Chapters 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.
The next morning, the girls again stood beside the Wondercolt Statue. With school out for the weekend, it had taken quite a bit of persuasion to let Vice Principle Luna let them be on school grounds at all.
"Okay. The portal is open now Spike says. I'll go through first and make sure everything is set up for you girls. Princess Celestia said she wanted to be there when you came through," Princess Twilight explained.
Sunset rolled her eyes. "Great. No time to prepare."
Twilight rolled her eyes as well. "Sorry Sunset, she insisted. And you've been avoiding this for too long as it is. My Pinkie Pie will probably throw you two a party when she's had time to prepare one."
Before she could say more though, she caught movement off to the side. Looking over, she watched as five heads ducked quickly behind a nearby bush.
Rainbow rolled her eyes as she saw it too. "Yeah. The Shadowbolts have been sneaking around the statue ever since the Friendship Games. Don't know why though."
Twilight didn't like the sound of that. "I thought you guys were friends?"
The girls shared a look. "It's a work in progress with them. They are much better than they used to be for sure. But some habits die hard I guess," Rarity replied.
Sci Twilight pinched her nose. "And Dean Cadance said that Principle Cinch is making them stick around the portal. She obsessed with magic, and she wants it all for Crystal Prep."
Twilight frowned. "I don't mean to judge, but how is she still a principle after what she did?"
Fluttershy shook her head. "The school board does know about the blackmailing and the bullying, but they still haven't made a decision yet. So she's still there."
Sunset nodded. "From what I hear though, she is on the way out. It's not confirmed yet, the man who came before Cinch is even asking for her to get out."
Sci Twi nodded. "And from what Shining's told me, not many say no to Principle Sombra."
Twilight hid her shock well at that name. Something must have shown though for Sunset gave her a look that said she needed to explain it at some point. For now, though, she had to worry about the Shadowbolts. "Great. One more headache," she grumbled as she thought of how this would work.
After a moment, she had an idea as she smiled at her friends. "Can you guys make sure they don't do anything? I can vouch for everyone here in Equestria. But I don't them."
Pinkie smiled widely. "You can count on us. Pinkie Promise. Right girls?"
The rest of the Rainbooms rolled their eyes but went through the motions anyway. Twilight grinned. "I know how this works, so I know we're in good hands."
She placed a hand on the portal, which rippled as it passed through. "Give me a few minutes, then you two can come on through," she said as she stepped through.
***
Several minutes went by with no response from Princess Twilight. The girls were getting bored at this rate. Applejack and Rainbow Dash couldn't even find something to compete over for once.
The Shadowbolts kept out sight, except for the occasional rustle of their bush or a hushed voice saying one thing or another. From what the girls could hear, they didn't sound any less bored.
And if they remembered the voices right, it sounded like Indigo Zap and Sunny Flare were at it about doing nothing while they had a chance to do something.
Just as Sunset was about to walk over and see what was going on, she felt her journal vibrate with an incoming message. Opening to the last unused page, she and Twilight found this.
"You girls are clear now. Com on through."
Sunset smirked and turned to Twilight. "Ready?"
Twilight nodded, trying to look confident. "As I'll ever be."
Sunset's smirk widened as she saw through the mask as she walked over to the portal. "See you on the other side. Oh, and watch that first step. It's a doozy," before she stepped through.
Twilight tried to steady herself as she turned to her friends. All were smiling in a way that put her nerves to rest quite a bit as she returned the smile. "See you, girls, whenever we get back."
With one last look up to the statue base, Twilight stepped through the portal and into the unknown.
***
When she was asked later what it felt like jumping between worlds, all Twilight could remember was a swirling rainbow of colors and the feeling of her body being stretched and twisted.
Followed by a sudden jolt and stop as it all ended. Her eyes had closed as she neared what she thought was the end, so when she finally opened them, she didn't know what to expect to see.
She was now in a room that seemed to be made entirely of crystal. It put her in mind of Crystal Prep if she was being honest with her self. But while her old school had the air of a fortress, the room around her carried an air of calm.
And around the edge of the room where shelf upon shelf of books. The sight of so many books made her grin widely and what some might even call dopey. "So. Many. Books!" She squeed, before taking a step toward the nearest shelf.
Or at least she tried too before she fell flat on her face with a thud. "Ow," she groaned as she rubbed her snout with a hoof. Wait. Hoof? Snout?
Twilight heard someone snicker off to the side as someone came up to her. "Here's your first lesson on being a pony. We walk on all four hooves here."
Looking up, Twilight saw a sunset-colored unicorn grinning down at her. Her multi-colored mane was one Twilight knew. "Sunset?" She asked.
Sunset's grin grew. "Yeah. This is the real me," she said as she helped Twilight to her hooves. This would take some getting used to for sure. Sunset's horn glowed green as a mirror appeared next to her before she showed it to Twilight. "And this is you. Or your new body at least."
Twilight took a moment to take her new look in. Her coat was a nice shade of lavender. Her mane was done up in the same bun as she'd had at Canterlot High. Her tale had the same colors as her mane but hung loose. A horn protruded from her forehead.
But what really held Twilight's attention were tucked at her side. Wings. She had wings. She tried to flap them experimentally, and with not a little bit of awe, she watched as they responded. She wouldn't be flying anytime soon, but she could feel her wings all the same.
She turned to Sunset. Only now did she see that her companion only had a horn and no wings. That didn't make any sense. Did it? "Why do I have wings and a horn?" She finally asked.
Sunset was shocked to be sure. She hadn't really expected this to be honest. "You're an alicorn. Part unicorn, part Pegasus, and part earth pony. I didn't think this was going to happen."
Twilight pushed her glasses up her snout. "Why?"
Sunset shook her head. "Because there were only four known alicorns. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, and your native self."
Twilight thought about that for a moment. "Maybe because we are each other's counterparts? I'm not in trouble, am I?"
Sunset shook her head quickly and threw a hoof around Twilight's neck. "You're fine. And I seriously doubt you're in trouble with anypony. They'll be shocked for sure I bet."
Twilight smiled a bit at that as she looked back at the portal. Here it was a mirror she saw. Weird. But maybe this was normal? "So now what?"
Sunset grinned as she reached out with her magic and took down a book from the top of the mirror. With a hum, the mirror shut down. "That'll keep anyone from following us." With a burst of magic, she summoned a pen and wrote a quick message in the book. "I just told the girls we're fine and we made it. Now they don't have to worry about us."
Twilight nodded again, her own smile growing. "Where do we go from here?"
Sunset chuckled "Now? We go find the others. The Throne Room is close by from what Princess Twilight told me."
Author's Note
So I made Sunset much better with magic than she was in Mirror Magic. Since the special never happens here, I felt it would work.
How she and Starlight Glimmer get along, I'm still working on. They'll be friends for sure. But how that works I still don't know yet.
As Twilight and Sunset followed what looked like the same hallway, even though they had gone through several by now, Twilight tried to take in all that was around her.
This place reminded her of Crystal Prep in a way, now that she thought about it, but held none of the malice and edge her old school did. It was friendly, calming, and welcoming in a way Crystal Prep had never been.
If it wasn't for the fact that she was currently a pony and was following a unicorn, Twilight would have even said she had never left her world behind at the moment.
Once again though, she found herself looking at Sunset' back, and what wasn't there. Something that had bugged her for a few minutes now, as she remembered the Friendship Games. "So, why don't you have wings?"
Sunset rolled her eyes a bit at the question, even though she had expected it to come at some point. "I asked Princess Twilight the same question. Our best guess is that my transformation during the Friendship Games was only temporary."
Twilight gave her a look. "But how? If you're a unicorn, how did you get them?"
Sunset stopped and tapped her chin. "It might have had something to do with the Battle of the Bands. Princess Twilight said she felt her connection to the Element of Magic reach out and bond with my own. As muddled as it was."
Twilight paused as well. "So. You got wings because you two shared the same magic once?"
Sunset shrugged. "Maybe. We honestly don't know for sure. All I know is that I'm glad I don't have them. I'm not even hiding a pair either before you ask."
Twilight blushed at Sunset beating her to the next question she had, but she still had one more at least. "Didn't you once want them and steal something to get them?" She paused as she thought about how she had worded that. "No offense."
Sunset snorted as she rolled her eyes and began to walk again, causing Twilight to hurry and catch. "None taken. Yeah, I used to want them. I did a lot of horrible things to get them as well. But I'm passed that. I honestly don't even want them now."
"So you're not mad that I have?" Twilight asked.
Sunset shook her head but smiled sheepishly. "Okay. Maybe I am a little. But I can get over it." She gave Twilight a worried look though. "How are you taking it?"
Twilight sighed, pushing her glasses back up her snout. "This is all too much for me at the moment. I'm not even thinking about it. I hope this doesn't cause any problems. I do not want to start an international incident."
Sunset chuckled as she threw a hoof around Twilight's shoulder. "I seriously doubt that would happen. If the girls here are anything like their counterparts, you'll be fine."
Twilight gave her a look. "It's not them I'm worried about."
Sunset sighed as she dropped her hoof. "Princess Celestia is the nicest pony I know. I can't see her being mad or upset about this. From what I do know, Princess Luna is much the same. When she's in a good mood."
Twilight nodded. It helped her mood a little, but she still had one worry. "And princess me?"
Now Sunset didn't have a ready answer to that. She had no idea of how Princess Twilight would react to this. Their working theory had been Sci Twi would be a unicorn, and had planned as such.
But that would have to be thrown out the window now she felt. Unicorn magic was a lot different from alicorn magic, and that didn't include earth pony and Pegasi magic. It was a whole new ball game for all of them.
And then there was Starlight Glimmer. While Sunset had never said as much, she was a bit put out that Princess Twilight had taken on another unicorn as her first student.
Granted, the two of them had never said a thing about Sunset being her student, and they had never talked to each other through the journal like Sunset and Princess Celestia once had.
But the feeling was there nonetheless.
Lucky for them both, they had by this point come to what Sunset had been told was the main entrance to the Throne Room. Sunset gave Twilight a cheeky smile. "Ready?"
Twilight gulped, her wings drooping. "Not really. No."
Sunset's grin grew wider as she opened the doors. "Good enough for me."
Twilight's response wasn't exactly forthcoming as she was suddenly blasted by a bouncing wall of pink and party streamers.
"SURPRISE!"
Author's Note
Okay. So this was just a bunch of random thoughts I had that wouldn't leave me alone. So I got them down while I still thought it would be worth including them.
And no. There is no Sunlight shipping going on here. Except as friends. Sunset is straight as you can be, and Sci Twi knows that. Twilight on the other hoof?
Very different story. But that will have to wait for later for now.
