The Light of the Night

The morning rays of dawn beamed across the window, piercing over the bed along the mattress. A pair of lumps lay tucked under the blankets, silent and still. But then, one of the figures begins to stir as a yellow hand slowly lifts from the top of the sheets and pulls it down. Brushing her messy bacon-like hair over her eyes, Sunset Shimmer slowly opens her eyes with a moan adjusting her sight. Casting a hand over her eyes, blocking out the sun, she looks toward the figure next to her… And smiles warmly.

There sleeping so peacefully with a smile across her face, still asleep with her face toward Sunset, was Twilight Sparkle… The love of Sunset’s life. It had been such a wonderful night they shared together, hopefully the first of many still to come. Sunset keeps quiet so as not to wake Twilight up, knowing that for the first time in a while Twilight was having the best rest she’s had in… Who knows how long?

“Beautiful…” Sunset sighed, to herself.

Just then, a light flashed off the side of Sunset’s face and makes her turn ahead. Still sitting on the counter since the other night, Sunset’s journal flashed like a cellphone after receiving a text. It didn’t take long for Sunset to process what the book was doing; this could only mean one thing.

Lifting the sheets slowly and pulling herself off the bed steadily, trying not to wake Twilight (Yet), Sunset plants her bare feet along the chilly floor. She reaches down and grabs the discarded panties just inches away, slipping her two feet between the two holes and pulling them just toward the waistline with a snap. Sunset proceeds to inch her way toward the drawer and carefully picks up the book, turning towards the latest page. As she eyes the book, reading the contents from left-to-right, Sunset’s eyes widen as she looks away.

“Finally!” Sunset cheered, to herself.

Placing the open journal over her bare chest, keeping it in place with one arm, Sunset Shimmer makes her way towards Twilight gently motioning her awake with the other arm.

“Twilight!” Sunset whispered, into her ear. “Twilight, wake up!”

Twilight moaned and stirred from her sleep, her eyes flapping like window sheets opening and closing. While her vision was still blurry without her glasses, she was just able to see Sunset Shimmer due to her being so close.

“Sunset…?” Twilight spoke.

“Shh…” Sunset hushed, placing a finger on her lip. “You need to see this.”

Curious, Twilight inches up against the bed frame, pulling the sheets up to her exposed body. Sunset slides her way onto the bed before presenting Twilight the open page of her journal. From there, they proceed to read the following message:

Dear Sunset Shimmer,

Sorry for the late response. It’s been insanely busy here in Equestria these past few months, but I am pleased to hear everything’s okay. I just received your message and would love to discuss this matter further between you and the Twilight of the human world.

Can you please meet me at my castle? I really look forward to seeing you.

Your teacher,
Princess Twilight Sparkle

After reading the following paragraphs from the Princess herself, Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle slowly turn to each other as if they were both processing the response. But now that they’ve gotten the other Twilight’s attention, there was no time for them to waste.

<>

Later during the day, after getting dressed into their usual apparel, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer made their way to the entrance of the school where the podium, which formerly held the Canterlot Statue (In the shape of a horse), sat (A statue that was destroyed after the ‘Friendship Games’). But what very few people from the school knew, up till the games, was that the statue hides a secret portal that served as the barrier between their world and the realm of the ponies. And as far as Sunset is concerned, this was where the two girls had to go in order to reach Twilight Sparkle.

As they stood before the entrance to the portal, Sunset Shimmer turned towards Twilight Sparkle, who appeared to be nervous.

“Are you okay, Twi?” Sunset asked.

“It’s just… I’m not so sure if this is a good idea,” Twilight admitted. “You sure this is the best way to Equestria?”

“It’s the only way I know so far. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, first time through the portal is rough at first. But once you get the hang of how it works, it gets easier.”

“But how long do you think it would take once we get there? If our friends—”

“Don’t worry about it, Twi. Your girl’s got you covered. I already sent a group text to the girls that we were just going to visit an old friend and ask for advice. I’m not expecting this trip to be too long. Besides, someone has to stay here in case there’s any magic activity running about in the city. The girls can handle it from here.”

“I suppose so…”

Twilight Sparkle still seemed a bit uncertain, knowing that they were about to meet not only another Twilight of another realm, but the new Princess. Twilight felt a hand clasp gently upon hers and she turns to the side. Sunset offers a reassuring smile to her.

“I’ll be right beside you every step of the way,” Sunset assured. “Whatever happens, whatever’s decided, we do this together.”

Twilight Sparkle nods silently, offering her best smile. They turn back toward the entry to the portal, which seems to shimmer in the sunlight. Taking a deep breath, they step through toward the statue, as their bodies seems to phase into the structure itself, a glow surrounds the girls before they disappear into the mysterious void… And all is normal on the grounds of Canterlot High.

<>

Meanwhile…

Inside the library of her own castle, Equestria’s Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship herself, paces side to side awaiting for the arrival of her student and her guest. For the moment, it is only the princess, the sound of her hooves clattering across the floor echoes before the mirror which lead to the human realm. Her number one assistant, Spike the Dragon, had gone off with some of his friends for their ‘Guys Night’ and currently in town for the annual ‘Ogres & Oubliettes’ tournament. So, it was just going to be Twilight and her guests for the time being.

Suddenly, a glow appears before the mirror causing the alicorn princess herself to face the mirror. Two equine figures soon make their way through the portal, wobbling upon their hind legs before dropping on all fours, though one of them had to steady their companion and making sure they keep their balance. The figure on the right was a brilliant amber coated unicorn with a brilliant amaranth mane with light apple green stripes, with a cutie mark of a red-and-yellow sun, with a splotch of orange, on the flanks. The pony on the left could almost pass off as Princess Twilight, had it not been for the glasses she adjusted over her eyes. Yet their appearance is so identical, with their coat, their mane style, their eyes, and even their cutie marks, they could pass off as twins.

“Whoo!” Sunset sighed. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this.”

“Sunset Shimmer!” Princess Twilight greeted. “I’m so glad you can come!”

“We’re just glad you could arrange to meet with us today; I hope we didn’t catch you at a bad time.”

“No, no. Today is perfect. It’s been quiet for the time being and every pony else is busy.”

After getting acquainted with her student, the Princess turns toward the other Twilight Sparkle, who looks around the library with awe.

“And you must be the other Twilight,” Pony Twilight acknowledged. “It’s a pleasure to meet you once again.”

“The pleasure is all mine, your majesty,” Sci-Twi replied.

Sci-Twi extended her arm to shake the Princess’s hoof… But then she stopped. Before her eyes she saw that instead of fingers, to her shock her hand was replaced with a hoof. She slowly lifts her hoof to her face… Her eyes widen realizing that her face felt longer, as if the front of her face had significantly stretched forward. Speechless, barely letting out gasps of air, Twilight turns her face from the princess towards her friend… But almost steps back when she sees what’s become of Sunset.

“Twi, it’s okay,” Sunset assured. “I know this is going to be a shock but try not to…”

“Give me a mirror…” Sci-Twi whispered.

“Just take a deep breath…”

“MIRROR!”

Seeing Sci-Twi was starting to freak out, and feeling sympathetic for her plight, the Princess quickly uses her aura to pick up a hand mirror off a nearby counter and slowly angles it towards Sci-Twi. When the poor girl has a good look at her face, Twilight gasps seeing what the effects of the portal have done to Sunset and herself…

“I-I-I-I-I’m a Po—I’m a Po—” Sci Twi stuttered, struggling for words.

“Pony,” Sunset answers. “It’s crazy I know. But in this world nearly every inhabitant here is a Pony.”

While catching her breath, Twilight Sparkle feels around her body looking at herself… Then she leaps back in shock, folding her hooves over her body while facing Sunset.

“Where are my clothes?!” Sci-Twi shouted.

“Easy Twilight, easy,” Sunset spoke, gently. “You’re not naked I promise; ponies don’t normally wear clothes. I can’t explain how this happen, even I don’t understand it. We do have clothes in Equestria, but that’s beside the point.”

“And y-y-y-y-y-you… You’re okay with this?!” Sci Twi spoke. “I mean this being how you are when you come here?”

“Technically, as mentioned before, I was ‘born’ here first. So… It’s kind of the other way around. Heh… You should’ve seen how freaked out the Princess was when she first came to your world.”

“I wasn’t that bad!” The Princess pouted.

Sunset Shimmer just turned toward her teacher, raising an eyebrow as a smirk formed across her face. The princess just sighed… No point in hiding it.

“Oh, ha-ha-ha!” The princess mockingly laughed. “Anyways… All jokes aside, you said you two wanted to see me?”

“Yeah…” Sci-Twi replied, calmly. “It’s kind of a long story…”

“Good thing I like long stories,” The princess assured. “So, let’s hear it, face-to-face…”

<>

Several minutes later…

Princess Twilight Sparkle’s eyes blinked as she stood there, staring blankly before the human-turned-ponies before her. After Sunset Shimmer and Sci-Twi explained their ordeal, as well as what they planned, the Princess processed every word they spoke down to the last possible detail. Suffice to say, these two have been involved in much more than she could ever imagine… Though they didn’t quite tell her ‘everything’.

“Wow… When you said it was a long story, you weren’t kidding,” Princess Twilight replied. “So, have you two decided a wedding date?”

“Actually, we’re still working that out together,” Sci-Twi explained, a blush forming. “I still have to tell my family back home, though I’m a little nervous as to how they’ll take it.”

“We definitely want our friends at the wedding once we pick a venue,” Sunset added. “They’ve been so excited since they found out we got engaged. Pinkie Pie wants to make the wedding into the biggest party possible and Rarity has worked on over a dozen sketches for wedding dresses. Definitely want them as our bridesmaids for sure.”

“Of course, of course…” Princess Twilight nodded. “And you also expressed interest in… Having a child together?”

“Raising a child, but yes,” Sunset nodded. “We’re hoping you can share an opinion as to what we should do. We were considering adoption or foster programs, just to keep our options open.”

“Well those are some good choices. And have you decided whether you want a boy or a girl?”

“We’ve been jumping back and forth on that to be honest,” Sci-Twi replied. “But I for one wouldn’t mind a daughter.”

“It doesn’t really matter for me,” Sunset shrugged. “As long as we raise the child like a true family, we just want to be the best parents possible.”

Princess Twilight Sparkle nodded, knowing the prospect of having a child is a treasure very few ponies ever get the chance to experience. Then, as she thought, there was one idea that came to mind. A third option of sorts that neither of them had thought of.

“You know… There is another option on how we can get you a child.”

Sci-Twi and Sunset turned their heads toward the Princess, curious to see as to what idea they have in mind.

<>

Approaching one of the bookshelves in the library, Princess Twilight used her magic aura to move several books aside, placing one stack upon the table. Eventually, she finds the book that she’s looking for, one of the older books in Equestria’s inventory of books. So ancient in fact, Twilight blew off the dust off the cover, sending it streaming into the sky. Her two guests sit along a chair, as the Princess brings the book toward them, carefully turning the pages so as not to break them. Eventually, the Princess is able to find the passage in relation to her idea.

“According to the old text,” Princess Twilight explained. “Starswirl the Bearded was once working on a spell to determine if it’s possible to ‘create’ life, as an alternative from the natural process. He believed that if magic in Equestria is the very foundation of how life works in our home world and how it exists amongst every pony and creature alike, then it’s possible to apply this magic to create the living embodiment and personality of life itself.”

“So, this Starswirl was basically attempting to create a child of sorts through magic?” Sci Twi asked, dumbing it down.

“When you say it that way, then yes,” The Princess nodded.

“Hmm… I’ve heard about Starswirl’s experiments,” Sunset spoke. “Back when I was Celestia’s pupil, she explained that Starswirl was always trying to invent one new spell after another thousands of years ago during his lifetime. But I’ve never exactly heard of this particular spell.”

“That’s because this spell itself has never made it passed the drawing board,” Princess Twilight explained. “The formula itself, even to create a newborn child, is very complicated.”

“How so?”

“Well, based on how Starswirl’s theory, for a pony to create either a physical likeness or a new pony in general, they have to know what kind of pony they want be it an Earth Pony, Pegasus, or Unicorn. Aside from determining a boy or girl, they would also need to determine their personality, describe what hobbies they would like, the color of their hair, eye color…”

“Cutie Marks?” Sci Twi suggested.

“Oh no… That’s one element that can’t be applied with this spell or any magic. Regardless of what the pony would like their children to do, each pony would still need to find that talent that gives them their cutie mark.”

“Well, we weren’t exactly planning on raising a ‘pony’,” Sunset points out. “No offense… We were actually hoping to raise the child back in Canterlot… I mean, the Canterlot in the human world.”

“Oh, you won’t have to worry about that,” Princess Twilight assured. “While the magic will make your daughter a pony, once you take her through the mirror portal, she’ll be human. And that magic applied to your requests, along with other key components, will give you the daughter that you want.”

“Well, you were right about this being a little complex,” Sci-Twi admitted. “But it doesn’t sound too hard.”

“Oh… That wasn’t the hard part.”

Sci Twi and Sunset lean towards the Princess curiously, wanting to hear what else the Princess has to say of this procedure.

“The amount of magic that it would take to form a physical embodiment of a pony, even for one so young, it’ll require a great deal of magic for the process to work. In other words: To make a child, a pony would have to sacrifice all the magic stemming within them. It’s a very risky procedure, not even Starswirl himself would ever attempt such a feat.”

“Sacrifice… The magic?” Sci-Twi spoke, nervously.

“Yeah… I’m afraid that’s going to be a problem,” Sunset sighed, folding her arms. “Our magic was lost during the battle against Midnight Sparkle. We haven’t been able to use any of our powers ever since.”

Sunset Shimmer wasn’t the only one sad about it, as she explained to Twilight, even Sci Twi let her head droop down. Mostly because she felt terrible over her own pursuit for the magic caused all their problems in the first place. They tried using their magic to drive Midnight away, except now the effort seemed in vain with the magic no longer in their control.

“What if I were to say that’s not entirely true,” Princess Twilight spoke up.

Sunset and Sci-Twi’s heads quickly reel back up toward the Princess of Friendship, as she approaches the two ponies.

“Princess Celestia taught me many perks to being an alicorn and it’s more than just the extra appendages. Being an alicorn, I can’t explain how, we’re able to sense even the smallest trace of magic stemming even from a pony who normally doesn’t use magic. And I can safely say for you two, your magic is far from gone.”

“But if what you’re saying is true, how come we can’t activate our magic?” Sci-Twi asked.

“Something deep within is keeping all the magic lying in a dormant state,” Princess Twilight explained. “Think of it as like a deep sleep. All it takes is for just one spark to ignite the magic, to spark it to life, and thereby allowing it to flow freely.”

“Like that spark that awoke the Elements of Harmony during Nightmare Moon’s return?” Sunset recalled.

“Mm-hmm… Some pony has definitely been paying attention.”

“I see… Well, if that’s all it takes, then I am ready to give all the magic I have to get this underway.”

“Hold on a moment!” Sci Twi approached. “Who says you get to decide to give up your magic?”

“Since I’m the girl who proposed that we should share a child together,” Sunset spoke, stopping herself. “Dormant or not, if there’s any magic within me that will give us what we want, I should be the pony to do this.”

“No way! You can’t just give it up! I’ve seen how you reacted when your magic was gone; you give up your magic, it’s going to drive you nuts!”

The Princess looked on as the two girls debated as to how to handle the discovery of their dormant magic and which of them was going to give it up. Then, Sci Twi took a deep breath.

“Let me do it.”

“WHAT?!” Sunset shouted, shocked.

“Sunset, I was never born with magic, not the way you were. I only wanted to study it, to understand… Even after the events of the Friendship Games, I still don’t. I barely know how to use it anyway.”

“Now you’re just being selfish again, we talked about this. You think you’re the only one who’s made mistakes; I’ve made them too… Possibly even worse! I had no respect for the magic I already had, I too was ambitious, and two worlds were almost ruined because of me.”

“I just want to do the right thing…”

“Then keep your magic! You shouldn’t have to give it all away!”

“Neither should you!”

Tensions were rising between the two girls. What was meant to be the start of a promising idea, to bring life into their lives, and they couldn’t agree how to do it. Yet that’s why this spell was so difficult to go through, according to Starswirl’s studies, to move forward would be to leave something behind… In which case, their own magic. Hence why hardly any pony would go through with it… At least, not by themselves.

“If I may continue where I left off,” Princess Twilight stepped up.

The two girls turned towards the Princess, as she approached the two. They stood silent for a moment, taking all the time needed to catch their breath and calm down.

“No single pony alone could go through with this spell without giving up all their magic. But if two ponies were to transfer half their magic together, they can still go through the spell and they’d still have at least half their magic. And since, you and I are more or less the same, Twilight, I’m willing to transfer my own magic to help you transfer yours.”

“Not me?” Sunset asked.

“Sunset Shimmer, your intentions are noble, and they won’t be forgotten,” Princess Twilight assured. “But should anything happen in your world, you’ll need all the time for your own magic to awaken to ensure that balance is maintained. Your friends there will need you at full strength.”

Sunset Shimmer took a deep breath, turning from her mentor and the Twilight who will soon be her wife. When she takes a good look at them, they ‘are’ in some ways one and the same. They were both far from perfect students, they’ve excelled in academics yet struggled socially in the beginning. But if there is one thing that Sunset learned from both Twilights: Neither would ever be satisfied until they complete what they set out to do. Nodding her head slowly, as if Sunset had already made up her mind, Sunset turns back towards Princess Twilight.

“I’ll only agree to this plan… If she agrees.”

Sci Twi turns toward Sunset Shimmer, seeing the serious expression on her face.”

“Sunset…”

“Twilight, swear to me! Swear to me you’ll do just as she says. I don’t want you to say it because I ‘want’ to hear it, I need you to promise me.”

Sci Twi seemed to think about it for a moment, she wanted to understand what Sunset was saying. That to have a child is not worth giving up an essential part that was given to her. That the magic she was given, even by accident, should not be given away so lightly. That it is a gift very few, even back in the human world, could control.

“Okay…” Sci Twi nodded, quietly. “I promise.”

Tears in her eyes, Sunset reaches out to hug the twilight she loved, which she returns just as emotionally. The procedure hadn’t even begun, and the emotions were already on high for those two. Princess Twilight watched silently from the side, seeing these soon to be parents going to great lengths not just to create their own child, but to start a family for each other.

“Then, shall we?” Princess Twilight asked.

<>

Sometime later, Sunset Shimmer and Sci Twi approached the princess toward the center of the room. They carried a bowl carrying multiple scraps of parchment, each written with specifications for their child, in this case a daughter. For several minutes, they’ve discussed how she should look, what hobbies to try, personality traits, among other things. They lower the bowl toward the floor which were chalked with a giant symbol for the ritual to take place. In addition, Princess Twilight levitated a pair of scissors and took a small snip of mane from both girls, laying it out over the parchment in the bowl.

“Two souls united as one,” Princess Twilight spoke. “One life to unite a family. When you’re ready, Twilight… We can proceed.”

“Um… Before we do anything,” Sci Twi spoke. “Do you think I could have a moment to talk to you alone?”

“Twi?” Sunset asked.

“It’s okay… I can take this from here, Sunset. I just need to have a word with the Princess first.”

“Well… If you’re sure about this—”

Sci Twi hugged Sunset Shimmer, interrupting her before the unicorn could finish. Sunset slowly lifted her hooves up toward her lover, hugging her back.

“Whatever happens Sunset, we’re going to have a baby,” Sci Twi whispered, in Sunset’s ear.

“… Just be careful,” Sunset whispered. “Don't do anything rash, okay?”

Sci Twi lifts Sunset’s chin till they meet each other’s eyes.

“I promise…” Sci Twi whispered, tearfully.

Then she kisses Sunset upon her lips, to which Sunset returns the favor. Having made it official, Sunset Shimmer turns to leave the room, using her aura to open the doors and closing them behind her. After waiting a moment, Sci Twi turns back towards the Princess.

“Now then, what was it you wish to say?” Princess Twilight asked.

“Your majesty… I want my magic to make us a child… ‘All of it’,” Sci Twi requested. “Just mine…”

“You realize what you’re asking?” The Princess asked. “You go through with this; you’ll never be able to use magic again. Why would you risk that?

“I never truly understood magic, I only believed in science. The very first time I ever used magic I created a dangerous being… A monster, who haunted me for so long. Just for once, I want to be able to use magic to create someone beautiful, someone who can make a difference. I only want to do something right… For once.”

“I want to understand what you’re saying, I’d do anything to prove myself too. I’ve been wanting to prove myself since I was a little filly. But please, please try to understand… If this works, you ‘will’ have a child at the cost of using magic again. If it fails… There’s a risk that the procedure will destroy you… Or worse… Are you sure you want to take that risk?”

Sci Twi stood silent for a moment, contemplating her decision very carefully. On one hand, she wants a child more than any woman could ever ask for. On the other, even she knows better than to gamble with her own life just to make someone happy. Sci Twi may be naïve, perhaps even gullible assuming this is the only way… But she’s not stupid, she’s endured so much to understand the consequences. All the same…

“As long as Sunset has a child… So long as I’m willing to make her happy… At least I was brave enough knowing that our wish will finally come true. A life for a life… At least I did something right.”

The Princess nodded her head in understanding because this girl, a unicorn before an alicorn princess, had that determination. It’s no wonder Sunset Shimmer fell in love with her.

“Very well… Then let’s begin.”

Sci Twi nods as she slowly approaches the center where the chalked drawing comes together. She leans on all fours upon the bowl, as the Princess of Friendship overlooks the ritual from the sides. She opens the book toward the instructions of how to proceed with the ritual.

“Remember, think of the child you want to have,” Princess Twilight instructs. “Don’t just look with your eyes or your mind… You have to feel with your heart…”

Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, Sci Twi clears her mind and tries to picture the child for her and Sunset to have. Her horn flickers a bit, before eventually growing a small aura. Eventually, it grows, glowing brighter every few seconds, as Sci Twi breathes in and out, concentrating on the bowl as it glows. Beads of sweat starts to pour from her brow while she tries to maintain her focus. The floor around her starts to glow, as the lines along the floor slowly lit up like a fuse ignited by a spark.

The room starts to glow like the sun reaching its peak at dawn, the Princess looks on, ready to move should anything go wrong. And yet she allows Sci Twi to proceed, as the procedure continues. Then, Sci Twi starts to gasp as a sharp pain seemed to hit like a knife. Images of her life up to this moment flash rapidly, she could feel the magic leak out as if it were sucked away by a vacuum. There was no turning back for Sci Twi, she could feel something emerge in the void… And then her eyes glow a bright white…

And all is silent…