Chapters New World (of the Twelve)
Thanks to Princess Twilight, the portal was now kept constantly open. This had a few advantages: Sunset could return to Equestria when she needed advice, and the Princess of Friendship could visit the human alter-egos of her pony friends. There were also a few drawbacks: like the disturbances that began to be felt. These anomalies took the form of visions of landscapes of Equestria or Earth reflected by the portal. These anomalies went largely unnoticed. It was only during lunchtime on Friday, when they were eating near the portal, that the seven friends - Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Sunset and Rainbow Dash - witnessed one of these dimensional disturbances and saw the images that the portal brought them.
The portal showed them an island in the middle of the ocean, devastated by a battle between war submarines and an army of demons streaming in from a gigantic red portal in the sky. There were also two dragons, white and green, flying and spitting flames at each other.
On the other side of the island, a 50-metre-high devil wielded a hammer to match. He was fighting a red-haired human with a rather muscular afro, wearing faded beige trousers adorned with a red cross and carrying a broken sword held in place by an iron chain. And the hardest thing to believe was that the red-haired man had the giant in check. While the giant had the advantage in power, the warrior avoided his attacks thanks to his small size.
The devil saw that his gigantism was defeating him and disappeared in a cloud of dust. He reappeared a few moments later, having grown to human size. The battle was fierce between the submarines, the dragons and the two combatants, and to say that the island would soon disappear beneath the waters would have been a prediction. The image forked to show the fight between the afro cutter and the devil. They were so powerful that their blows created shockwaves that transformed the landscape.
The portal that brought the demons to the beach began to shrink. And the smaller it got, the less clear and precise the image became.The warrior noticed this and began to hammer his opponent, landing blow after blow without stopping.The speed of his fists was so great you'd have thought he had several arms instead of two. The demon didn't seem to have taken as much damage as he should have.When the warrior saw that his opponent was sufficiently stunned to fight back, he grabbed him firmly by the waist and leapt skywards to reach the portal.
The devil and his adversary passed through the red portal before it closed for good.Then the image blurred, revealing only the usual white surface of the portal. For a few moments, the girls stood dazed by their reflections on the marble surface of the portal.
"Did I see what I think I saw?" Fluttershy asked the others timidly.
"Darling," replied Rarity, "I think we all saw the same thing.
"It was huge," shouted Rainbow Dash. "You saw this man fighting like a lion against this monster. He was doing it with a smile on his face, as if it was all just a game. And the fight between the two dragons? Phenomenal".
She tried to imitate the red-haired warrior but only succeeded in gesticulating in all directions, attracting stares from the other students. Realising what was happening around her, Rainbow Dash immediately stopped making a spectacle of herself, blushing in embarrassment.
"What I don't understand," began Sunset Shimmer, "is how this is possible, even though the portal is connected only to Equestria. This shouldn't be happening, I'm sending a message to Princess Twilight immediately."
"You can do that later," Twilight cut her off, pointing to the clock above the door.
"The funny thing is that this isn't the first time the portal has shown this particular world." Pinkie Pie stretched out on the pedestal, savouring his vanilla and raspberry cupcake.
Not wanting to be late for the next lessons of second period, and above all not to get bogged down with this story about parallel worlds and Pinkie using the gate as a cinema when the opportunity arose, the girls went off to throw their rubbish in the bin, gathered their things and joined their classmates.
Only Sunset dared to take one last look at the gate to make sure nothing else happened while they were away, but all she saw was the plinth that once housed the horse statue.
Even though it had been destroyed several months ago during the Friendship Games, the fact that she could no longer see it left a feeling of emptiness and sadness in Sunset's heart.Her friends beckoned her to follow them with big smiles, and for a few moments Sunset's sadness disappeared as she ran to join her friends.
***
After several hours of lessons, an English test and a group rehearsal, the seven girls left for Sugar Cub Corner to spend some quiet time. It was Pinkie who went to collect the others' orders. While she waited at the counter, the others talked incessantly about the events that had taken place earlier.The subject that kept coming up was the portal and the images it showed. Pinkie pie returned from the counter with the orders and sat down at their usual table between Applejack and Rainbow Dash.
"So you've seen this world before ?" Sunset Shimmer asked Pinkie.
"Yes, I have. I recognised some of the people who were here during the battle this morning. Except that last time, they were fighting against a giant Spider Clock and a knight who was manipulating a strange magic cube that shone and flew through the air".
"And when was that ?" Twilight asked as she sipped her hot chocolate.
"About two months ago... I think".
"And you didn't think to tell us about it ?" Applejack asked incredulously.
"You didn't ask me," cried Pinkie Pie in exasperation.
She was getting fed up with the questions and decided to calm down by drinking her strawberry milkshake with whipped cream.
"What's curious," Twilight continued, "is why this particular world. I mean, there must be an infinite number of universes, so why this particular world?"
"I've sent a message to the Princess," replied Sunset.Perhaps she'll have an answer.
"I wonder what could have happened to the red-haired man," shouted Applejack. "He did give his all to fend off the big horned man".
"He's probably kicking that demon's arse," chuckled Rainbow. "He looked like he was having the time of his life on the beach, giving him blow after blow". You've got to have some guts to give up your world to save it," concluded Applejack. I don't know anyone with that much courage".
"Yes, I do," boasted Rainbow.
"His courage doesn't excuse his style of dress," said Rarity indignantly, sipping her vanilla-chocolate frappé. "Wearing nothing but a pair of trousers that's worn to the hilt isn't really a decent style. Even our caretakers wear cuter uniforms".
"The way he fights reminds me a bit of a warrior," commented Sunset. You know, like the Spartans of ancient Greece.
"I'm glad everyone was saved," said Pinkie Pie, sipping her Coke. But I'm sad for him. He had to leave friends behind to save his world.
Pinkie's statement was so cold (especially coming from the happiest person in school). It completely froze the conversation.
"Rainbow Dash is right, darling," said Rarity. "We can handle ourselves against evil beings".
"After mermaids, friends who turn into monsters and grown-ups corrupted by magic..." declared Applejack. "You really can cope with anything and everything".
She realised her words a little too late and looked at Twilight and Sunset, who had a heavy past behind them linked to magic they couldn't control. "Sorry girls," Applejack apologised. "I shouldn't have..."
"It's all right," Twilight reassured her. "It's all behind us now". Suddenly, Sunset's book began to glow. The owner quickly noticed:
"Girls," warned Sunset, "the princess has just replied to me.
"Better late than never," quipped Applejack."So what does she say?" asked Fluttershy.
She opened the book and began to read the answer.
Author's Note
I'm french, but I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoy writing it.
Dear Princess Twilight, for some time now the portal has been showing us images of another world. And it’s always the same. I wonder if you’re experiencing the same thing in Equestria. We are starting to have questions about how the portal works. And if you have any idea what’s happening, I’d like to hear your thoughts on the matter.
Your friend Sunset Shimmer»
This was the message that Princess Twilight had received from Sunset, which only confirmed her doubts. The gate did not derailleÂ. It was perfectly stable (she checked twice) and yet it showed another world.
To deal with this situation, she had called the most important ponies and magicians of the kingdom. The other people that Twilight had gathered were Starlight Glimmer (her friendship student), her friends, princesses Cadences, Luna and Célistia. Shining armor and Fleury heart had come with Cadence, accompanied by Sunburst and Tourbillon star the bearded. Everyone was gathered around the map in the castle of friendship at Ponyville.
"Well," Twilight, "I’ve gathered you all together today to talk about a rather... new problem. Not to say worrying."
"What is it Twilight ?" Princess Celestia asks.
"The easiest thing would be to show you the scenes that Starlight witnessed. Are you ready ?"
"Yes," her student replied. "You can go, Twilight."
The first memory showed Starlight in the library reading a letter from Thorax inviting him to spend a few days in the changelings kingdom to deepen the knowledge of friendship among them. As she was writing her answer, she saw a light emanating from the portal. Preparing to see something coming out of the mirror (thinking it was Sunset), she was surprised that the portal projected a vision of a landscape she did not know.
On the images, there was a huge mechanical installation, like a giant half-destroyed clock that stood in front of a mountain. In the center of the clock, a humanoid being dressed in armor handled a funny object, a small blue and green cube that shined and levitated swirling in all directions.
Under the command of the human in armor, the cube released an immeasurable amount of energy. Starlight saw that time was going backwards. She understood that man himself was going back in time. It didn’t last very long and when the cube completely lost its energy, the image on the mirror went out. Starlight wanted to warn Twilight but she was in the Crystal Empire for an important meeting. She decided to write down everything she had seen in a blank journal and wait for her teacher to return.
The second memory was the scene that appeared this morning in front of the Canterlot high school with the dragons, the red warrior and the 50m demon. When the map went out, everyone was silent for a few moments. The tension in the room became heavy.
"Well," began Sunburst by breaking the silence while adjusting his glasses. "Here’s something really... unprecedented."
"I wanted to get your opinion on the matter. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, would you like to start ?"
"I don’t know what to say," Celestia began hesitantly. "This is the first time we’ve faced such an event."
"If I may," replied Luna. "I want to point out that this world is completely different from the world behind the portal. You’ve seen it before, Twilight, and you know what I mean."
Twilight understood Luna’s words perfectly, remembering the Canterlot high school and the friends she made there.
"And you Starswirl, what’s your point of view ?" asked Twilight.
"I’m impressed, Starswirl replied with a happy face to Twilight. "I am well placed to say that it is possible to travel in time but there are too great risks to undertake such experiments, as paradoxes or loops. But the being in armor managed to reverse its course, completely rewind it. He solved all the problems related to time travel."
"For my part," added Sunburst with enthusiasm, "it is the prowess of combining science and magic that leaves me speechless. Have you seen their underwater ships ? Next to them, our aircraft really look like toys."
Seeing the mines rejoiced of these two magicians made the atmosphere more calm and serene considering the subject.
"I’m glad everyone is taking this topic with enthusiasm," Twilight concludes. "I would like to talk about a project that I think will be beneficial for Equestria."
She began to produce a painting on which there were diagrams presenting the theory of dimensional travel with Equestria and this new world.
"I’ve been thinking about it since Starlight told me about this phenomenon. If there is a way to see through the portal, then we could try to communicate with them. It would be like using a phone."
"Sorry, Twilight," asked appljack. "What’s a phone ?"
Twilight often forgot that most of them didn’t know how the world of Sunset worked.
"Ehm... Twilight," timidly slid Cadence. "It’s not such a good idea."
"I agree with Cadence on this point Twilight," replied Shinning Armor as he gave the bottle to Flurry. "They may be dangerous."
"You described to me what the world of Sunset Shimmer was like," Sunburst started. "It’s just a parallel universe, there’s a human counterpart for every pony in Equestria and the rules are pretty much the same as here, except that their science has replaced our magic. I say this from our point of view at least."
"This new world, on the other hand, is a complete different reality," concludes Starswirl with his silky white beard. "We don’t know what laws they have and how they will react if we come in contact with them."
"Also when we see the damage that their machines can cause," tried Celestia. "It’s just a matter of seeing the state of the island after their confrontation. It makes you want to leave them rather than start the conversation."
Twilight understood the intentions of her guests. But the princess of friendship didn’t want to ignore anyone, either from her world or another.
"I have one last proposal to make." Twilight proposed before telling the rest of the assembly about her plan.
Twilight’s horn began to shine and she could probe the mind of her student. With surgical precision, she extracted the desired memories from Starlight’s memory and passed them to the map so that everyone could view them.
Author's Note
And voilà, a new chapter finished. I'm glad to continue this story with you.
If you see any mistake or negligence in this text, please let me know. It helps me to stop making mistakes in English.
The next chapter will be released on Thursday at 6pm. I can't wait to hear what you think.
Take care.
"Dear Sunset Chimmer, after a long meeting and much deliberation, it was agreed that we will try to get in touch with this new world. But on the only condition that you and your friends also participate in the project. As the portal has also involved you, we will need all possible help.
This first contact is essential, it is necessary that this new world knows that we want to make acquaintance.
I will contact you later to give you more details on the progress of the project.
Your friend, princess Twilight"
Sunset read the answer to others. The fact that they wanted to try to communicate with this new universe was already great news in itself. But that in addition to asking them to help prepare the event was enough to galvanize them
"Great, shouted Pinkie Pie, who says new world says: lots of new friends. And who says new friends says: great party in sight."
"Pinkie, moans Applejack, there are not only parties in life. We’re talking about a serious subject here."
"I agree with Pinkie," said Rarity. "This is an opportunity for us to understand the ways of life in this world. In addition I could always improve their dress styles."
"Let’s put the rags aside, we have a party to prepare for."
"Stop talking about party," repeated the exasperated farmer
Everyone started talking at the same time and nobody could get along.
"We should wait," Twilight proposed. "There’s no point in making plans about the comet. Especially since we’ve just received an answer."
"She’s right," Sunset said. "But I can still send a message to the princess if you want. Also, it is better to warn Principal Celestia and Deputy Principal Luna of all this. After all, the portal is right in front of their school, they must be notified as soon as possible."
"I imagine their heads if they saw a warrior come out of the gate breaking everything with his broken sword," puffa Rainbow Dash.
"And if this warrior ever comes by," Rarity announced, "I’ll sew him a new combat uniform. He’ll be the most classy, trust me."
The reaction was general hilarity.
Everyone had the image of the well-dressed red warrior coming out of the gate smashing everything in his path. This hilarity has had the effect of reducing the pressure accumulated during the day.
"I went to our blog," Sunset began after she had calmed down. "We received an invitation from the Everfree camp. Our last charity party brought a lot of people and Gloriosa offers us to do another concert. She offers to do it in two weeks."
"It’s cool," shouted Pinkie while throwing confetti.
"I’ll be able to write new songs for the occasion," Fluttershy proposed.
"You think there will be Timber ?" asked Twilight, blushing.
"I suppose," Sunset replied. "But I promise nothing."
She knew of Twilight’s feelings for the Everfree employee and apparently they were mutual. She was happy for her. The seven girls finished their drinks, took their things and left the store. The sun was slowly beginning to decline in the late afternoon sky tinged with red and orange. The air had cooled a little and we could start thinking about summer holidays that were coming in just three months. They started to separate to go home
"Okay, we’ll meet tomorrow at the mall as agreed ?" Applejack asked.
"I’ll be there," Pinkie Pie said. "There’s a new cake shop that just opened and they’re famous, apparently."
"As for me, chained Rainbow," I need new sneakers. "The last ones didn’t live up to my last competition."
"Don’t want me to make you a custom pair ?" proposed Rarity. "They could stand your super speed."
"You really need to manage your speed," Twilight said. "This is the second time it’s happened."
"I just want to know how far I can push my magic. But I never find anyone who can compete with me."
"You’ll find," Sunset said. "You just have to aim higher than the local competitions. You should try to register for the Olympics, she proposed in an ironic tone."
As soon as she had time to finish her sentence, a shrill sound of crumpled sheet metal and a huge horn-clap drew the attention of the seven friends and when they saw what caused this racket, they did not believe their eyes.
Author's Note
What happened to mane 7?
And what new twist has Canterlot city experienced on a day that was already full of surprises?
We will know in the coming chapters as the journey continues.
