Author's Note

From now on I'll be using the phrase "Power Symbol" instead of Cutie Mark in my timeline. I am aware that the CMC were referred to as the "Cutie Mark Crusaders" in Rarity's ending of the CYOE episode "Happily Ever After Party." But since Cutie Marks haven't been mentioned by name outside of that one time, I think "Power Symbol" fits. End rant thingy.

Reflective (The Night Before)

Twilight Sparkle had spent several hours in her home laboratory which was located in the back side of the family garage. She had been working practically nonstop on this surprise for her friends for what felt like weeks! I can't believe I'm almost done! she thought. She wanted none of her friends to have an inkling as to what she was up to, so in private she studied aesthetics and designs as opposed to asking Rarity for help, just to be sure. She also didn't tell Spike anything. She didn't want him accidentally letting the cat out of the bag. So to speak., grinned Twilight.

She looked at her nearly finished project with pride. On her table were seven video game controllers, one for herself and the others for her friends. With these controllers, they can log into their gamer handles regardless of which console they're on!

The controller Twilight made for herself had horizontal stripes with the colors of her hair, while the analog sticks were the color of her skin. The four buttons on the left side were the shape of her Power Symbol, which was a large purple star surrounded by smaller white stars.

Pinkie Pie's controller was colored the same shade of pink as her hair, while the analog sticks were her skin color. The buttons on the left side were shaped like balloons, her Power Symbol.

Oh, Pinkie. You never run out of ways to make life interesting for everyone. Sometimes I wish I was as carefree as you. Where would the world be without you? Twilight thought with a smile.

Fluttershy's controller was colored the same shade of pink as her hair, while the analog sticks were a pale yellow. Each button on the left of her controller was shaped like a butterfly, her Power Symbol.

Fluttershy, I don't know where I'd be right now if you hadn't shown me kindness at the Friendship Games. Would I still be back at Crystal Prep, isolating myself from the rest of the world and feeling lonely? I'm glad I'll never know the answer to that.

Applejack's controller was orange. Twilight couldn't fathom why she chose that color because Applejack is blonde, her skin isn't colored orange and her power color is green. Regardless, she stuck to it. The analog sticks were Applejack's skin color and each button on the left was shaped like an apple, Applejack's Power Symbol.

Applejack, I can't thank you enough for calming me down during the tri-cross relay. All of the Shadowbolts were practically breathing down my neck ! You're always unwavering in your honesty, and it's refreshing to see that in a person.

Rainbow Dash's controller had all the colors of the rainbow, while the analog sticks were a light blue. The buttons on the left were shaped like a lightning bolt, Rainbow Dash's Power Symbol.

Those lightning bolts were really hard to shape... thought Twilight. Just as Applejack is unwavering in her honesty, Rainbow Dash is unwavering in faithfulness. She's stuck by my side through thick, thin, and everything in between! Not to say that the other girls haven't.

Rarity's controller was white and purple, colored similarly to the hazmat suit Twilight had been making for her. The analog sticks were purple and each button on the left was shaped like a diamond, Rarity's Power Symbol.

"You are a light, darling! A force for good!" Those words from Rarity always have, and always will mean so much to me. The dresses and other clothes you make are always amazing. She gives so freely...it's quite admirable.

Sunset Shimmer's controller was red on one half, yellow on the other. The analog sticks were her skin color and the four buttons on the left side were shaped like a burning sun.

Sunset. Sunset, Sunset, Sunset. No words can describe how grateful I am for your help against Midnight Sparkle. You are a kindred spirit among kindred spirits. The only one who truly knows what I went through after the Friendship Games. Just like the rest of the girls, I don't want to imagine what my life would be like without you.

Taking great pride in her work, Twilight shed a tear and wiped it off. "I wonder what time it is?" she thought out loud. She looked at the clock in her lab. "Hope I haven't missed dinner!" she said as she locked her door behind her.

After she finished dinner, Twilight went up to her room. I wonder where Spike is? He must still be playing with the other neighborhood dogs. I'll leave the door open for him when he gets back.

Twilight laid down on her bed and stared up at the ceiling. I wonder if I'll ever see my Equestrian counterpart again? I'll never forget our first encounter. I think I had the world's shortest-lasting identity crisis! Why I had the urge to tell her that she's scientifically impossible when she's right before my eyes, I'll never know.

Twilight was startled out of her thoughts when she heard her door open slightly. "Spike? Is that you?"

Her talking puppy dog leaped onto her bed. "What, you were expecting ex-Principal Cinch?" he said, smiling.

Twilight rolled her eyes and smiled. "Close. I was expecting Gaea Everfree."

They shared a laugh.

I remember when Spike said his first words after traveling through many portals. I was so freaked out! Looking back, I'm surprised I got used to it so quickly. Hmmm. Now that Spike's brought up Cinch, I wonder what she's been doing. For that matter, now that Cadence is apparently the new Principal I'd love to hear more about what's changed at Crystal Prep.

"Getting lost in your thoughts again?" Spike said, snapping Twilight back to reality once more.

Twilight sighed. "Yeah. I seem to be doing that a lot lately." she said as she scratched her pet behind the ears.

Spike suddenly relaxed as his eyes became half-lidded. "Oh, yeah...that's the spot."

Twilight laughed and checked her clock. "I know it's not all that late, but I'm exhausted from working in my lab. I'm going to go to bed."

"Okay. Goodnight, Twilight!" said Spike, and he left the room.

Twilight changed into her pajamas, got into bed and gradually fell asleep.