this? Got any more brilliant plans up your sleeve?”

“We’re gonna have to redo the decorations, won’t we,” Pinkie said with a sigh, gazing out over the wreckage. Ripped streamers, broken tables, big soda stained, ruined equipment; putting everything back together was going to be a project. “If only there was some kind of party cannon that could decorate everything super fast!”

“I’m sorry,” said Twilight, “but I’m all out of brilliant plans. All I can think of right now is to try and fix the mess with our own hands, and then do our best to keep appealing to the students. I don’t know if that’ll be enough, but if nothing else, we'll show them that the Wondercolts' spirit can’t be broken so easily.”

“Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best,” Applejack said. “So what’re we waiting for? We got some cleaning to do!”

***

“Whoa, you still haven’t given up on being Princess?” Twilight, tying a knot on a trash bag, recognized the boy from the cafeteria, one of the people who had laughed the hardest at her embarrassing stories.

“No, I have not,” Twilight replied simply. “You’re free to believe what you want about me, but it’s my duty to make sure everything happens according to schedule.”

“Dude, you could’ve just waited until tomorrow, and the staff would’ve taken care of it.”

“Perhaps, but it’s not their fault the gymnasium ended up like this.”

“So you admit you trashed the place!”

“No. But it’s still my responsibility.”

“But… why would you wreck the place, and then… huh.” He left without saying another word, scratching his head.

“Alright, y’all, How about a cider break!” Applejack suggested.

“Heck yeah!” Rainbow Dash cheered. It had been about half an hour since they started, and there was still much to be done.

“You go have a break,” Twilight said. “I’m just gonna get these stains off the floor.”

“Yeah, let’s not take too long; there won’t be much time left for campaigning,” Flash said.

“I must admit I am worried?” Rarity said out loud, taking a sip. “I can’t shake the feeling Sunset’s still got the… oh, isn’t that Spike?”

The group turned to the dog as he ran up to Twilight, wagging his tail. She chuckled, and picked him up. “It’s okay, Spike, they know. You can talk now.”

His expression changed instantly. “Wait, so we’re not doing the whole incognito thing anymore?”

“Things kinda took a dark turn, and… well, long story short, I’ve decided I’m done with the secrets.

“Works for me. There you have it!” He turned to the others, whose mouths hung open again. “The name’s Spike. And where I’m from, I’m not even a dog.” He hopped down from Twilight’s arms. “I’m a ferocious, fire-breathing dragon!”

“Oh my gosh, he can talk!” Fluttershy squeed, the goofiest grin on her face as she squatted down. “This is so amazing! What are you thinking right now!”

“That, uh, you’re really up in my face?”

Blushing slightly, she backed away. “Sorry, it’s just, I’ve never seen a talking animal before. Do all animals in Equestria talk?”

“Y’know, that’s a good question. I mean, some do, but it’s kinda weird which ones do and which—”

“Excuse me,” a voice came from the entrance, and Spike quickly stopped talking. Scribble Dee from the technology club was standing by the door. “My classmate said you were gonna fix this up all by yourselves.”

“That’s right,” Twilight told her. “I’m so sorry things ended up this way, especially after what you did for us yesterday, but don’t worry, we’ll get it all cleaned up in an hour or two. The Fall Formal will happen tonight, just as planned.”

The girl just smiled. “Yeah, I figured this was just another one of Sunny’s petty schemes.” She walked through the door. “No way you would destroy the place, then put yourself through all this; that’s like the worst PR move I’ve ever seen. I’m helping you out.”

“Ya mean it?” Applejack said. “Thanks a bunch, miss Scribble Dee.”

For some reason, that made Spike perk up. “Just glad to help,” Scribble said. “Where do I start?”

With an eighth person, the load lightened noticeably. And it didn’t stop there; ten minutes in, Scribble made a few phone calls, which led to some of her technology club buddies coming to help. Now that they were a crowd of twelve, people were stopping by the door to see what the hubbub was about, and a few of them deciding to join in as well. Twilight didn’t want to count her blessings just yet, but maybe, just maybe, this meant there was still a chance.

Spike let out a small ‘woof!’ to grab Twilight’s attention. He made a sideways gesture with his head, a sign for her to follow him. Twilight excused herself to the bathroom, but really found an empty closet where they could talk.

“That girl!” Spike said. “It’s been bothering me since I got back, like I was sure I’d met her before, but that’s gotta be her!”

“Slow down Spike. It’s gotta be who?

“Oh, right, guess I should actually tell you what I found out when I was back in Equestria.”

Her heart-rate sped up. “Lay it on me.”

“You see, we looked through a bunch of Sunset’s old diaries, and it turns out she’s originally from a traveling pony caravan called Sleipnir, which from her descriptions weren’t exactly the happiest bunch. Her parents would argue a whole lot, and they were super strict about their religion. Anyway, she had one friend she could always turn to, an earth pony by the name of Scribble Dee.”

“Oh, now it makes sense,” Twilight said. “The way she looked at her, I had a feeling there had to be something there.”

“It's a pretty big something. Let’s just say she played a big role in why Sunset decided to leave the caravan. As in, huge-falling-out-differences-in-life-perspective kind of roll. We’re not exactly sure what the argument was about, the journals wouldn't go into details, but we think it had something to do with Sunset’s ambitions, and that she was causing trouble for the group somehow.”

“Well, it’s not much to go in, but it’s better than nothing,” Twilight said. “Good work, Spike.”

“Oh, but the story’s not done yet. I would’ve been back sooner, but then we found another journals, hidden away in the library, next to the copy of Equestrian History. From that, we learned that years after she left the group, Sunset and Scribble Dee talked it out! During the times before her big falling out with Celestia, she spoke really highly of Scribble Dee, referring to her as ‘her only friend.’”

“…but then Sunset disappeared through the portal, and she never saw her again!” Twilight finished. “She never had a chance; her only contact with Equestria was her quick bouts into the library.”

“I don’t get it: if she could teleport inside the Crystal Castle, why couldn’t she have done the same in Canterlot, go back to the caravan and have a chat with her?”

“Canterlot’s spells are older and more powerful than those in the Crystal Empire,” Twilight explained. “And it’s home to the Arch Mages of the Arcanum; she never would have made it out of there unnoticed, and I think she knows it.”

“Right, uh, obviously.”

“Maybe we can use this, Spike. Appeal to her better self.”

“Do you really think that’ll work on Sunset?”

“If it worked on Discord, it can work on anybody. Friendship problems are kind of my bread and butter. It’s worth a shot, if nothing else. Come on, we’d better get back to the cleaning.”

Little did Twilight know that, once she left the closet, another surprise awaited her.

“Anybody wants a cupcake?” Pinkie Pie called out to a crowd nearly double the size as when she had left. “We got cookies too!” A few of the drama club members were spiffying up the stage, and some of the athletes were making a sport out of tossing rolled up streamers into the trash bags. And even as she watched, more people were coming to join them.

“Hey, there she is!” someone called, drawing a dozen eyes her way. They all cheered at her. Actually cheered. “Don’t worry, diaper girl, we got your back!”

“So… you don’t think I staged the whole thing?” Twilight asked, dumbfounded.

“Duh. We’re not stupid. We recognize a classic Sunset Shimmer Shaming when we see one.”

“Heck yeah!” one girl agreed. “I mean, I guess I was a bit confused at first, but when I heard you people were gonna fix this by yourselves, I was like, this girl’s legit!”

“To be honest, I don’t even care if this is a trick,” a third students said. “It’s still a fact that you want take down Sunset Shimmer, is it not?”

“Yeah, of course.”

The guy smiled, then held up a pair of clip-on horse ears. “Then you certainly have my vote,” he said, putting them on.

“Mine too.”

“Mine too!”

More and more people were milling into the room, either to see what was going on, or to help out themselves. And a whole lot of them were wearing the Wondercolts’ accessories. Twilight couldn’t believe what she was seeing; this was turning out exactly like the set-up Sunset had accused Twilight of fabricating, but no one seemed to think twice about it.

“It seems there was nothing to worry about after all,” said Rarity, walking up to her.

It was enough to make her eyes water. “I thought I’d lost them…”

“It’s like Ah told ya,” Applejack said, joining them, “there’s a heck of a difference between a liar and someone who puts her heart in it. Sunset tried to drag you through the mud with her words, but you showed them otherwise with your actions.”

“If you ask me,” Rainbow Dash joined in, “I think you got most of them hook, line and sinker back when we did the song.”

“It’s what we’ve all been waiting for,” said Flash. “A chance to fight back against Sunset. And it’s all because they believe in you, Twilight.”

Twilight shook her head, drying her tears. “It’s because they believed in us. I would have been completely stuck without your help.”

“Isn’t that what parallel dimension best friends are for,” Rainbow Dash snickered.

That’s when she spotted Sunset Shimmer in the corner of her eye. She was standing outside the window, looking right at Twilight. A difficult look to decipher, but it didn’t seem like a happy one. Noticing Twilight was looking back, she turned and wandered off.

Twilight had no idea what it might be, but she was certain Sunset Shimmer had at least one more attack ready for her.

Chapter Thirteen

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Thirteen
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

“Do we have to wear these?” Rainbow Dash complained.

“Oh just put them on, you’ll like it,” Rarity told her.

Rarity had insisted they all meet up at her house, and they were each holding a dress she was quite insistent that they wear, or else. The sun had set, and in only one hour, the Fall Formal dance would begin. Spike had taken the opportunity to stretch his legs while the girls got spiffed up, which Twilight found strange; why would he pass up a chance to see Rarity get dressed? Although right now, despite her success, Twilight was far too nervous to worry about stuff like that. In the end, what seemed like most of the students body had shown up to help fix the gymnasium, but did that really translate to solid votes? What if there were more of Sunsets followers she didn’t know about? What if she got so desperate she abandoned the ‘fair and square’ part and started to downright threaten people?

“Actually, you know what, I think I look pretty good,” Rainbow Dash commented, her Fall Formal dress in place. “I’m not much for skirts, but it does show off my toned muscles.”

“I like how simple this is,” Fluttershy said, admiring her own dress in the mirror. “It doesn’t stand out, but it’s nice to look at. Almost too nice for someone like me…”

“You look gorgeous,” Rainbow Dash complimented, which sent Fluttershy straight down to blush-ville. “The guys will be all over you.”

“I-I hope not,” she said, her posture shrinking.

“Speaking of which,” Rarity said, “it really is too bad you’re a talking horse from another world, Twilight; we all saw how Flash was looking at you.”

“Looking at her how?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well, most of us saw how he was looking at you,” Rarity scoffed.

“He is sweet,” Twilight said. “And I owe him a lot. But once this is over, I do need to go back to my own world.” There was a collective ‘aaww’. “I know, but my friends are waiting for me.”

“You’ll come back and visit, won’t you?” Applejack asked.

“I’m not sure. The truth is, the portal isn’t all-powerful; using it too many times could end up breaking, unleash all the energy that binds this world together into Equestria.”

“And, uh, that’s bad?”

“Imagine two suns colliding.”

“Holy smokes, that’s like straight out of an epic fantasy novel,” Rainbow Dash commented. “It’ll suck not being able to see you again, but I guess it’s better than… that.”

“Then let’s make tonight count!” Rarity said. “Girls, it’s time to save the world from tyranny, high school style!”

***

The music was blasting from inside the wall when they arrived at school. Twilight liked dancing, though according to some, she had never been very good at it. Dancing was all about having fun, anyway; the fate of the world on her shoulders or not, she intended to enjoy herself tonight.

“Twilight, wait!” Flash Sentry called, right as they were about to enter. He was wearing a tuxedo that, even to Twilight’s pony standards, made him look incredibly handsome.

Spike, who was being carried by Rarity, gave them a knowing smile. “We’ll see you inside.”

Flash jumped up the stars in two long leaps. “So… ready for the dance?”

“Oh yes,” she said, smiling. “It’ll be a great way to calm my nerves for the vote.”

“Heh, good thing you feel that way. I’m the opposite; I think you got the votes in the bag, but dancing? Never been my strong suit.”

“Mine neither. It’s all about moving your legs to the music and having a good time.”

Flash chuckled. “That’s a good way of looking at it. So, how about it? Could I have the first dance with you?” He held out his hand, blushing deep enough to give Fluttershy a run for her money.

“Uhh, you know I’m a—”

“—pony from another dimension? I know. But still… I’ve had a lot of fun with you. I thought this would be a good way to say goodbye.”

When he said it like that, it was hard not to feel somewhat guilty. After making such an impact on all these people, she would just up and leave, and probably never come back. “Of course I’ll dance with you,” she said.

“Sweet! Well then, shall we?”

Locking arms, they entered the school together. The lamps were dimmed in the corridor, both to conserve energy and lending the place a good mood, and when they entered the gymnasium, it became clear to Twilight that the joint effort of every club in the school had resulted in a party Pinkie Pie could be proud of. Neon lights strobed across the floor, the music was bass heavy and thumbed through the body, and it seemed every single student in CHS has shown up for tonight. Many were dancing, others were chatting together in groups of friends, and one glance was enough to see that all clubs were mingling freely. Applejack saw them both, and winked.

“Well,” Flash said, “this is as good a song as any.” He started flailing his arms to the rhythm. “Let’s do this!”

***

Like any good Pinkie Pie-approved party, Twilight was completely bushed afterward. Flash had seemed very impressed with her ‘funniest dance he’d ever seen,’ and more than a few had mimicked her. This wasn’t the end of the party—as Pinkie put it, the night was still young—but the time had finally come for the voting. As such, the lights were turned on, and Principal Luna stepped onto the stage.

“Please form and orderly line,” she announced, “so that those who hasn’t had the foresight to do so already can step forward and leave your vote for either Sunset Shimmer or Twilight Sparkle. Can both candidates please step up.”

Here it was, the moment of truth. Sunset Shimmer stepped up first, that same unreadable look on her face. At least she wasn’t smirking anymore; that was a good sign, right? She was mad because she knew she wouldn’t stand a chance now, right? Twilight on the right hand side of Luna, Sunset on the left, they waited as the students left pieces of paper in a big box in front of the stage. To Twilight, the process was taking forever; each minute felt more like an hour. If only she could have been down there with her friends…

But eventually, the Principal went to pick up the box, then carried it backstage. The crowd resumed their mingle, though the atmosphere was still tense.

“So uh, what happens now?” Twilight asked.

“The Principals—well, just the one, now—count the votes, then announces the winner,” Sunset told her. “It’s an old tradition… of course, they usually skip this part, since it’s been just me for the past four years.”

“Must’ve been boring for you, eh, Sunset? No one to match your wit?”

There came the smirk. “I know you’re trying to provoke me, Twilight, but you’re absolutely right. You’ve put up a good fight, just like I knew you would. I’ve had a… more rewarding time than then usual.”

“So what’re you gonna pull next? Or are you finally ready to admit defeat?”

“I thought I’d let things play themselves out, for now.”

After what seemed like an eternity, Luna reappeared from behind the curtain. Carrying the Element of Harmony crown.

The gymnasium quieted, all eyes on the stage. The tension was electrifying.

“I have tallied the vote. And…”

Luna paused. And from the look on her face, Twilight knew what she was about to say before she said it.

“Sunset Shimmer wins this year’s Fall Formal.” She presented the cushion with the crown to Sunset, who picked it up with the biggest grin on her face.

“WHAT?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, louder than all the other times combined.

And much to Twilight’s surprise, so did most of the room.

“How? Who voted Sunset Shimmer?”

“I know, right? I thought Twilight was gonna win for sure? She had my vote.”

“Same here!”

Twilight would have been devastated, if it wasn’t for the fact that all the pieces fell together just then. The crowd was in an uproar. Most of them had voted for Twilight.

She had won by a landslide!

“You set this up!” Twilight said, pointing at Sunset. “You had no intention of having a fair competition from the beginning.”

“Of course I did,” Sunset replied in that silky voice. Luna took a step back, sensing the animosity. “I always intended for a fair competition. But I never said anything about playing by the old, tired rule book. Come now, Twilight, do you honestly think I wasn’t going to take the crown by myself in the end?”

“Yes!” exclaimed Twilight, who was really starting to lose temper. “I thought you had some pride left in your body!”

“Oh!” Sunset suddenly had a look of surprise on her. “Oh my gosh, you mean you haven’t figured it out yet? Hah!” The smugness on her face increased tenfold. “Oh, this is better than I imagined! Okay, so let me spell it out for you: remember when I said that magic in this world is a horse of a different color? And I wanted the Element of Harmony? Wanna try to put two and two together?”

“Did she say ‘magic?’” someone from the crowd said.

“What’s an Element of Harmony?”

“Dropping the pretense, are we?” Twilight said.

“I’ve no more use for secrecy. I’ve already got what I needed: for you, the people of this school and, most importantly, Princess Celestia, to see for yourselves that no matter how well your think your intentions are, no matter how deeply you believe in the magic of friendship, it will never measure up to those with real power!”

“They’re both ponies from another dimension!” Twilight heard Pinkie Pie call out. A deafening silence followed. “Y’know, just so you can follow the plot.”

“We'll explain later,” Rainbow Dash said. “What's important right now is that Sunset Shimmer is not our Fall Formal Princess!” She pointed dramatically at the stage. “She rigged the whole thing!” There were confused murmurs, but also outcries of agreement.

“What ‘power’ are you talking about?” Twilight demanded.

“What’s the power source of the Elements of Harmony?” asked Sunset. “Virtues, right? Generosity, honesty, laughter, kindness, loyalty, bound together by the purest force of arcane magic to create an all-encompassing power of good. Now, remember how I called this ‘the Mirror World?’”

“Oh no…!” Twilight gasped, realizing her foolishness. “The Element’s power reversed… that was your plan all along, like I suspected! Except, the other element bearers had nothing to do with it; all you needed was the crown, because in this realm, it’s fueled by vices. Lone, solitary vices…”

“I suppose you get an A for At Last, Twilight, that took you long enough!” Sunset said. “Though you got one thing wrong. It’s not so much vices that makes this baby tick, more like general negative emotions. Harmony is so complex, and requires all these specific elements to functions, but the opposite only requires your usual suspects: hatred, anger, sadness, frustration. You know, things that every creature of every world understands.”

“I see now. You wanted me to win, to use me to raise people’s hope, only to have it crushed before the their eyes, thus creating a powerful surge of negativity to fuel the Element.”

“Very good! Of course, none of it would have worked if I hadn’t first spent years systematically sucking every ounce of hope from this school. The greater the despair, the brighter the light of hope will shine… and the bigger the hole in your heart when I snuff it out. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just take this crown and—OW!”

It happened so fast, Twilight barely had time to see what had happened. One moment, Sunset was carrying the crown in her hands, the next, it was in ther air, Sunset grasping said hands in pain. Then the sound of glass shattering and a liquid spilling onto the stage.

“Nice throw, Dash!” Applejack said. Rainbow Dash had thrown the punch bowl at Sunset Shimmer, knocking the crown out of her hands. And Luna was picking it up before Sunset had the chance to.

“Principal,” she said menacingly. “Give me the the crown.”

Luna looked at the Element, then back at her. “So your story… being related to Mr Rich… was that a lie too?”

“Being related, uh, yeah. But you’d be surprised what riches can buy you. Some ultra-rare gemstones from another realm of existence here, some financial advice from a super intelligent brain there, and voila, honorary niece. So you see, Principal Luna, I could still chuck you out on your ears. Give me the crown.”

“If… if you are going to enslave us all in any event… Sunset Shimmer, you are hereby expelled from Canterlot High, effective immediately! Twilight Sparkle wins the Fall Formal!”

She cast the Principal looks of pure venom. “Oh, you are going to regret that…”

“No!” Rainbow Dash said, jumping up the stage. Applejack followed, and shortly after, Rarity and Pinkie Pie, and even Fluttershy. They placed themselves between Sunset and Luna. “You are going to regret messing with our school!”

“Give it up, Sunset,” Rarity said. “If I’ve understood this right, your magic negativity powers won’t work unless you have the Element. Go ahead and do what you want, you are not getting this crown back.”

Sunset Shimmer was defeated. More and more students were joining her on stage, ready to defend Luna and the crown she was holding. There was nothing more she could do, to the school or the world. Twilight was going to drag her sorry flank back through the portal and make her pay for what she’d put Celestia through.

“Hah!” Sunset then exclaimed. “Alright, I think I’ve had enough fun. You’re all too cute.”

Twilight realized a moment too late what was happening. “Grab her!” she called, but it was already done. Sunset Shimmer had pulled out the real crown from inside her clothes—its jewels shimmering with an ominous dark light—and placed it on top of her head.

Chapter Fourteen

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Fourteen
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

That final image would be forever burned into Sunset Shimmer’s mind. The captain of the athletes, desperately reaching towards her. Twilight’s panic-stricken face. The very picture of futility.

The crown touched her head.

An icy cold feeling spread through her body. She could feel dark magic pulsate from the top of the crown, and next second, black-and-blue rings were engulfing her, knocking Rainbow Dash back. The rings grew bigger, the magic stronger. Too strong. Instinctively she cowered before its might, her body convinced she had made a grave mistake.

Then, the magic erupted. Like a volcano, it shot through the air, filling her to the brim with all the negativity, all the anger and sadness the crown had absorbed from these students. It cut through to her core. How was one person supposed to carry so much hurt? She stared to cry, but the tears evaporated as quickly as they appeared. At this rate, her mind would break, she would—

Then power took over. Pure, exhilarating power. It changed her body, warped her into something different, but she didn’t even care. This was everything she had dreamed of ever since stepping through the portal all those years ago.

The magic clouds dispersed, and she was looking down on a wrecked gymnasium. Yes, looked down, because she was flying. She had wings! She quickly flew over to the windows, and saw in the reflection… a demon. Her features were unrecognizable, her skin red, and her hair—already the colors of fire—was standing up like the wrath of a roaring flame. As ugly as she had become, it suited her. Power was ugly. But oh, was it thrilling!

She soared back towards the stage. Most students had fallen down, and was looking up at her with the level of fear-inspired awe she knew she deserved.

“That’s not a pony!” someone yelled.

“It’s a demon!”

“Oh my god, magic is real! The demon-ponies have come to kill us all!”

“I’m not going to kill you,” Sunset spoke. Even her voice was deliciously fearsome. “What good are you to me dead. Now, where is… ah, Twilight Sparkle. Who is the greatest of Celestia’s students now?”

“Preeetty sure it’s still her,” Pinkie Pie said. “I mean, I don’t know pony Celestia, but it sounds to me like she wouldn’t want any of her student to turn into a power-crazy—gah!” She jumped to the side as a beam of energy hit the spot where she’d stood.

“Ooh, but why did you dodge? I was going to turn you into one of my minions. Oh well, maybe you will accept my offer!”

Her beam of power hit one of the athletes square in the chest. Engulfed in a black inverted light, he let out a yelp, before suddenly wings sprouted from his back, his fingers turned to claws and eyes glowing bright red. He looked at his new body, then broke into a wide smile. “Not gonna lie, this feel amazing!”

“Congratulations, you will be my first general in my army of conquest. Yes, Twilight Sparkle, it’s time for my big reveal: I don’t want to rule this pathetic little high school, I want Equestria! And with my own little teenage army behind me, I’m going to get it!”

“You’re what?” Twilight called back with an expression of disbelief. “You’re going to take on the entire might of Equestria, all of the royal guards and three princesses, with an army of teenagers?”

“Principle of magic reversal, Twilight,” Sunset replied. “I told you these creatures possess no magic, didn't I? What do you think would happen if we let them out into opposite land? That’s right!” she said, seeing the stricken look on her face. “Each and every one of these teenager is going to turn into a powerhouse of magic combat. And if you think I’ll stop with the students of this school, think again; I’ve got a whole world of minions at my beck and call!”

“But the portal! You said it was…” Twilight face fell. “It’s not brittle at all, is it. That was another one of your lies.”

“Ding-ding-ding, we have a winner! You see now? Those narrow-minded Arch Mage fools were wrong! There is nothing brittle about this world or the connection I made! My craftsmanship was flawless; it’s one of the most stable magical entity in the known universe! It would have to be, to support the weight of two entire worlds. You want to know my theory? I think Star Swirl knew all along, but agreed to seal the world off to prevent people from doing exactly what I’m about to do right now!”

“Look, I dunno what a star swirl is,” some brave student called out, “but what makes you think we’ll do as you say?”

“Maybe this?” Sunset replied, and then put her fingers to her crown. She felt the power swirl within her, like the stars in an infinite cosmos. With a mere thought, she engulfed every student within her sight in those black-and-blue rings, and when they vanished, all of them had a blank stare on their faces, their minds and individuality gone, replaced only with the desire to serve.

Well, almost all of them. She turned to Twilight and her yet unbrainwashed friends. “As for you six. I have special roles in mind. I want you to be the commanders of my army. Just imagine it: the saviors of Equestria, leading armies of conquest against the very land they were sworn to protect. I’m going to enjoy turning you into—ow!” The glass bowl shattered on her face in an impact that would have hurt if she hadn’t been all-powerful.

“Hey Sunset! I think you missed a spot!”

Despite the insolent assault, she couldn’t help but grin even wider. “Oh! Well now, this is a twist I can get behind! How nice of you to join us, Principal Celestia… well, just regular old Celestia, now.”

The former master of the school stood tall amongst the mindless husks of her army. There was an unmistakable hint of fear in her eyes, but she was smiling nonetheless. “That’s right, I’m no longer headmaster,” she said. “Then again, I hear they chucked you out as well. I guess we’re in the same boat.”

“You’d like to think so, wouldn’t you. But unlike you, this school means nothing to me! It was never anything more than a stepping stone to my ultimate goal!”

Oh well, Twilight and her friends will have to wait. Sunset lowered herself into the crowd, and stepping up to Celestia, who took a step back, that cocky smile on her face all but melted away. “Although, I would be lying if I said it hasn’t been a pleasure, reshaping the school in my image. Seeing you and your sister struggle to keep the school together, sensing your anger and frustration when the cracks only kept widening. Why, thanks to this crown here, you might even say it’s that very frustration that’s allowed me to become what I am!” She poked her on the forehead. “Isn’t that poetic? Principal Celestia’s broken dreams, the catalyst for Princess Celestia’s downfall.”

She could see her trembling. Sunset allowed herself to savior this total and complete victory over her. Even if it wasn’t the same Celestia, the catharsis was oh so sweet. And before long, the real Celestia would follow.

Sunset was just about to blast wash her brain clean with magic, when she suddenly spoke. “You’re right. It is poetic, the way I’ve never truly understood the struggle I’ve been a part of. For years, I’ve been having recurring dreams, visions of a mighty winged unicorn… I suppose I wanted to believe this made me special. Like some kind of chosen guardian, meant to protect this school. But the moment Twilight Sparkle stepped into my office, I realized how delusional I’ve been. This was never my battle. I was always just a bit-player in a drama beyond my control…”

“For what it’s worth, you played your part well,” Sunset told her. “And hey, at least you left behind some beautiful last words. Anything you wanted to add before you begin your life in servitude?”

“Just this,” she said, and as frightened as she appeared, she managed to bring the smile back to her face. “Whether I was chosen or not, I will always be the guardian of this school!” The only reason Celestia managed to do what she did next was because it came completely out of nowhere. She reached out her arms and grabbed Sunset around the waist, holding down her arms. “And if you wish to harm a single hair on my students, you will have to go through me first!”

Oh my gosh, is she actually trying to restrain me? By the sun and the moon, that was just adorable! “Very well, through you it is!”

Sunset leaned her head forward, making the crown touch Celestia’s forehead. She felt the magic travel into her; now she only had to… huh. The magic wasn’t connecting. It felt as if the power was bouncing off her mind. Celestia gasped and grunted. She was resisting her through sheer force of will! Hah, trying to prove herself, was she? Sunset pressed the attack, letting a flood of dark energy flow through her, which made Celestia scream out loud. My, she was still holding on tight. No matter, it wouldn’t be long before she became her undying servant.

Or so she thought. No matter how hard she pushed, her psyche refused to yield. Even so, she could sense the ex-Principal’s mind beginning to cave under the pressure. Any second, it would break into pieces…

"Bah!" This was taking far too long, so Sunset simply pushed her away with enough force to send her flying into one of the wall. Celestia slumped, moaning softly, her mind spent, but still intact. “I’ll deal with you later.” She had already defeated her; any more, and she would have broken past the point of no return.

“Now then.” she rose to the ceiling, and took a quick look around. “Ah, so that was our game. Wanted to give your precious Twilight a head start, did you.” Predictably, the six were nowhere to be found. “That’s alright. Run back to Equestria for all I care; there’s nothing you can do to stop me now. And speaking of Equestria,” she added with a grin, “why don’t I take care of something I’ve been wanting to do for years?” She flew over the crowd. “Where are you hiding, Scribble Dee, my old friend?”

No, but really, where was she hiding?

They didn’t…?

Rage exploded in Sunset, manifesting in a shock wave that sent the students tumbling like dominoes. Scribble had been here a moment ago! There was only one explanation, and it seethed her to the core. Somehow, Twilight knew the truth about Scribble Dee.

She would not get away with it.

Chapter Sixteen

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Sixteen
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

The fact that the gymnasium was had been completely trashed didn’t stop the students of Canterlot High from resuming where they had left off. Once the DJ had put on some tunes and the strobe lights were back in place, the Fall Formal dance was back in business. As for Twilight, she was content just watching everybody have fun, soaking in the happiness that she had helped create.

“Nice to finally be able to talk around people,” Spike said, coming up next to her. “By the way, have you tried the punch? Too bad we had to throw most of it at Sunset.”

“I’m sure she feels the same,” Twilight chuckled. “Where is she, anyway?”

“I heard her tell Celestia she was gonna make a few phone calls to Mr Rich. Not sure where she went after that.”

“Oh, there she is!” Twilight spotted. “And she’s talking to Scribble Dee! Come on, Spike.”

Twilight picked him up, and they made their way past the dancing students, many of whom cheered as she passed. Scribble looked up as she saw her approach. “Oh, hi, Twilight.”

“Hey,” she replied. “Having a good time? Did you two talk it out?”

“Nothing much to talk about,” Sunset told her. “We’re pretty much strangers. I just… thought I’d apologize in person, that’s all.”

At this, Scribble let out a small sigh. “Listen, Sunset, I think I’m speaking for most of us here when I say it’s gonna take us a long while to get over the things you’ve done. I’m not saying this to be mean, but I really do think you’d be better off going back to your own world.”

“I can’t,” she said. “Now that I understand the weight of what I've been doing, I-I have a responsibility to this school. I’ll never be able to move on if I don’t I set things right. Not to mention… I feel like this is the only place where I can learn about the ‘magic of friendship’ again.”

“Makes sense, I guess…” Then Scribble added, “Look, I don’t know if the two of us can ever be friends, but… we don’t have to be enemies, either. Let’s... let's just see how things play out, okay?”

“Yeah. Sounds good.” The conversation was replaced by the background music for a short moment, but just as Twilight was about to excuse herself, “Twilight, I’ve decided to come home with you and make the apology to Princess Celestia. I owe her that much.”

“You know what?” Twilight said. “I don’t think there’s any hurry. You can come apologize whenever you feel ready. I know these things take time.”

Sunset looked like she was thinking it over, then smiled. “Thank you. I… now that you mention it, think I do need more time…”

“And speaking of time!” said Pinkie Pie, appearing out of nowhere. “It’s almost time for Twilight to go home to her own world, so less chatting, more dancing!”

“Isn’t the music a bit slow for dancing?”

“I think I know somebody who’d want a slow dance with you.”

Only now did she notice that a good portion of the crowd had backed off from the dance floor, looking at Twilight with anticipating eyes. Alone in the middle of the floor stood Flash Sentry, holding out his hand towards her. “May I?”

Twilight, feeling a blush coming on, replied, “You may.”

Flash Sentry, it seemed, was someone who liked to underestimate his abilities, because he knew exactly how to dance. Twilight, who wasn’t used to this slow, deliberate style of dancing, felt like she would trip at any moment, but Flash always compensated, matching his movements to hers.

“I really like you, Twilight,” he whispered. “I know this will never go anywhere, so I’m just gonna just say it. Sorry, I’m making it weird, aren’t I.”

“No, that’s alright,” Twilight whispered back. “I think you’re a wonderful person. I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done.”

“This dance is a nice way of saying it. At least now I’ll have something to remember you by.”

“It’s not like I’ll never see you again,” Twilight assured him. “Now that we know the portal’s safe, I can come visit.”

Flash beamed at her. “I'll hold you to that.”

***

“Well, I guess this is it,” Applejack said. “We sure as hay are gonna miss ya.”

Her five friends and Sunset were standing by the portal, given their farewells to Twilight. It was time to go home. “Just remember, it's perfectly safe to visit,” Sunset said. “You could drive an army of dragons through it, and the magic wouldn’t waver an inch.“

“Dragons, she said,“ Rarity commented. “It's going to be a while before I wrap my head around that.“

“One of many things,” Fluttershy said. “I can’t believe Sunset is our friend now… no offense.”

Sunset brushed it off with a smile. “None taken. I had it coming.”

“I’ll see you again,” Twilight promise. “I wanna know how everything pans out, and make sure Sunset doesn’t try and take over the world again.” Sunset frowned. “Too soon?”

“Too soon.”

“Well, guess you can’t stand around here forever,” Rainbow Dash said. “You should get going.”

“You’re right,” said Twilight with a sigh. “As much as I’d like to stay a while longer, I am a Princess, and my duty is with my people. Celestia and my other friends must be worried sick about me.”

“Say hello to my other me!” Pinkie Pie said.

“I will. Right then…” She turned to the portal, but turned around to cast a final look her friends, so similar to the ones back home, yet different.

She pulled them into a big group hug. It lasted only five seconds, but it said everything that needed to be said. A smile on her lips, she turned around, and with Spike right behind her, stepped through the portal.

***

She was still on her hind legs when she stepped out on the other side. Finding a sudden loss in balance, she dropped to all four of her familiar pony hooves. She almost let out a gasp when saw the pony versions of the very same friends she had just left behind perking up in front of her.

“Twilight! You’re back!” Rainbow Dash said.

“And you got the crown!” cheered Rarity.

“I knew you could do it!” Pinkie Pie said.

“Although were pretty darned worried about ya,” Applejack said. “Spike told us you’d become some kind of weird creature with hands and no fur.”

“I’ll tell you everything,” Twilight promised. “But first, I’d like to see Princess Celestia.”

“I am already here,” the Princess said as she walked into the room. Their eyes met, and the worry in her face was plain to see. “I’m relieved beyond words to see you back safe. But tell me, what became of Sunset Shimmer?”

“You’ve got nothing to worry about,” said Twilight. “Sunset Shimmer is in good hands. Turns out all she needed was a friendly reminder of the magic of friendship.”

“Hah!” Applejack said, pointing at Rainbow. “You owe me five bits.”

“Am I the only one who’s starting to think that shtick is getting kinda cliché? Guess I can't argue with results, but is that how all of our adventures are gonna end?”

“If it makes you feel any better,” Twilight said, “Sunset turned into a demon and brain washed the whole student body before I could talk her down.”

“You know what, it does. Now that’s a story I wanna hear!”

***

The conversation moved to the throne room, where Twilight, in the presence of Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Shining Armor, told them the full story of what had happened in the mirror world. Spike had given them enough details already that it didn’t take too long.

“I see,” Princess Celestia said. There was a glistening of tears in her eyes, a rare sight for the proud Princess of the Sun. “So Sunset Shimmer has found her place at last. If only you knew how much this means to me…”

“As a former students myself, I think I have a good idea,” Twilight told her.

“I still can’t believe the Arch Mages were mistaken about the portal,” Luna said. “We shall have to bring the mirror back to Canterlot for study.”

“And to keep it away from anyone who’d want to use it for their own gain,” Shining Armor added. “In the wrong hooves, it could bring all kinds of trouble for both worlds.”

“We’ll keep it safe,” Celestia promised. “It is the means of which my former student shall one day come see me again. I will wait however many years it takes. Shining Armor, I want you to prepare to transport the mirror back to Canterlot. Cadence, if you would send a message to the representatives that the fourth Princess has returned, and tell them that we can start the summit in two days.”

“At once,” both said at the same time.

Princess Summit? Twilight had completely forgotten that was a thing. But funnily enough, the prospect didn’t frighten her all. The crown sat snugly on her head, like it was meant to be there.

Plus, Celestia had said two days from now, and she could certainly use a day off. “If you don’t need me,” she said. “I’d like to go to bed. I’m exhausted.”

“Of course,” Celestia said. “No one deserves a rest more than you.”

On her way out of the chamber, she passed a guard pony that rang a certain bell in her head. She stopped abruptly, then scrutinized his face, making him look very uncomfortable. “Flash Sentry?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

Twilight gave him a smile, then turned to the group and said, “Say Cadence, would you mind giving this stallion a promotion?”

“Sure, but why? He hasn’t done anything particular to stand out.”

“He’s stood out plenty,” she told her. “I’ve seen what’s in his heart, and this stallion is one of the most compassionate ponies you’ll ever find.”

Epilogue

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Epilogue
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

Princess Celestia, ruler of a nation, was prancing alone in her throne room, looking at the stained glass windows, each depicting an important event in pony history. The founding of the Arch Mage guild. Twilight and friends conquering Nightmare Moon. Only the most recent events deemed historical was displayed here, the rest being kept in the library, in a special chamber dedicated to the country’s history.

If Celestia could have her way, she would create a new one for the battle between her two former students. But that would have been self indulgent. One day, far off in the future, a new ruler would take Celestia’s place, and this individual would not understand what it represented.

Speaking of her former student, Twilight sure was taking her time. She had come to Canterlot to join the Arch Mages in a three-day study session of the mirror—an Arch Spell they had for so long thought was too dangerous to touch—and she had promised she would meet up with her afterward. She hoped she hadn’t collapsed out of exhaustion somewhere in the corridors, as had happened in the past when Twilight had been too absorbed in her—

“Princess?”

The voice made her freeze up. That was not the voice of Twilight Sparkle.

There she stood. Her old student, bigger now than when she had first saw her jump through the mirror, and none of the contempt in her eyes.

“Sunset Shimmer,” she spoke. It had barely been two weeks since Twilight had returned from the Mirror World. She had been prepared to wait for as long as was necessary, but to have this meeting so soon… she wasn’t ready. What would she say?

Sunset walked closer, and sat down in front of her. Celestia sat down as well. They both just sat there, looking into each other's eyes. ‘You have become a fine mare.’ No, it was too soon. Shouldn’t she still be upset at her? ‘I see you have come back.’ Stating the obvious meant nothing. ‘What did you learn?’ Too condescending; she had no right to ask that now.

So she did what she always did when her mind failed her. She relied on her instincts. And right now, it made her put a hoof around Sunset Shimmer, pulling her close. Sunset returned the embrace. That was the answer. There was no need for words. With that simple gesture, Celestia sensed her remorse, her desire to be better, and that Sunset knew how much she had missed her.

“I can’t stay,” Sunset told her. “I have a home there now, and friends…”

“I know.”

“Just promise me one thing.” She looked up at her. “Don’t forget about me… and if you can, remember the good times, as well as the bad…”

“I will never forget.”

“A-and one more thing,” she added quickly, “I know I shouldn’t ask, but… do you think you could have a message delivered to one Scribble Dee, of the Sleipnir Nomads.”

Celestia made sure to look as though she was thinking it over. “Well, I suppose I could accommodate this once, but you have to promise me something in return.”

“What is it?”

“Don’t give up on Equestria,” Celestia said. “If you want to live out the rest of your life in the other world, so be it, but don’t remember this world as a place only filled with your darkest memories.”

Sunset broke into a smile, a sign that she had understood what she wanted to convey. “I think I can do that. Heck, I’ve got bad memories no matter where I go. What I need now is new, better ones.”

“Precisely. And Twilight,” Celestia added, looking over at the opened door, “do pay her a visit once in a while. I think she would appreciate it.”

A flustered purple pony appeared from behind the door. “Sorry; just wanted to let you two have your moment.”

“And I thank you for it. But listen to me, both of you.” Twilight came up next to Sunset Shimmer. What a marvelous sight: two of her former student, standing side by side. It made her want to tear up, but she had to keep a straight face for this. “You have both studied under me, and you have both found different paths in life. And through much hardships, you have both learned what friendship could be, and I want you both to remember—”

Oh, forget it! She let the waterworks run, which startled both of them. With eyes blurry and the biggest smile on her face, she pulled them both into a big hug. “Happy graduation day! To both of you! You make me the proudest teacher alive!”

Prologue

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Prologue
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

There was a glowing, thrashing cluster of bubbles in the depth of the sheet of glass, and little Sunset Shimmer just couldn’t look away.

She had done this? The sense of pride was indescribable; this was magic nopony had ever attempted before, magic most ponies thought belonged in fiction. But she had done it. Of course she had done it; she was the most amazing unicorn to ever have stood beside the great Princess of the Sun! Now, finally, it was time to show her mentor the results of her labor, but how to best go about it? She wanted to show it off right away, but maybe she ought to wait until tomorrow; it would be the Princess’ birthday, after all, and—

“Sunset Shimmer?” The voice behind her made her jump, and as a consequence, lose her concentration. The magic enveloping her horn vanished in a flash, and so did the bubbles inside the glass. She turned to face Princess Celestia, who was looking at her with an expression in-between shock and awe. “What in Equestria were you doing?”

“It’s a…” So taken off guard, she needed a few moments to collect herself, in which time Celestia approached the glass. “It’s a portal, Princess. To another world!” The words simply rolled off her tongue, the excitement impossible to contain. “I know you said I shouldn’t mess with it, but I was so enthralled by this whole Cosmic Veil concept that I had to try some experiments, and you won’t believe what I’ve discovered! There's like a dozen different worlds out there! It’s like they’re attached to our own by some invisible chains. And get this: I was able to get create my own connection to one of the—!”

Celestia put her hoof on her young student’s shoulder, and to her immense delight, she gave her a smile. “You truly are a wonder child, Sunset Shimmer. To not only have discovered the secret, which even most unicorns of the Arcanum are unaware, but to create a pathway to it… remarkable.”

Some of the excitement washed away. “You… you knew about it?”

“It is a close-guarded secret amongst the top mages of the court, but yes, I knew. You, on the other hoof, are the first to discover it on your own in over four hundred years. Do you remember what I told you about the three Arch Spells, created by the legendary Star Swirl the Bearded?”

Sunset Shimmer’s excitement came back with vigor. She liked where this was going. “Of course!”

“What you have just witnessed with your own eyes, the magical creation of worlds, was discovered to be the fourth Arch Spell, previously lost to the ages.”

She couldn’t hold back a squeal. She was practically jumping up and down. “For real?”

“Very real. Little is known about these worlds, but the Arch Mages have been able to sense life from within them. Life that is ever changing, evolving in a fashion remarkably similar to that of Equestria itself.”

“But now we can explore them!” exclaimed Sunset happily.

“No.” The tone of finality in that simple word made her lips fall like a rock to the ground. “I want you to listen to me, Sunset Shimmer, because this is of utmost importance. What we are dealing with is a whole other worlds created entirely by magic, tethered to Equestria. The simple reason these worlds were sealed off was because the energy contained within them is so unfathomable, the slightest amount leaking into our world could have catastrophic consequences.”

“B-but what if we’re really careful!” Sunset protested. “If we had like all the Arch Mages help us, we could make it sturdier—”

“Star Swirl the Bearded said similar things,” Celestia interrupted. “Or so the story goes. But even he, eventually, came to realize that the dangers were too great. Listen,” her voice grew softer, “I understand it must be frustrating, to discover something so grand, only to have it taken away from you, but it’s for the safety of all of Equestria. Even I couldn’t attempt such a thing without invoking the wrath of the Arcanum.”

“Can… can I at least study it?” asked Sunset, her face drooping. “I won’t interfere with the magic, I swear, but just looking at it wouldn’t hurt… would it?”

“I’m sorry, but the answer remains no. The simplest of scanning spell could topple the balance over time, and knowing you,” she gave her a look, “I’m not so sure you would resist keeping it at just scanning spells for long.”

There might as well have been a hole in Sunset’s heart. Unbeknownst to her mentor, she had been working on this project for over ten months in secret. In all that time, she had played the big reveal in her head over and over, and not once had she considered that it might end with a big fat ‘no.’

“Sunset Shimmer,” Celestia spoke, in a tone that made it seem as though she knew exactly what was going through her head. “Regardless of what the rules may say, I want you to know that your display of immense magical knowledge has impressed tremendously this day. It shows a potential of greatness rarely seen, even among my own students. I’ll tell you what; I’ll talk to the Arch Mages, so that your creation might be placed in the Hall of Magical Wonders, as a reminder of your triumph.”

Warmth returned to Sunset, as she stared back into her master’s eyes. “I… thank you.” She swallowed, mentally preparing for the next part; maybe today could still be salvaged. “Does… does this mean you will elevate me to the advanced classes?”

“It certainly hasn’t hurt,” Celestia said. “In due time, my dear. One day soon.”

“Always ‘one day soon’,” her student muttered. “You said that a year ago, and I felt ready then!”

“Two years is a short time to master all the intermediate skills of magic,” Celestia reminded her. “Your time will come, but first you must allow me time to ascertain that you are ready.”

“I… okay.”

It was with mixed feelings that Sunset Shimmer watched Princess Celestia envelop the mirror in her magic, creating a protective barrier around it. She didn’t take the words of praise from the Princess lightly—a higher honor, she could hardly imagine—but she had expected more. To blow her teacher’s mind with a new magic discovery, to get to explore this new venue by her side. To be remembered by historians as one of the greatest magic users in the world.

Her time would come. Celestia kept assuring her of this. Maybe Sunset was a bit rash sometimes, but what was she supposed to do, when Celestia refused to see how much she had grown? Sunset Shimmer was capable of so much more than she knew.

So much more.

Chapter Fifteen

Equestria Girls: Reimagined
Chapter Fifteen
by Candle light
based on a story by Meghan McCarthy

The moment Twilight had seen the Principal move up behind Sunset, picking up the punch bowl, she had realized what she was about to do, and that Twilight only had a few moments to act. A small window of opportunity, and if she let it slip, this world might well be doomed. Both worlds. She had to go through the portal. Get backup, tell the Princesses, have them prepare their armies…

But even as the plans were formed, Twilight knew they would never work. At best, it would lead to a full-scale pony war the likes of which Equestria had never seen. At worst, there wouldn’t be any Equestria left to save.

And so, Twilight and her friends were running down the corridors, Applejack carrying the body of one of the brainwashed students like a sack of potatoes.

“This is seriously not cool!” Rainbow Dash said. “How’re we supposed beat someone like that!”

“We need to get outside,” Twilight said, thinking fast. “I-I have a plan… the beginning of a plan, anyway.”

“Ah’m guessing it’s got somethin’ to do with Scrib here?” Applejack said.

“Back in Equestria, Scribble Dee was Sunset’s best friend!” Twilight explained. “It’s a long shot, but if we play our cards right, this just might work.” They reached the entrance, and once outside, they stopped by the portal.

“So this is where y’all came from,” Applejack said. She knocked on the stone, to no effect. “How’s Sunset gonna to bring us all over to Equestria if we can’t go through?”

“With the magic from the crown, she could easily shift the metaphysical arcane flow to allow conversion of… I’ll explain later! Applejack, give me Scribble.”

“Here ya go,” she said, nearly throwing her at Twilight. “So, uh, how long ya reckon Celestia’s gonna keep the she-demon busy?”

“Not much longer,” Twilight said. “I just hope this works.”

Twilight grabbed Scribble Dee’s hand, and placed it on the portal’s surface. She then tapped it with her finger, creating ripples of magic. Scribble’s body shook, like it was hit by electricity. She moaned, her eyes twitching. Twilight let out a breath.

“Uhh…” Scribble began, looking up at each of them, then fixed her gaze at Twilight. “So did you win the crown…?”

“Yes and no. Are you okay?” Twilight asked. “Do you remember what happened?”

“Yeah, something about Sunny turning into… wait, that was real?”

“Uh-huh,” said Rainbow Dash. “And she’s gonna come bursting through the doors at any moment. Now’d be a good time to tell us about the plan, Twi—”

Sunset didn't so much burst through the door, as crumbling the entire front wall, as if grabbing it by a large invisible hand, growing the rubble aside. Revealing Sunset Shimmer, her personal army following behind her. Walking towards them.

“Calling in reinforcements?” Sunset shouted gleefully. “Or did you think you’d be able to outrun me in Equestria? Maybe gather up a ragtag team of freedom fighters for when I take over the world? I’m okay with that. Let’s go for the long game, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Do you know who this is?” Twilight pulled Scribble to her side.

“Scribble Dee,” Sunset replied, voice becoming darker. “The real question is, how do you know who she is?”

“I had Spike look through your diaries. She was your best friend, wasn’t she! How do you think she’ll react, seeing you like this?”

“Seriously? You’re bringing me down with sentimentality? That’s your great counterattack? Please, Scribble Dee was an old acquaintance, nothing more.”

“You’re wrong,” Twilight insisted. “She was the only person you truly cared about. Think about what you’re throwing away!”

“Yeah, she’ll be real angry and stuff!” Scribble joined in. “I know I’d be.”

While Twilight’s words only made her laugh, the moment Scribble opened her mouth, Sunset’s face sank into a frown. She was annoyed, alright, but there were also deeper emotions hidden underneath. “Keep talking,” Twilight whispered in her ear. And hope to Celestia I’m right about this…

“Like, I dunno how I'd be friends with the likes of you in the first place!” Scribble continued. “You’re the biggest, meanest jerk on the face in this planet! All you ever care about is yourself!”

“Silence!” Sunset’s hair literally became fire, bursting several yards into the air. “What would a pretender like you know about me? You’re nothing like the real Scribble Dee, she…!” Sunset was losing her temper fast. “She understood what I was about! In the end, she saw things my way…”

“What way? What’re you even talking about?”

“That all I ever wanted was to prove to the world that my existence means something!” Sunset hissed. “That I was meant to be something greater!” As her anger flared, the dark magic in the crown sparked erratically, dangerously.

And at the same time, a spark from inside Twilight.

An oh-so familiar feeling she hadn’t felt since stepping through the portal, one that shouldn’t be possible here. Magic. She was sensing the crown’s magic within herself.

‘She just make me so, mad; I can’t even explain why!’

‘I have a toothless alligator called Jummy! No, Jimmy!’

‘I am a failed magician!’

In hindsight, the signs had been there all along, and now she had the confirmation she needed: there was a magic connection between the worlds! A faint, near imperceptible connection, but it was real, and it bound each person of this realm to their Equestrian pony version. And with this knowledge, she knew she could beat Sunset Shimmer. Instincts, don’t fail me now!

“You’ve all seen my cutie mark,” she continued. “A symbol of the sun! And I was meant to shine like one! It was always my destiny to take over Princess Celestia’s throne!”

“Yes it was!” Twilight agreed, a statement that took both her friends and Sunset by surprise. “That may well be what destiny had in store for you. But destiny is not a prophecy set in stone; your actions matter, and what you’re doing here today may have ruined any chances of becoming the ruler you were meant to be!”

“Or, and here’s a thought, it’s exactly what destiny requires of me to reach my full potential!”

“Okay, fine,” Scribble shot at her. “Say you become a ruler! You won’t exactly be loved by anyone. You’ll be just another villain for the magical ponies to defeat!”

“Just another…!” The crown shot out a bolt of lightning that made them all jump. “You take that back! You don’t get to say that to me! Not you…!”

Sunset’s mind was cracking. While this would have seemed like bad news, seeing as she had the power to pulverize them all in an instant, Twilight glanced at Scribble and nodded. Just a little further…! “You’re a villain, you villain! I’ll say it as many times as I want. If I could, I’d go into that portal and give myself a smack-down for ever associating with the likes of you.”

“Scribble, no, you—!” She took a step forward, but stopped, and closed her eyes. “Right, let’s not get worked up; you’re not her. You’ll never be her…”

“And thank god for that!” she replied. Twilight mouthed something to her, and Scribble smiled. “Because I hate you, Sunset Shimmer!”

‘Say her name.’

A jolt of magic in Twilight’s heart told her that everything was happening the way she had imagined. The crown was crackling, its beams no longer black and blue, but gray and yellow. A hole had been ripped open in Sunset’s psychological barrier, by a short burst of one of the most powerful emotions of all.

Remorse. An emotion easily interpreted as negative, but based on something positive. Indeed, it was the feeling of goodness returning to a heart that couldn’t handle it. So then, what would happen if this emotions, neither truly positive or negative, was the one powering this inverted Element of Harmony?

“Take my hand!” Twilight told her friends. Without asking why, the five of them obeyed, creating a half-circle between Scribble Dee and Sunset Shimmer.

Twilight closed her eyes, and thought of her friends back home. Of Princess Celestia, of Ponyville, her family. And the positive feeling just came flooding out of her, weaving a magical vein that spread from her clasped hands to her friends, until they were all glowing in a rainbow colored sheen.

“Did, uh, did I do that?” Scribble asked.

“Nope, but you sure helped,” Spike told her. “Just sit back and enjoy the show.”

“What is… it can’t…!” Sunset hissed, stepping away from the group. The crown on her head had stopped glowing altogether. She looked afraid.

“You were wrong about the crown, Sunset,” Twilight said, the glow around her body growing ever brighter. “Yes, it is the singlemost powerful magical artifact in Equestria, and yes, by the principle of magic reversal, negativity does activate its power. But it’s still an Element of Harmony at its core, forged by the magic of friendship! And true friendship, in this world or any other, can never be corrupted!”

“You little…!” Sunset blurted, her eyes filled with terror. “That’s impossible! Friendship isn’t… how could it…?”

“I don’t blame you for making this mistake. You’re a brilliant student of magic, but you have no understanding whatsoever of the magic of friendship. This wasn’t always the case,” Twilight let go of her friends' hands, and and started walking towards Sunset, “but then you entered your self-imposed exile through the mirror. Cutting yourself off from the only friend you ever had. Your mind blocked out the knowledge of the magic, because it was the only way of coping with the trauma of losing her.”

“Stop it! Don’t come any closer…!”

“But you do care. Your deep-rooted regret for your friend has united the crown with those connected to its creators!”

“Stop i—umph!”

Twilight gave Sunset Shimmer a hug.

And the world around them erupted into visions of rainbows.

***

Sunset Shimmer was a floating mass of energy in an endless ocean of magic. A certain type of magic she hadn’t felt in a long time. One that her mind had convinced itself was just a myth. It soothed her to the core of her being, and yet tore at her with claws. The purest bliss, mixed with the deepest suffering.

And then, she was back in Equestria. Except, not quite; she was in her pony form, but she couldn’t move. Also, she was smaller. She was back with her traveling caravan, Sleipnir.

Her father was looking straight at her with that angry face that always used to send her into a state of crying rage.

“You disgrace your legacy with that talk!” he barked. “If I hear one more word from you about this heresy, you’ll go without food for a week!”

“I never asked to be born into this!” Sunset could feel her mouth form the words, but the sounds were distant. “Magic can be so much more than just this endless travel on the whim of some old prophecy! I’ve seen that world, and I want to be part of it.”

The father sighed. “I hope you like to diet. No go to your wagon, and if I see you come out for anything other than nature’s call, so help me…”

The rainbow closed the scene like a curtain. Ah yes, the prophecy. That lunatic story of the Great Traveler that commanded her people to wander the same distance ever year. Just remembering it made her sick. But no sooner had the thought struck, did several other scenes open up around her, making it hard to absorb them all.

Talking to Scribble Dee. “I’m worried about you, Sunset! I dunno if I believe in the Great Traveler either, but your dad looks like he’s about ready to kick you out!”

The time her mother gave her the biggest scolding of her life. “Tell it like it is: you don’t care about your family, or your friends! Why did I have to give birth to a heretic like you?”

The following argument with Scribble Dee.

The time she ran away, beaten and bruised by both of her parents.

Stop! her mind yelled. I can’t take it! Why are you doing this to me?

And then, more scenes appeared. But this time, they carried with them an entirely different slew of emotions.

The day Celestia picked her up from the streets of Canterlot. “Your magic is raw and unfocused, but there is untapped magic you the likes of which I haven’t sensed in many years. You have a rare gift that only a hoof-full of ponies every century possess.” That warm smile. “Come with me, and I will help you reach your full potential.”

The day she made up with Scribble Dee. “I’m sorry! I never wanted to hurt you; I-I couldn’t believe they actually hit you! I’m so happy you found your place in life… and I’ll always be your friend.”

And then, snippets of memories from her time at Canterlot. The ponies she’d met, the late-night study sessions with Celestia. She saw it so vividly clear, reliving each memory as if she was there at every time and place at once. The shining beacons of happiness in a life that had been fraught with pain.

All blown away. Because she had wanted more. Everything she could have ever asked for wasn’t enough. She needed everything. And in order to get it, nothing was sacred.

Almost as if this world of rainbows could read her thoughts—it probably could—it showed her the fatal day that had set her on this path. Her devastating fallout with Celestia. And listening to it now, hearing every world from an outsider’s perspective, it took on a whole new meaning. Princess Celestia’s indignation was like a mother being angry at her child for stepping out of line. Of course, the only mother Sunset had ever known was the kind that had told her straight to her face that she wished she had never been born. Sunset had failed to see the concern in her voice, the pleading in her words.

All she had seen was her biggest inspiration devolving into just another pony who wanted her gone.

And this world had paid the price. How many potential friendships had she robbed from the people of Canterlot High? How many academic futures had she ruined? True, she had gained the power she had sought for so long. But she didn’t have everything.

She didn’t have what Twilight and her friends shared.

The rainbow curtain lifted, and Sunset’s mind returned to the physical world. Twilight was still holding her. She didn’t have the strength to push her away.

***

“What happened?”

“Weren’t we in the gym before?”

“Sunset! She turned into a demon! And there are magical ponies!”

“There she is! Twilight’s holding her down!”

“Looks more like she’s giving her a hug.”

The students were regaining consciousness. A sign that every trace of Sunset’s magic was gone. Her body had reverted back to its normal, human form, and the crown lay uselessly on the ground next to her.

She was sobbing uncontrollably.

Twilight’s friends gathered around them, but said nothing. There was nothing much to say; the Elements of Harmony worked in mysterious ways, its influence never quite the same twice, but whatever they had done to Sunset, it had broken her down entirely.

And yet, Twilight felt compelled to say something. Anything.

“Let go of me,” Sunset spoke first.

“Sunset?”

“Let go…!” With a weak push, she freed herself from her grasp. “Look at me. Look at what I’ve done… I’m a monster.”

“I don’t see a monster anymore,” Twilight replied. “I see a girl who desperately needs the comfort only a friend can give her.”

“Yeah,” she sobbed. “You’re not wrong… but it’s too late. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but all I seem to be good at is burning bridges and ruining people’s lives. You said it yourself: I don’t know the first thing about friendship.”

Twilight didn’t back away. She gave her a smile; any desire to drag her back through the portal kicking and screaming had vanished along with her claws and fangs. She gestured towards Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. “I bet they can teach you.”

Their reaction was one of confusion and uncertainty. But as they exchanged looks, that uncertainty soon melted away. Applejack was the first to break into a smile. “Well shucks, Twilight, if that’s how ya wanna do it, who are we to say no?”

“Uh-huh,” agreed Pinkie Pie. “Leaving people to cry without a friend is just wrong.”

“She won’t try to hurt us again, will she?” Fluttershy said.

“I seriously doubt that,” Rainbow Dash said. “I can't even explain it, but it feels like this is the right thing to do. Harmony magic stuff, I guess.”

“Wait!” Rarity yelled out dramatically. “Aren’t we missing something important? One little detail before we can even think about associating ourselves with the likes of this brute!” She turned to Sunset with a cross face. “The magic word, please.”

Sunset, who had watched the exchanged with eyes of utter disbelief, stammered, “Y-you want me to cast a spell? I-I don’t—”

“Oh for the love of—you know the one!”

Sunset did understand. She hesitated, a hundred emotions seemingly running through her face. Then finally, “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry!”

Rarity broke into a grin. “Thank you! Now I’ll be happy to be your friend.”

“I have a feeling we’re gonna be the best of buddies!” Pinkie Pie agreed. “The twitching in my neck is telling me so!”

“This is all so sudden!” Sunset protested. “I-I just tried to turn the whole school into my personal army, and you’re okay with being my friends?”

“Give it up, Sunset,” Flash came up and said. “I think they’re trying to tell you they’re willing to give you another shot. You shouldn’t look the gift-horse in the mouth this time around.”

Sunset’s eyes was locked on him for a moment. Like she couldn’t believe he was even willing to talk to her; be friendly with her. Then finally, she cracked a smile. “Thank you, Flash. I don’t know what I have to do... but I’ll make things right. I promise.”

“So are we just gonna forgive her now?”

“I mean, she was crying her heart out.”

“Come on, she tried to take over the school. She’s literally a demon!”

“He has a point; if all it took was ‘I’m sorry,’ who’d need the police?”

The murmur from he crowd was hard to ignore, and Twilight suspected there would be much more of where that came from moving forward. Sunset’s path to redemption would not be an easy one, but there was no longer any doubt in her mind that she would walk it willingly and with pride.

A sudden gasp from the students caught her attention. Twilight looked up, and saw Principle Celestia emerging from the crowd.

Without saying a word, she walked over to Sunset, who flinched. But as their eyes met, her expression changed, and her eyes gleamed with determination. “Celestia, listen to me, I… I know you’ll never forgive me. I’m pretty much responsible for some of the worst years of your life, and… and I’d understand if you never want to see my face again. But if you can find it in your heart, I-I’d like to try and prove that I’m worthy of this second chance. I’ll do whatever it takes…”

In response, Celestia gave a light chuckle. “Well, Sunset, while I do like the sound of your apology, I’m not so sure it was actually meant for me.”

“Maybe you’re right… just, I don’t know if I have the courage to tell the Princess anytime soon. I suppose in the meantime, for what it’s worth… I’m sorry for everything I’ve done to the school, Principal Celestia.” And Sunset went down on her knees and bowed.

“You seem to forget,” Celestia replied, her expression flat, “I’m no longer Principal. And in case you forgot, the police still wants to bring me in for questioning.”

“I’ll have Mr Rich call them off,” Sunset promised, getting to her feet. “He can smooth things over, have them strike your crime from the record. I won’t rest until you have your school back!”

“In that case, Sunset Shimmer…” A smile spread across her face. “…apology accepted. I look forward to seeing how you make good on your promise in your final years.”

If ever there was definite proof that Sunset had changed, it was in the expression of sheer relief as Celestia put her hand on her shoulder. “I won’t let you down.”

“So, just thought I’d ask,” Rainbow Dash asked. “But where’ve you been hiding out all this time?”

“Why, right here at the school,” Celestia told them. “In an unused storage room by the gymnasium; Luna has been dropping by with food and other necessities. You see, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the six of you, through my own personal messenger. Come here.”

Twilight’s jaw dropped as Spike jumped out of Scribbles arms and into Celestia’s. “Sorry Twilight,” Spike said sheepishly. “She called out to me when I was about to go back through the portal, and she made me promise not to tell you. Hard to say no to Celestia, you know.”

“That’s okay, Spike. But Principal, why did you want to keep it a secret? We could have…” Her mind must have been tired from all the commotion, because not until that second did she fully understand what she’d been saying. “Hold on, you had Spike be your… but how would you know that he could…?”

“I suppose this would be a perfect time to come clean,” the Principal said, her tone growing serious. “The truth of the matter is that I have known about this other world for some time now. A little over ten years ago, I started having vivid dreams of this place filled with magical creatures, and the magnificent mare who ruled them: Princess Celestia.”

“Ten years ago… when I created the mirror!” said Sunset.

“Indeed, the pieces are finally starting to come together. At the time, however, I only had a vague sense that these grounds—this statue—was special somehow. I could feel something emanating from it, and though I could never catch any evidence of it through scientific study, it was enough that I knew I wanted to start my school here. That’s why I bought this building, which to that point had stood abandoned.” She let out a laugh. “How I let it all go to my head. I believed fate itself had called me here, that I could do no wrong. Some nights, I used to spend hour by the statue, wondering what sort of mysteries it was hiding just out of reach.

“Ah yes, I remember the midnight star gazing we used to do,” said Luna. “But how is it that I never felt anything of the sort? If your other self is the ruler of this ‘Equestria,’ then... what role does mine play?”

“Oh, you’re a Princess too,” Spike filled in. “But Celestia kinda had to put you on a time-out for a thousand years when you turned evil and tried bring in eternal night. But you’re okay these days.”

“I see." Her face fell, and she let out a sigh. "As per usual, I receive the short end of the stick.”

“This time, you were better off,” Celestia told her. “My delusions of grandeur only made me careless. I didn’t take Sunset’s actions seriously before it was too late. In my heart, I chose to believe things would be okay, simply because I, the chosen one, was overseeing the school.

“It was you, Twilight, who brought me out of my stupor. Since the version of you from this world goes to Crystal Prep, I realized that you—and by extension, Sunset Shimmer—were both beings from this other world I’d seen in my dreams. Though it was a tough pill to swallow, I had to accept reality and do what’s right, and step down in favor of the true hero. I was quite disheartened that night; ready to give up, leave this town forever. This is why I choose to make such a drastic exit: I wanted my last hurrah to be of use to Twilight… and to be something my students would remember.”

“But you never left,” Sunset said. “You came back to face me.”

“I never even packed. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Instead, I decided I wanted to talk to Twilight again, try and get her to tell me the truth of who she was, and about my visions. That’s when I met Spike, as we were both out skulking in the night, and he told me everything.

“I took away two important things that night: first of all, that this ‘destiny’ of mine was nothing more than a coincidence. I was never meant to be anyone important. And second, that it was up to me to make my own destiny, to chose for myself whether or not I wanted to be like my other. I knew right then that I would never abandon my school. I would protect them by my own terms, even if it meant going up against a forces I could never beat.”

“But you did protect them,” Twilight told her. “If it hadn’t been for you, we would never have been able to escape. You saved us all.”

“I…” Celestia faltered, but smiled all the same. It was a humble little smile, and Twilight thought she could see a glimmer in her eyes. “Thank you.”

“Well I, for one, am more than happy to put this all behind me,” Rarity spoke. “The school has been united at last. All’s well that ends well.”

“Amen, sister!” Pinkie Pie agreed, then pointed over at the school. “And there’s a party in there that was mercilessly cut short! Come on, everybody, we got a bunch to celebrate now!”

“Before we do that, there is one small thing.” Principal Celestia bent down and picked up the crown, then presented it to Twilight. “I believe this belongs to you. Spike told me you were unsure whether or not you were truly worthy of wearing it. But during these past three days, you have showed us all that the mark of a true Princess isn’t the power to rule, but the ability to inspiring others to stand with her.” She placed the Element of Harmony upon Twilight’s head. “So wear this crown proud and tall, Twilight Sparkle.”