Things had finally begun to calm down at Canterlot High. It seemed that ever since the recent Friendship Games, the whole school had been abuzz of the new transfer student, Twilight Sparkle.

As much as it annoyed her to no end, Twilight couldn't blame the students for thinking she was her princess counterpart, a fact that still took her by surprise, and that there was a whole other world out there.

So far, only the Rainbooms knew the two were different people entirely. Despite all that though, the school had made her feel welcome in a way Crystal Prep never had.

As the current school day ended, and students headed home for the weekend, the seven friends stood next to the still smashed up Wondercolt statue. The sight still made Twilight flinch when she looked at it.

It was a constant reminder of her worst failure when she had almost destroyed one world in a power-mad rush to get at another world, this Equestria, Sunset kept talking about.

For the moment though, none of them were looking at the statue. They all seemed to be waiting for something, or someone. Twilight seemed to be the most nervous of the group. She was hoping for some good news.

But a part of her was worried about what the answer would be. In fact, she still didn't think the idea was a good one. But she couldn't stop herself, so now here she was.

Sunset wasn't much better, but for very different reasons. Reasons she kept to herself for now.

Just as Rainbow seemed on the verge of bursting from all of the waiting, the statue base glowed for a moment, before Princess Twilight stepped through the portal with a huff as she pinched her nose.

"Celestia damned pencil pushers," she grumbled as she looked around and smiled. "Sorry, guys I took so long. Some ponies just don't know when to take a hint when I say no."

Sunset chuckled, remembering well feeling the same way at one time as Princess Celestia's student. "I bet." She paused, her expression turning downward. "So, any news?"

Princess Twilight nodded as her smile grew. "Princess Celestia is more than happy to see you Sunset. In fact, she's wondering what took you so long to get off your flank and ask to see her."

Everyone stared at her, mouths agape. They couldn't believe they had just heard that from the princess. Even Twilight was shocked.

Princess Twilight rolled her eyes. "Her words, not mine."

That seemed to help as everyone chuckled, but Twilight couldn't wait any longer it seemed as her gaze dropped. "And?"

Her counterpart nodded, her smile softening. "I also asked her about your idea. She thought it sounded like a wonderful idea. Since the World Mirror is in my castle, as she put it, whatever happens with it is up to me. So now, I want to formally say that you are more than welcome to come study magic in Equestria. And not just study it, but learn how to use it."

Sci Twi, as Pinkie had begun to call her, to her chagrin, smiled in a way that almost made Pinkie Pie jealous, but then something hit her and gaze became downcast. "Are you sure? After what happened at the Friendship Games? I don't want to go through that again."

Princess Twilight's smile turned comforting as she placed a hand on her counterpart's shoulder. "I'm positive. Midnight Sparkle is not you. You're not her. If you give in to fear or doubt, she will return. You have to be stronger than her. Better than her."

Sci Twi did smile at that. It wasn't much. But the words stuck with her.

Princess Twilight grinned as she pulled back. "Besides. I can't say I could get here in time if there's anther magical disturbance. The more you can learn about magic, the more you'll be able to help if I can't."

***

Later that night, the Rainbooms had retreated to Twilight's house for an already planned sleepover. With no looming threat or deadline in Equestria to worry about, Princess Twilight had joined them as well.

With the last time she had done a sleepover with her friends being taken up by worry about the counterspell to use at the Battle of the Bands, she hadn't had much time for fun and relaxation last time. She made sure to change that this time.

What had worried her though was meeting her family of this world. She didn't think they'd be much different from the ponies she knew, but the worry had still been there. Luckily, Twilight Velvet and Night Light had taken seeing a near-perfect duplicate of their daughter rather well, all things considered.

Ever since Spike had begun talking during the Friendship Games, they had grown rather used to the odd things that now happened around their daughter.

Shining might have taken a bit longer than the rest of the family. But with help from Dean Cadance, he had begun to get used to it. At least after he'd had a rather serious talk with Princess Twilight about what he would do to her if anything happened to his little sister.

A talk that had left the princess feeling like a little filly all over again. In the end, the family had given their blessing to the whole idea. And with dinner now out of the way, the girls had retreated to Twilight's room.

Twilight sighed as she sat on her bed. "Well, that went better than I thought it would," she said, before looking over at her twin and smiling sheepishly. "Um. Sorry about Shining promising unholy revenge if anything happened to me."

The princess giggled. "I'd have been more worried if he hadn't. I'm glad that some things never change with family."

"Didn't you say your brother was Captain of the Royal Guard?" Rainbow asked, her nose in a Daring Do book Twilight had lying around.

The princess nodded. "Up until he married Cadance he did. It's murkier now where he stands." She paused as a thought came to her. "Do you guys have them here?"

"Not really. Countries that still have royalty maybe, but not around here. We have the police for that," Applejack answered.

The princess tapped her chin. "Huh. You'd think after all of this, I'd be used to all the differences between this world and Equestria. Is there anything else?"

Rarity nodded as she gave Fluttershy a makeover. "Much more darling. But I feel it boils down to our world not having a magic of its own. We also don't have, for lack of a better word, two goddesses running the country. Or should we count you as one as well?"

Princess Twilight sighed. "Not yet. Though Princess Luna has been floating the idea of giving me Ponyville as my own separate kingdom. As for the whole goddess thing? I won't get there for centuries, maybe even a millennium. Which I'm glad for. I'm not ready for that."

Sunset winced, knowing what the princess was talking about. "So you and Princess Cadance both have the alicorn's curse?"

Twilight slumped. "Yes. Even though we both ascended, all alicorns will live forever. Or at least until the end of the universe. We don't know for sure what happens then. I asked Princess Celestia right after my coronation, and she confirmed it."

That put a damper on the mood in the room. No one wanted to think about what all of that would mean for anyone. They couldn't even imagine the idea.

Twilight saw the glum look and smiled. "But no. I am not going to get depressed about outliving my family and friends. We still have years together before I even want to think about that. I am going to cherish every minute of that time."

She grinned. "Besides. It gives me plenty of time to find ways to make them all alicorns if I really want to."

That did get a chuckle out of everyone, even Sci Twi, and soon a Pinkie Pie enforced group hug was in order for all. One that also helped to lighten the mood of the room.

The rest of the night was filled with laughter and fun for all before the girls finally turned in late.

Author's Note

Time to clear a few things up. Legend of Everfree has been deleted from existence in this universe, as has Dance Magic and Mirror Magic as well. I honestly hate Mirror Magic as it is.

Also gone is the deleted scene of Princess Twilight and Sunset from the Friendship Games. So now the Shadowbolts and Crystal Prep are nothing but background filler.