The crackling of a small welding torch was the only light and sound in the small closet turn makeshift science lab. When the two ends of metal on her invention had been forged and sealed she removed her goggles and gloves.

Twilight stepped away from the update to her Energy Measuring and Energy Reading device. The reader could hold, store and release magic but, now Twilight wanted to know if she could get it to unleash the magic to perform a purpose when she wanted. She wanted to learn to regain the ability to levitate, just like when she was a unicorn on the other side of the portal. Now, it was her time to test it.

She took the transfer box that infused Sunset with powerful magic and peaked its lid open. A small part of her was weary that what happened to Sunset would happen to her- somewhat, unfortunately, the magic never affected her. It continued to sit in the container, only glowing as if it were pit less.

Twilight opened her E.M.E.R and brought it to the chest of magic. Immediately the glowing supernatural energy gravitated into the storage device. When she felt there was enough magic to practice with she went to close the lid. The device gave her trouble as it fought to stay open, eventually the girl used both hands to snap the gadget shut.

She huffed after it was finally closed. Twilight then stepped over to her backpack and pulled out the stolen Crown of Magic. She placed it on an empty desk and reopened the E.M.E.R. now that she was sure it would not turn her into some sort of creature. The device brightened and Twilight attempted to connect with the magic by closing her eyes to focus on particles of the supernatural energy in the air.

The scientist felt her body tense in concentration. Twilight thought- hoped, her attempt at connecting was working. She slowed in breathing and used the methods her favorite babysitter had taught her to relax. Slowly the air particles around her began to make her skin tingle. She had the instinct to jump from the unfamiliar feeling but she resisted. Her research and progress was too important to mess up.

The tingling sensation continued to build and soon Twilight began to feel like she was on fire without the pain. Instead, she felt powerful. Unstoppable. Nothing had ever made her feel this way- other than being with Sunset. Engineering and getting to know the redhead had been the most exhilarating and empowering moments to Twilight. Sunset had only reinstated and validated her confidence within herself and her intelligence. Now, she would prove what Sunset saw in her to everyone else.

Twilight wasn’t sure what caused the reaction but a blast knocked her to the floor. When she opened her eyes a strange blue was flickering around where her glasses usually were. The sound of a joyful humming made her turn around from her place on the cold tile floor of the small lab.

Her jaw dropped in shock as a small portal was opened in front of her, a strange creature with mix matched limbs was singing as he scrubbed soap suds on his horns, “I know there’s more that’s out there! And I just haven't found- Ah!”

The creature let out a startled scream as he turned and saw the human girl staring with astonished eyes. He removed the white horn from his head and pointed it at her, “Buy a draconequus dinner first!”

The creature reached and zipped the portal closed.

Twilight found herself blinking several times as her brain processed what had just happened. She adjusted her glasses and picked up her magic holding and capturing device, “You have so much more power than I realized,” she whispered to the inanimate object. A spark of an idea charged her being with energy and giddiness to experiment more. Unfortunately the dismissal bell of the school and her free period rang out. Twilight clutched her E.M.E.R to her chest before placing the necklace strap over her head. She wanted to keep her promise of checking up on her recovering friend before dealing with her parents.

After securing all of her tools and waiting for the halls to clear, Twilight made her way to the bus, her eyes constantly moving- making sure that nobody was following her with ill intent. Luckily she was successful and arrived thirty minutes later at her friend's townhome. The dark haired girl had been avoiding the train, so having to take the bus made the ride longer than usual.

Twilight picked up the corner of the ‘go away’ welcome mat Sunset had recently bought the week before and grabbed the spare key only meant for her. She slid in the key and quietly unlocked the door.

The open space of the town home was filled with silence. Twilight clicked the front door closed as quietly as possible.

“Sunset?” She asked into the air. Once again only silence filled her ears until the sound of padded paws and a meow caught her attention.

She looked up at the tall loft from her spot by the worn sofa below. Magma stood atop the decorated rail staring back down at the scientist.

Oddly, the look in the feline eyes was… knowing. Almost as if he was more than just a cat but instead a creature of human intelligence.

“Magma?” Twilight questioned, a part of her feeling crazy for expecting the animal to answer. Then she thought of the past few months and the portal incident earlier; she realized it wouldn’t be the craziest thing anymore.

“Mewr,” the cat answered back before he hopped down and back on to the bed that Twilight couldn’t see from her angle below.

The dark haired girl stepped up the loft stairs; when she reached the top Twilight felt the corners of her mouth move up into a tender smile.

Her friend with fiery hair laid drowning in blankets. She laid on her stomach and her face to the side facing Twilight on the pillow. Her expression was peaceful in rest as the sunlight peeking through the closed curtains danced on her dark red lashes and showed off the faint red freckles on her cheeks. The girl's sleep appeared to be dreamless as nothing but soft breathing left her parted lips. Sunset’s long curls of scarlet and gold fanned out to the opposite side. The low to the floor bed had textbooks and notebooks scattered about the comforter.

Twilight brought the blanket up to her shoulders, “Don’t worry Sunshine, soon no one will ever dare to hurt us again and you can sleep like this every night.”

She sealed the promise with a small kiss on Sunset’s temple. The scientists then made her way to the door that led to the attic of her equipment. She switched on the old light that took a few flickers before igniting.

After unpacking her equipment from her school back Twilight made her way to a locked chest. She had meant to examine its contents with her magi partner the day before but the magical backfire of the mixed magic had been a strong distraction. She turned the key and opened the box before pulling at the shiny golden crown she had taken.

The magic capturing device around her neck began to glow, indicating the intense thematic energy that resided in the other dimension artifact. The object defied gravity on its own and began to drag itself and Twilight toward the crown. The force of the pull being like a reunion of distant lovers. She tried to plant her feet to the ground to stop the device and herself from moving but the attempt was futile.

Was she now going to be consumed by magic like Sunset?

She flinched when her invention’s top flew open and a magenta glow poured out of the element of magic like a mist and into the magical energy capturer. When the device sucked all the magic out of the crown a blast of magic energy waves throughout the room. A gasp escaped Twilight's breath when she opened her eyes. The open spaces in the air had dozens of portals leading back to the Equestrian dimension. The view of the portals into the dimension were all at different angles, some from the sky, some from the ground, random halls and walls. The locations the portals lead to also varied. One led to a random cave with a pond, a ruined castle in the middle of a dark forest. One peaked into a library that looked to be in a hollowed tree, along many more sights.

“Oh. My. Star.” Twilight whispered to herself in amazement as a smile grew on her face. She noticed through a couple of the portal’s ponies walking or flying by. One pony with big bouncing pink curls for a mane noticed the portal and smiled wide before pulling out a cupcake and confetti that went through the portal. Twilight watched as the colorful strips landed on the floor with the cupcake, which managed to land perfectly up. When the scientist looked back the pink pony was gone. She then noticed the entry ways of the portals growing bigger, Twilight reached for the e.m.e.r and went to shut it before she found out what would happen if she let them continue to grow. That could be an experiment with her partner and with many less portals. The lavender skinned girl struggled to get the lid shut, feeling as if another force was holding it open. The lid finally relented and snapped close, taking all the portals with it.

What Twilight hadn't noticed in that moment was the glowing gemstone of the crown forcing the to flow magenta magic back into its original source.

The scientist smiled. This was perfect. This is what she needed. The proof and power to provide her success that she deserves. The power to get anyone to fear degrading and hurting her. The power to stand at an equal level with her best friend- the only person to know her potential and help her reach it. Twilight Sparkle knew this was her one chance to be at the top of everything, no doubts or distrust of her capabilities as scientist and inverter from others. Not her bullies, not her teachers and not even her family.

This power was now hers and she was going to use it as she needed.

Sunset awoke in the early hours of the morning. The sun was down and the moon shone in the midnight sky. The redhead clambered clumsily out of the bed she had been drowning in for many more hours than she was used to.

She wasn’t looking forward to this. A dreaded day of being without her best friend surrounded by people who didn't like her and she didn’t like either.

The former unicorn moved like a zombie through the routine of the morning. Sunset sat lazily on her sofa crunching on her cereal as her cat played with the toy on his small cat tree. She checked the time on her phone and noticed by the time she would get to the school, very few students would be there at that early time. That gave Sunset a small amount of reassurance as she’d rather not join the fray of student’s in the peak arrival time or late.

The redhead hopped up and grabbed her bag after her making sure to give her good bye to Magma. She zoomed through the streets that had yet to pick up traffic. The sun began to peek over the horizon behind her, brightening her flame appearing mane.

When she arrived at the school and parked, Sunset noticed the two principal sisters unlocking the doors. She realized she was early but not that early. She stayed a distance away, attempting to not be spotted hanging around the school so early in fear of being found suspicious. That proved to be ineffectual as the sister with dark midnight skin spotted her and shifted a brow up. Her older sister seemed to notice as well. The tall woman waved the teenager over with a greeting smile.

Sunset’s hands curled themselves into fists as they bounced nervously against her as she made her way to the principals, “Good morning,” she greeted in a quiet tone.

“Good Morning Sunset Shimmer, you are here rather early,” Celestia commented as she watched the young girl make her way up the steps. Vice-pricipal Luna seemed too busy sipping down her coffee to make any greeting other than a hum of acknowledgement.

Sunset rocked on her heels when she reached the front door at the top of the steps, “Yeah…” she said back awkwardly. Not too long ago she could make up any excuse on the spot, now her brain came up dry with any lie to offer.

The principal did not dwell on the awkwardness and opened the door, “It’s a great time to start the day,” The three entered the building with still only a grumble from the dark skinned woman.

Sunset nodded in response to her principal as the two women led her to her locker. She wasn't sure if that was intentional or they just happened to be taking the same path to the office. She got her answer as the main principal stopped at her locker, “Well, don’t be afraid to come to us if you need anything or,” the older woman’s eyes became pointed, “If you need to talk about anything.”

Sunset searched the pointed look only finding adult concern and kindness. She nodded, “Thank you, Principal Celestia. I will.”

The principal nodded and moved along down the hall with her grumpy sister.

Sunset could feel her heart beating oddly in her chest. Princess Celestia never talked to her like that. As much as the former unicorn craved it. Where had that version of Celestia been in the equestrian one she had known?

She chose not to think about it, not when it made her eyes sting and she could hear the voices of other students arriving. Sunset opened her locker and grabbed her necessities before running off to hide in the library.

Her boots scuffed against the steps of the stairs as she climbed up them to find solitary quietness. The peace of reading her new mystery novel only lasted a few minutes as steps came up behind her. No one had ever been on the second floor of the library before her, so she whipped around at the approacher.

The redhead dropped her guard when the Princess of Friendship was standing and had been the one to get to the second floor first.

“If they think sending you after me was a good idea then they're sadly mistaken.” Sunset said before turning back to her book.

“Don’t worry, they didn't send me,” Princess Twilight assured.

That comment made Sunset’s heart sting. So they really didn’t care about her.

“Do you mind if I sit?” The princess asked, gesturing to her seat.

Sunset looked back to the page she was reading, “If I say no, you're just going to do it anyways.”

The fellow native Equestrian chuckled, “Yeah you're right.”

‘Yeah, I know. If one Twilight is persistent, so is any other one.’ Sunset thought as she flipped to the next page.

“I wanted to talk to you about my crown,” Princess Twilight with her tone becoming serious.

Sunset still did not look up, “I told you I don't know anything about that.”

It wouldn’t have been a lie if her Twilight had not confessed to her and Sunset technically hadn't seen the actual crown yet. That fact made the little bug of guilt for lying a little less harder.

A part of her admitted to being astonished at her guilt for lying to the princess. Sunset could not place if that was because the girl she was lying to had the same face as her best friend or if she had actually managed to turn her moral ethics completely around.

“I know, but, you know who may have crossed the portal and taken it?” The princess asked, she kept her voice gentle as she tried to not come across as accusatory.

Sunset didn’t answer immediately as she tapped her finger against her book. Princess Twilight could tell the other unicorn was avoiding eye contact so she pressed on, “What I know is that I’m looking for a girl- the thief was much too small to be a stallion, she also had a magenta aura of magic, same as mine. So she’s also a unicorn- but I suppose that isn’t relevant in this world.”

The redhead tapping grew rapidly, it was clear she was weighing her options on what to do and say. The princess continued to hypothesize, admittedly -only to herself- she didn’t know much more at all of the thief but her bluffs had been close enough as Sunset cracked further.

“I-,” she huffed in small defeat, her hand resting on her forehead and circling the corners, “I might be able to get the crown back to you.”

“Really?!” Princess Twilight said with elation, she then blushed as she remembered they were in a library. Granted, it was right before classes were to start and no other students were interested in being in the library that early.

It was when that complicated look of consideration and thought crossed Sunset’s face again Princess Twilight realized something.

“Is the pony- or person who took my crown a friend of yours?”

Teal eyes widened and the princess had her answer. The conflicted girl had replied yet, her face still conveying her consideration.

Finally Sunset sighed before she nodded, “I’ll get you your crown back, but it’ll have to be tomorrow.”

The princess smiled and opened her mouth to say something but the bell interrupted her and Sunset took that opportunity to get up and leave. She knew she could have done that at any point but the idea only crossed her mind now that her heart was racing and her head were spinning- she knew she had to get away from the princess asap.

A large part of Sunset felt she was betraying her best friend for agreeing to give the crown back, but she knew it was for the best. Not just for her home and the princess of friendship but also the girl that had become a bit… obsessed with figuring out the ways of magic.

Of course now she would have to find a way to not expose herself for taking it back and the reason for the crown to go missing. Sunset huffed as she slumped into her chair when she took her seat for class.

Her small desk sat closest to the teachers as it was the best view of the whiteboard. She used to sit right in the middle but recently the stares into the back of her head had made her move. Miss Cheerilee looked up from her computer as the final bell rang and smiled at the flame haired girl. The warmth of her friendly smile helped bring Sunset's heartbeat to a steady pace instead of the anxious pace her vital organ was keeping.

The rest of her classes went peacefully with no bother. Students stayed clear of her but no longer stared at her with glares and disdain- instead they acted more to ignore her. Save for one student, when the redhead had dropped her pencil a blonde with golden crossed eyes reached down and retrieved it for her. The girl, who Sunset believed was named Muffins or Ditzy- she knew it was one of those, smiled at her kindly before returning to the lecture. Sunset acknowledged within herself that it felt… nice. It wasn't often someone, pony or human, showed her genuine kindness.

The interruption in her solitude came when she noticed heavy, careless foot steps making their way up the stairs of the library Sunset liked to hide away at lunch. Obviously she would now have to change hiding spots since everyone seemed to know how to find her now.

The person reached the top of the steps with speed and Sunset could see her pulled back prisma-colored hair before the track star could see her. The girl had on an overly large t-shirt swallowing her whole body, with dirt stains and a picture of some band on it. Her basketball shorts were also quite large and her signature rainbow bolt was on the bottom of one of her pant legs. She had bruises and many bandaids on her legs until mid calf socks covered them, leading to her old, scuffed dark blue converse.

“Hey they were right,” Rainbow Dash said when she spotted the fiery haired girl who was already eying her down with her teal eyes, “No need to be too excited, Shimmer.”

Said girl rolled her eyes, “Do you need something Rainbow Dash?”

“Yep,” she said, and walked over to the self-isolating girl and grabbed her bag.

“Hey!” Sunset started but Rainbow cut her off.

“Come on, we got stuff to do,” the runner stated as if it was obvious.

Sunset snatched her bag back as she stood, “We have nothing to do. You’ve made it perfectly clear you guys dont trust me- That you all just some sort of watch dogs for the school on me,” she jabbed a finger at the tomboyish girl, “Well I don't need to be watched! So go run off with your besties and leave me alone.”

She slammed herself back down into her chair with frustration as she blinked away the stinging in the back of her eyes. Sunset heard the other highschooler sigh but took the seat across from her.

“Listen, I know what people are saying and sending us is ass. I'm gonna take a page out of Applejack’s book and not to you,” Sunset finally met her raspberry eyes as she continued to talk with sincerity, “We’ve been getting messages like that ever since people started to notice we had all made up, but we never responded to it. Hell if we did i’d tell them to fuck off I’m sure the girl’s had other ways to say it since according to Rarity that’s ‘uncouth’- whatever that means.”

Sunset shook her head in disappointment at the last comment before Rainbow Dash continued, “We should have talked to you about it, done more to make you really feel a part of the group. We all really want to be your friend, no matter what shitty past.”

“I have a hard time believing that,” Sunset admitted as she had found the floor interesting to look at.

“Well, then we are all gonna pester you until you do believe it,” Rainbow Dash declared. When Sunset looked back up at her she could see the lonely sadness that seemed to haunt the girl, craving for people to care and want to be friends with her.

“You're not gonna back down from this are you?” Rainbow Dash genuinely couldn't tell if Sunset was asking the question playfully or fearfully.

Either way she answered, “Nope, sure not.”

She smiled as it appeared to be the right thing to say when the redhead packed her lunch bag and book into her backpack. They both stood up and Rainbow grew her signature cocky smile, “Let’s go, Shimmer. Rare is gonna have our asses late if we’re late to her fashion show.”

“What did I agree to…,” Sunset deadpanned as she followed Rainbow Dash down the stairs.

Despite the warm happy feeling filling her veins there was still and longing iciness coating her. Sunset for the first time in her life had beings that actually wanted to be around her and be her friends, or at least she hoped so. Her Twilight Sparkle had already been the first person to actively seek out becoming her friend.

She had also been the first person Sunset ever wanted to kiss. Flash Sentry had been an obligation to her. Not that she would ever tell him that- he would freak out. No mare or stallion had ever caught her romantic attention from what she remembered.

The former unicorn realized her thoughts were becoming side tracked when she almost ran into an open classroom door. Rainbow Dash laughed at her and Sunset wondered why the doors opened outward anyway.

To conclude the point of her thoughts, Sunset was happy to make more friends but she knew her Twilight Sparkle would always be her greatest one.

“Ah!” Sunset heard a dramatic voice shout, “Finally!”

Rarity shoved a gown into Rainbow Dash’s hands before pointing to the bathroom, “Hurry and go get dressed!”

Then Rarity turned to Sunset as the other girl walked off with a groan, “Oh, Darling,” she said like an empathetic mother as the fashionista pulled her into a hug, “I’m sorry about the misunderstanding. I hope Rainbow explained it well. We want to be your friend, really-”

Sunset cut her off, lightly patting the dramatic females back, “It’s okay Rarity. I guess I just… have trust issues to work through.”

She remembered Twilight's words of her trust issues stopping her from helping the scientist advance in magic. Sunset supposed it wasn’t the only thing that stopped some sort of her progression.

Rarity smiled at her and pulled away before another pair of arms found themselves around her, “Yay! Sunshim is back!”

Sunset stared at the swinging bag of Sour Patch Strawberries in her face as she heard the excitable girl giggle.

“They’re your favorite!” PInkie Pie sang.

“Yeah,” Sunset confirmed with a bit of astonishment in her voice, “How did you know?”

Pinkie gleamed, “I know everyone’s favorite sweet, silly!”

“Right… I’m the silly one…” Sunset muttered as Pinkie bounced off of her, she was wearing a large ball gown with candy corn and lollipops on it, “Uuuhhh,” she pointed in question.

Pinkie was all too happy to answer, “Today we are making a last effort to get people to vote for Rarity to be the Fall Formal Princess with a fashion show!”

“Yes, it’ll also be great for my business,” Rarity said as she re-entered the fray, handing a gown to Sunset, “Go ahead,”

“Oh- I don’t-”

“Don’t worry, darling you are going to look amazing!” Sunset got no chance to reply and Rarity forced her away to change.

When she entered the restroom outside of the cafeteria she saw Fluttershy, in a viney green dress with flowers and Princess Twilight, in a dark navy starry dress. The light spoken girl and weaving stars into indigo hair. If Sunset didn’t know any better she’d find the princess beautiful but instead she only thought of her Twilight taking the place of the royal.

Fluttershy smiled at her in the only way the kind girl could, “Hi,” She stepped around the princess and offered Sunset a bunny to pet, “I’m sorry about a few days ago. We didn't want to hurt you.”

“I’m sorry for my reaction,” Sunset replied scratching the bunnies head, “I- wasn’t doing the best that day…”

“I understand,” Fluttershy said softly, “Friends?”

The fiery haired girl nodded, “Friends.”

“Communication is very important for friendship. Seems like a well learned lesson- Oh! I’ll have a good letter for Princess Celestia when I get back home!” The Princess of friendship intercepted.

“Huh?” Fluttershy questioned softly.

“Don't worry about her, she’s a nut,” Sunset mocked as she twirled her finger near her head which made the animal enthusiast giggle.

The princess started a rant that Sunset didn't care to listen to as she slipped into the largest stall. She changed into the teal mid calf gown Rarity gave her and shoved her day clothes into her backpack. Sunset admired the dress on herself in the privacy for a moment. She actually looked pretty good despite her human body that she still struggled to look at on certain days. The dress was much better than the usual generic ones she would find at a cheap store.

She stepped out and met the rest of the girls as she heard music starting to be played in the cafeteria and a voice spoke as the person introduced them.

“Hey there, sugarcube,” Applejack greeted, her hair in a braid to the side and gown that perfectly combined her cowgirl essence with fringe and cowboy boots, “Ah’m glad ya heard us out and are given’ us another chance.”

Sunset shrugged, “Figured I could return the favor.”

Applejack smiled at that as she tipped her hat that had also been glamorized.

“Though, me being a part of the fashion show might destroy Rarity’s chances and business,” Sunset said.

“That won't happen. If anything tried to kill her business, she has enough charm and charisma to build it back up; beside you aint got a choice. Rares wants you in, she’s makin’ sure everyone knows your a new and good person.” Applejack explained.

“I don’t know about all that,” Sunset blushed.

“Well we do.”

The redhead smiled to herself as she played with her fingers. She was grateful they proved her wrong.

The fashion show was a hit. Students clapped and awed at the designs, even with a timid Sunset that could rival Fluttershy, as she stiffly walked down the makeshift runway in the center of the cafeteria. She felt her confidence wriggle like a worm in her chest as she couldn’t stop her smile. She was surrounded by the group of girls she had once broken apart, who had put effort into proving that they are choosing and wanting to be friends with her. Sunset in that moment was truly happy in a way she had never felt before.

She could actually feel magic in the air because of it.

Maybe.. Friendship really did mean something and maybe it's a much stronger force than Sunset could have ever considered. She wanted nothing more than to share it with her Twilight Sparkle. Help her see that maybe this magic was worth more than any other.

Author's Note

Hey sugar bears!

Miss Twi and Miss Shim are going through some changes in completely opposite ways.

Damn... That's crazy.

Be prepared for next time