Moving On For The Better Life

Several Weeks Later

Twilight sat on her hunches in a large plush chair in her personal study room. A thick ancient tome floating in front of her face as she read up on ancient complex spells. reading up on complex about doing harder spells. A light suddenly began pulsing in the corner of her eye and she looked over to see it coming from a book on her wall to wall bookshelf. Knowing what the light ment Twilight placed the tome gently onto the nightstand next to her walked over to the shelf where he pulled out a book she used to communicate with pony human friend Sunset Shimmer.

“Dear Princess Twilight,

Our Twilight is taking Rarity to her boyfriend’s place for the weekend and was wondering if you would like to join. I know you are busy but it has been a long time since we hung out together. Everyone but Rarity is has a boyfriend so we decided we wanted to better get to know the boys we all hang out with and they wanted to do the same so we decided to throw a small party and invite them all. I should also let you know Flash asked me be his girlfriend again. I know things are complicated between us but I wanted to try again now that i have changed. The others don’t know yet but i felt compelled to tell you given what happened between you two. If you join don’t worry about brining a boyfriend but you should bring someone single.

Your Friend
Sunset Shimmer”

After reading the message Twilight contemplated about hanging out with her counterpart friends. As she did Spike entered into the room with scrolls in his hands.

“Hi Twilight, what are doing?” he asked.

“I was just practicing some harder spells when Sunset sent me a message. She’s throwing a party to bring the all the girls boyfriends together so they can all get to know each other and she invited me.” She finished as she continues back to her spells.

“Cool. Are you going to go?”

Twilight though for a moment and finally shook her head. The thought of being in a party where everyone had a boyfriend made her love problems seem even worse. It would be just like she went to school dances as a filly. She’d be left alone standing against the wall watching everyone else have fun and enjoy themselves with their dates.

Spike put the scrolls down and frowned at Twilight. “Twilight, are you still having this love problem?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes. Look I’m sorry that I yelled at you but I simply don’t want to hang out with a group of boys who all have girlfriends.” She walked back to her chair and resumed her reading. Hoping the conversation was over with.

Spike placed his hand on his face and sighed. Twilight was a hardcore introvert by nature. And one of the hardest things to deal with was how to get her to come out of her shell when she had an emotional problem. “Twilight this whole love thing you are dealing with needs to stop. It’s one thing to feel down about it but now your letting it stop you from having fun.”

Twilight stop reading her spells and looked at Spike as she sighed. “I know you’re right. I’ve been letting this whole love thing get out of hoof. But I can’t help it. I want a boyfriend but even if I had one I’m still a princess.”

Spike crossed his arms.“So? Just because your a princess doesn't mean your should be single for the rest of your life. Flash Sentry isn’t the only guy out there you know.”

“Well where am I supposed to get one.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Uh, dating. That’s the whole point of it remember. To find someone you might like and go out with them to see if you want to be boyfriend and girlfriend.”

“It’s not that simple Spike. Like I said I’m a princess. Most ponies now would only want to date me because of that. That was one of the nice things about Flash. He didn’t know I was princess. He just knew me and loved me as Twilight. How am I supposed to find a boyfriend here who likes me for me?”

“Aw come on Twilight. Ii can’t be that hard. I mean you don’t think Shining married Cadence because she was Princess do you?”

Twilight shock her head. “Of course not. My brother would never do something like that.”

“Then there ya go. You can find someone who likes you for being you just like Cadence did.” He ended the conversation by getting the scrolls from the table and walks out the room.

“Spike do you want to come with me?”

“To a party where I’d have to act like a dog the whole time due to humans being there who don’t know I can talk? Pass.” He continues to walk leaving Twilight thinkless.

Once Spike left Twilight thought back on her problem. Spike was right. She couldn’t let her desire for love and fear of not having love control her. And she couldn’t let her status and fears stop her from finding love either. But what was she supposed to do about it? She slammed her head to the table. “How am I supposed to find someone who is my type and doesn’t care I’m a princess? I know that’s the point of dating but I have no clue how to do dating?”

She took her time to think about her decision. Twilight decided her best way to overcome her fears was to force herself. She went over to the bookshelf and pulled out her message book to Sunset.

“Dear Sunset Shimmer,

I read your message and it took me some time to think about it. The truth is I haven’t really moved on from Flash and am still stuck on this love thing and want to find somepony to love but I don’t know and everything is so complicated I was hoping that you should could help me along with the person I’m bringing. When I arrive at the party could you give me some tips on love?

Your Best Friend
Princess Twilight Sparkle”

After closing the book she walked out of the castle and flew to Canterlot. Sunset’s message had said to bring a colt who was single, which was far easier said than done in Ponyville. There was only one colt she could think of off the top of her head that meet the bare minimum requirements and she wasn’t sure if bringing him was a good idea.

Thirty Minutes Laters

As Twilight made her way back in her castle she had Star Tracker in tow as they headed for her castle.

“So what do you need me for exactly?” asked Tracker. He was overjoyed to be able to spend time with his idol again but Twilight hadn’t been to forthcoming about why she was with him. Just something about a party with friends.

“I’ve been invited to a party with friends of mine in another dimension and asked to bring a boy with me since everyone else there will also have boys with them?” Tracker smiled awkwardly.

Tracker blinked. The use of the words ‘in another dimension would have made any other stallion look at Twilight like she was crazy. But as Twilight fanatic he had spend hours reacurshing everyone of Twilight’s adventures and the idea only registered as slightly weird to him compared to other things he knew about her. “Sure I mean I’d know what could be better than getting to hang out with you all day at a party.”

Twilight frowned, and decided to set things straight before they left. “We’re not going to be hanging out all day Star Tracker. I’m going to hang out with my friends and also discuss an issue I’m trying to get over.”

“What’s your issue?”

Twilight mentally kicked herself. She hadn’t meant to reveal that aspect of her trip to him. She shook her head. “I don’t want to talk about it. I’m sorry I’m not being nice to you but I’m stressed.”

Tracker shrugged his shoulders. “It’s okay. I learned my lesson last time about giving you more space.”

Twilight shook her head again. “It’s not that. It’s just personal and I don’t feel like talking to many ponies again it. I think we should go now.”

“Sweet!”

The two arrived at the place as Twilight lead Tracker to the room with the mirror portal. As she did she turned to him and began to speak. “I also mention that when we get to the other world we will only have two legs and…. these fingers.”

Tracker absorbed the information before responding. “It’s okay, I don’t think it will that difficult to get used to.”

“Well it was for me.” She smiled, remembering her first time in the human world.

They arrived at the portal and went in. Arriving in the mirror world. True to his word Tracker seemed to take in his new human body relatively well. Though getting used to walking took some time and the two stayed around the high school statue as Twilight waited for Tracker to get the hang of walking.

Once he was able to stand without her holding him they made their way to Sunset’s. All the while Tracker got more used to walking while also examining and getting used to his hands and fingers well.

As they walked Star Tracker did his best to stay at least ten feet behind Twilight. Remembering how she had lashed out at him before for not giving her enough space. Twilight noticed Tracker not next to her and turned around to see him standing a few feet behind her.

Tracker instantly put his hand up in front of his face.“Ahhh! I didn’t do anything!” He said backing up.

Twilight was surprised at Tracker reaction and raised an eyebrow in confusion.“Star Tracker, why are you behind me? I thought I you were lost at first.”

Star Tracker felt embarrassment, which was made worse by being embarrassed in front of Twilight. “Twilight I know you apologized for lashing at me last time but I learned my lessons. I’m going to stay a couple feet away from you.”

Twilight felt guilt wash over her. She had hoped her apology had been enough to make up for her actions on the Zeppelin but it seemed her actions had unintended consequences. “Look. I’m sorry about lashing out at you before Tracker. I do need by space but please don’t think that means you have to act like I’m a bomb that will go off at any second. I’m just a normal pony, understand?” Twilight sighed and mumbled under her breath. “This is exactly what I was talking about earlier.”

Tracker realized he had made Twilight feel bad and felt ashamed of himself. The last thing he wanted was to make Twilight feel bad, but it was so hard to know where the line was with her. “I’m sorry Twilight. I didn’t mean to make you sad. I’ll try to be better.”

Twilight shook her head. Tracker was never going to get it. She didn’t want to be worshiped or revered. She just wanted a normal boyfriend who treated her like a normal pony. “Never mind. Right now we need to hurry, Sunset’s party has started and we don’t want to miss it.” She grabbed his hand so they could walk faster and headed to Sunset’s. Star Tracker couldn’t help but blash at the feel of Twilight holding his hand. He had had a massive crush on Twilight since before the cruise, hence idolizing her, and this act only filled that fire. Ever since idolizing her Star Tracker had wanted to know everything about Twilight and after the cruise and being made an honorary member of Twilight family for a day he had really wanted to know more about what Twilight was like outside of being a Princess. Hopefully this party would be his chance.

Twilight and Star Tracker arrived at Sunset’s house and Twilight rang the doorbell. After a few seconds the door opened and Twilight was greeted by a familiar orange red and yellowed haired human.

Sunset smiled upon seeing her old friend and opened her arms for a hug which Twilight gladly accepted and returned. “It’s so good to see you again Twilight.”

Twilight nodded and she smiled from ear to ear. “Good to see you to.”

Once the two separated Sunset noticed Star Tracker. “Who’s this with you?”

“His name is Star Tracker.” Twilight respond, motioning to purple pony.

Tracker gulped. He had never been the most social pony and was suddenly feeling nervous about the whole party as he awkwardly grinned and waved slightly.

Sunset returned the smile. “Don’t worry we all know he’s not your boyfriend, just relax and have fun,” she said and motioned the two inside.

Once inside Twilight saw all of her friends counterparts already hanging out with their boyfriends. Pinkie Pie was playing video games with Bubble Goo while Flutterhsy and Wiz sat behind them and to the side in a pair of bean bag chairs. Rainbow Dash and Applejack where sitting on the couch with their boyfriends Tim Diver and Pumpkin Sweet as the four chatted and Flash Sentry was sitting on the end couch looking a bit board as he watched Pinkie and Bubble.

“Hey it’s the Princess the Friendship!” Rainbow Dash shouted in happiness as she noticed Sunset and Twilight enter and got up from the couch followed by her friends. Everyone was eager to greet the friend they hadn’t seen since the Friendship games had ended.

“Land sake’s Twilight it’s been a long time since we seen ya.” Applejack said.

“Oh who’s that boy your with?” Pinkie asked.

“This is Star Tracker,” said Twilight, introducing the purple and blonde boy to the group. “I met him when me and my family went on a vacation.”

“He looks pretty cute.” Fluttershy said softly from the back of the group.

Twilight and Tracker both sat down on some bean bag chairs to the left of Fluttershy and Wiz. Putting them in the center behind Pinkie and Bubble and the other six on the couch. Twilight was eager to learn about the boyfriends her friends had chosen. Partly because they were her friends and she wanted to know about their relationships, and partly to hopefully get some actual field advice on how find love for herself, and decided to get right to the point. “I know this is kind of pushy but I want to know how you all have boyfriends.”

“Is this about this love thing your dealing with Sunset told me about?” Flash asked as he’s got off the couch to get a soda. “Actually on second thought I don’t want to know.”

“What about you?” Twilight pointed at Tim. “How did you become Rainbow’s boyfriend?”

Tim was about to open his mouth when Pinkie interrupted. “Oh, I know let’s play games so that Twilight can learn all about our boyfriends and how we got together. Then we can all have fun together.”

Sunset blinked. “That’s actually a really good idea Pinkie. We can have some fun and bond while chat.”

“Ya, and while we’re playing we can teach you all and Tracker all being in a relationship and being in love,” said Bubble.

Twilight and Tracker both blush and Tracker began to stammer, sweat and the notion of being involved with his idol.

Twilight decided to put a stop to things before they went to far. “Bubble Goo. I thought Sunset made it clear Tracker and I are not dating or in a relationship or have any interest in ever being in a relationship together.

Bubble looked down crestfallen. “I know. I just thought you two look cute together.”

Twilight frowned. “Well we aren’t together, and never will be together. And do not look cute together.”

Tracker felt his heart fall into his stomach at Twilight’s words and sank down into his chair. He tried not to let it show but at that moment all he wanted to do was be devowed by the chair and wind up anywhere but where he was.

Sweet noticed the depressed look on Tracker’s face and had a feeling he knew the reason behind it. “Tracker can you come with me for a second?” he said. “I think you need some help with something.”

Tracker said nothing and simply nodded as he followed the boy out of the room.

Sunset also noticed Tracker’s expression but also Twilight’s earlier stammering. Twilight wasn’t the type to stammer unless she was embared or unsure. Something she usually wasn’t if she knew a fact to be 100% true. Meaning it was possible her statement was not the full true. “Twilight can we talk for a second.

“Okay,” replied Twilight in confusion and followed the Sunset to her room.

Sweet lead Tracker to the bathroom where once inside turned around and fixed the boy with a neutral expression as he asked point blank. “Do you have a crush on Twilight?”

Tracker was stunned. How could the boy know about his crush. He quickly began to sweat and stammer. “What? I...you...I….is it that obvious?”

Sweet nodded. “It couldn’t be more obvious if you hung a sign around your neck. So how long have you had a crush?”

Tracker rubbed the back of his neck. Talking about this with a person he barely knew from another dimension seemed one of the weirdest things that had ever happened to him. But her surmised. Applejack was the element of honesty, and Twilight had said these ‘human girl’s’ were counterparts to the elements from back home. And he knew enough to know the element of honesty would not choose a dishonest or deceitful boyfriend. Thus he dreamed this human boy must be trustworthy.

“Ya. I have a crush on her. I’ve had a crush on her since before I met her. Why else would I be so obsessed enough to go on a cruise just to meet her. At the time I thought the most I could ever hope for was the chance to meet her, and maybe get to talk to her, and be around her for a few hours. But after everything that happened on the cruise, and I got to spend time with her and her family. I wondered if maybe I had a chance to get close to her as more than a fan. Maybe, Celestia help me, maybe even be her boyfriend.”

“Well why don’t you try. Be nice to her and show her you care about her and want to get close to her.”

Tracker shook his head. “You heard what she said. We’re never going to be boyfriend and girlfriend. She doesn’t want me as a boyfriend. She probably still hates me after how I acted in on the cruise. I was so clingy and obsessive. I acted like a complete idiot, and stalker. I made her so mad she yelled at me. I’ve been trying to be better but it seems like that just makes things worse.”

Sweet shook his head. “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill. Twilight doesn’t hate you. If she did she wouldn’t have brought you right?”

Tracker nodded.

“So ya messed up. Happens to all of us. You should hear how Rainbow Dash and Tim’s first meeting went. Point is it’s not the end of the world and if she think of you enough to bring you here she must like a little bit. You can still make her your girlfriend so long as you show her how much you care about her. Don’t lose hope.”

Tracker smiled. Sweet was right. Twilight bringing him here had to mean something. Ok, so he had messed up with his standing ten feet behind. He could fix it. He could still get Twilight to love him.

Meanwhile Sunset and Twilight were in Sunset’s room. With Twilight sitting on the bed while Sunset stood in front of her.

So Twilight?” asked Sunset. “Do you like Tracker.”

“What?” asked Twilight in shock. Once again beginning to sweat and become nervous before composing herself. “Of course not. I thought I made it perfectly clear I have no feelings for Tracker at all?”

Sunset raised an eyebrow. “Oh, then why did you bring him and not some other colt?”

“Because I don’t know many other colts. The only ones i know are Big Mac, Mr. Cake, and Shining. All of which are married. Tracker was the only male I could think of who would do what I said and thus I wouldn’t have to worry about bringing here.

Sunset frowned. As always Twilight argument was perfectly logical. “But you do consider him a friend right?”

Twilight frowned before shrugging.”I guess. He’s nice. He’s just, intense. He has a habit of violating my personal space and being well, kind creepy, but he’s not a bad pony. He even tried to defend me from Iron Will.”

Twilight signed and fell back onto the bed as she let her emotions flow freely. “It’s just he’s a fan. And even though I know he likes me for all I know he only likes me because I’m a princess. I don’t have feelings towards him or want to because he’s exactly what I don’t want a boyfriend, a pony who sees me as an idol an idol.” Twilight sighed. “Besides he probably hates me after I yelled at him and what I said downstairs.”

Sunset shook her head. “If he hated you he wouldn’t have come.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “He’s a fan. I could treat him like dirt and he’d still love me. Not that I would of course.”

Sunset smirked. “As someone who used to treat people like dirt I can tell you even worshipers have their limits. Besides if he is a fan then that means he’s impressed by you. He thinks your awesome. Is that really a bad thing?”

Twilight considered Sunset’s word. The way he fawned over her reminded her of how she fawned over Celestia as a filly. Something she did because she thought the princess was cool and amazing. Meaning she probably didn’t have to worry about him using her for money or social standings. And Rarity always did say there was nothing wrong with letting people fawn over you a bit. “But I don’t want a relationship with someone who sees me as an idol. I want a relationship with someone who sees me as me.”

Sunset shrugged. “Then show him who you are. Talk, get to know him, let him get to know you and see if things work out. Isn’t that what dating is about?”

Twilight chuckled. “Now you sound like Spike.”

And what does that tell you?”

Twilight sighed and got up from the bed and smiled. “That you two are right and I’ve been overthinking things again. “Thanks for the advice Sunset. Star Tracker maybe not my type but like Celestia always told me. It’s better to try and fail than not try at all.”

Sunset smiled. “Your welcome, let’s go back to the living room and play some games.” Twilight got off the bed as she and Sunset went back to the living room.