Meeting Ourselves

The rift stood open, giving both couples a clear view of each other. Lotus was stunned beyond belief at what she saw. A male version of her. Everything was the same as her, only he was taller, a bit buff, and had a shorter mane and tail. In fact, his mane looked like he had stylized bedhead. They looked at each other with the same wide-eyed expression. For Saphirus, his legs felt like jelly as he stared at his female self. Just like Lotus, they looked the same, but she was smaller and her frame was dainty. Her mane and tail were braided. And in place of his watch was gold bangles on her left hoof.

As soon as Lunar and Azure were through the rift, it closed. Neither couple noticed since they were too blown away, staring at their...genderbent doppelgangers. Neither pair knew what to say, what to do, or what the first move should be in this instance.

The sudden buzzing of wings cut through the silence. It grew louder and louder as it came closer. “Lotus, I felt a strange surge of magic come from over here. I'm almost surprised no pony else came to check it out. Is everything oka-“ V-Nyx, a changeling that recently came to live in a part of the ethereal realm, suddenly stopped in her track. She blinked her luminous eyes several times, but they were not deceiving her. Standing front of her was Lotus and Saphirus....and another Lotus and Saphirus but...the genders were different. After letting things sink in for a short while, V-Nyx landed and walked up to Lotus, tapping her shoulder.

“Um...Lily wanted me to tell you that she’s going to raid your room and spread your secret special collection all over Ponyville.”

“WHAT?!” Both genders of Lotus barked in unison then looked at each other.

It took another few seconds for both versions of Saphirus to register what had been said. "What secret special collection?" they asked in unison. This gave way to a mildly awkward silence between the five of them before V-Nyx spoke up.

"Lotus? What is going on here? Why in the name of Celestia are there...copies of you and Saphirus?" She asked.

"For once...I'm not sure what's going on. I assumed Lily was up to something again. But I don't think she's strong enough to make a tear open to a different dimension. Not even Midnight and I combined with Lily could do that." Lotus shrugged.

"I'm not sure what's going on either. Though it looks like we can't go back seeing as the...um...doorway is closed." The male Lotus said, looking back at where the dimensional tear was.

"Um..." a new voice spoke up, it was the female version of Saphirus. "Maybe we should sit down somewhere and introduce ourselves...compare notes? Maybe we can find a way home."

"Excellent idea. Because I really should sit down right now..." The male Saphirus said and, with wobbly legs, he made his way back towards to beach setting from earlier. The other four ponies trailing behind him.

"And that's how we ended up here." The male version of Lotus, now introduced as Lunar Bloom, said as he finished recounting the events in perfect detail as they had happened to Lotus and Saphirus.

"So your world is an exact mirror copy of ours...only...it seems genderbent." Lotus said, rubbing her chin.

"We honestly don't know what happened. Though it seems you two think alike." the female Saphirus, now introduced as Azure Quill, said as she pointed out the beach setting. "Also...is he ok?" She said, pointing to Saphirus, who was still a bit stunned.

"I think the shock is still setting in, Azzy." Lunar said.

"Indeed." Lotus sighed. "My Saphy is a bit lost right now. Give him a little time and he'll wake up. Or I can just eat his piece of cake."

"Touch that and your horn will get flicked." Saphirus suddenly said, swiping his piece of cake from the blanket.

"So my secret stash isn't enough to keep you focused but taking away your dessert is? You're gonna end up with a belly if you keep that up." Lotus teased.

V-Nyx stared at the genderbent dooples with quizzical curiosity. She could tell they weren't changelings or evil as well as that their story was believably true. But couldn't put a hoof on why they were so suspicious to her. Perhaps it was just her natural curiosity about everything. The five of them sat on the faux beach and talked for hours, getting to know each other and learning about the similarities and differences of the other dimension.