"King who-what now?" Asked a student as he raised his hand.
"Alright." Twilight sighed for the third time. " lets go through this again."
The entire group of students had stopped over in the gymnasium to discuss what had just happened. Though two extravagantly abnormal events had occurred at their school, they were still having trouble getting used to the existence of magic. It was after that fight Twilight decided to set things straight and explain a little more about where she came from, and also how Cory wound up there.
After she guided everyone through a brief history of Equestria and the adoption of her son, she finally got to the part everyone was asking: What was that mysterious ooze? Still, everyone was having trouble comprehending this, much to Twilight's frustration.
"A few years ago, or in your time, many years ago" Twilight began as she drew on the marker board with magic. "My friends and I traveled to a place called the Crystal Empire. It was there we were to defeat an ancient evil Unicorn known as King Sombra.
"I'm not sure if whether this is a history lecture or story time." A student whispered to another.
"HEY." Human Applejack said as she shooshed them. "This is important."
"Though we were successful and Sombra was destroyed," Twilight continued "All thanks to my friend Spike here."
"Hold on!" Shouted Rarity. "Your little spikey is a hero to a whole kingdom!?"
"Yep. I'm known to them as the great, noble, Spike.." Replied a bragging Spike who was in her lap.
"What's that got to do with this world?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"It seems as though some of Sombra's dark magic was able to sneak inside the mirror portal. Upon entering, it could latch onto any individual and attack them at their most vulnerable. Once the magic was inside their system, they become consumed by fear and hatred and can even carry that influence onto others, causing the dark magic to spread. And apparently Stiffson academy has been a easy target since."
"So are they some kind of, Zombies now?" Applebloom asked
"Not exactly." Said Sunset Shimmer as she stood up and walked to the board.
"They're sort of... in a trance. It's a power fills up inside you, affecting the way you lead your life. It feels good at first, giving you a sense of power and authority. But it makes you lonely and feared by everyone, and unless you have the will to find real friends, the power will lead to your demise. I know because, I fell victim to that sort of feeling. Come to think of it, before the old me disappeared, I may have contributed to Stiffson with some of my magic, thus adding to their suffering. I am so sorry Cory ."
"You don't need to be." Cory replied. "Cause mom told me to forgive you awhile back."
Sunset Shimmer left a smile as a tear went down her cheek.
"Everyone, I think it's time you all knew the truth." He continued as he stepped forward "My name is Capricore "Agees" Sparkle. Formally known as Cory Agees, not too long ago, I attended Stiffson Academy.
Everyone gasped as he said this.
"It was during that time I suffered the worst kind of education out there. There was no music, no arts, no imagination at all, and everyone had to follow the strict orders of the principal. I'd get punished beaten, scratched and even whipped just for making a mistake. I even endured the horror of losing my friends, a value Stiffon doesn't understand. I felt so small, and so afraid, I thought all had been lost for me. But then I went on a little adventure of self - discovery, and courage. On my journey I found some of the best friends and family anyone could hope for. Now My mom has told you about them, and I think it's time you see them for yourself."
"Does anyone have two IPads?" Asked Rainbow
Two of the students rushed forward and gave it to Cory. After they turned on skype , he wrote a small note, rushed outside and snuck the IPAD into the portal. Next, he went back into the gym and connected the other to the screen behind him. For the first time, Cory's world would catch a glimpse of Twilight's
Meanwhile, back in the Crystal Empire, Twilight's pony friends were prepping themselves for the upcoming exhibition. Applejack was pushing a box of some of Cory's work, Rarity was ironing of his tuxedo, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were hanging some of his opened paintings and sculptures, and Pinkie was maniacally throwing streamers and balloons in the air.
"What?" She said as her other friends looked at her disapprovingly. "Thought I'd spice up the occasion."
Suddenly, a knock was heard at the far end of the room. Rainbow Dash answered it to which she saw one of the castle guards with a strange object.
"Item for Twilight's friends." He said as he left it for them.
The 5 approached the device as they stared at it's strange material. Was it some kind of magic square? Was it a map from another land? What could it be?
Suddenly, the screen turned on to reveal a circle that said "Answer." Applejack shrugged as she pressed her hoof on it. To their astonishment, Cory appeared on the screen.
"Hey guys." He said "How ya doin?"
"Cory?" Applejack said
"How did you get in there?" Asked Rainbow Dash.
"Guys listen." Said Cory "I need your help in...."
"OH MY GOSH!!! CORY'S STUCK INSIDE THIS SQUARE!!!" Pinkie screamed "I'LL GET YOU OUT!!"
She picked up the device and prepared to smash it. Luckily, Rarity stopped her just in time.
"Would you mind explaining what's going on?" she asked
"Relax." Cory assured. "This is one of many devices from my world that we use to communicate. I chose this one because it's easier to handle with hooves."
"How did you get there?" Fluttershy asked
"He followed me." Twilight said as she showed her human self to her friends.
"Twilight?" the five of them said in unison.
"Yep." Twilight replied. "In the human flesh."
"EVERYONE!" Cory said as he turned head towards the students. "I'd like you to meet my mom's friends from Equestria!!"
The screen projected the skype message as everyone, stared in awe at these four legged creatures. Now both worlds were truly connected. Twilight's human friends walked towards the screen and took a closer examination of their pony counterparts. In a way, it was like staring in a mirror for them, excepting the clothing and shade of skin color of course. After a minute or two of getting aquatinted, Cory got everyone's attention.
"Alright, this is why I made this connection." Cory began. "I need the five of you to help us in our mission."
"Mission? What mission?" Pony Rainbow Dash asked.
"The mission to expose Stiffson as he truly is."
"WHAT?!!" the auditorium sounded.
"That's crazy talk." Human Applejack commented. "You could get yerself hurt."
"Hurt is an understatement." Pony Applejack added. "My brother could get mangled."
"I was just thinkin that." Human Applejack replied, to which Pony Applejack made a friendly smirk.
"Besides haven't you already conquered your fears by talking em out?" Pony Rainbow Dash said.
"Yeah, and not to be a pain in behind." Human Rainbow Dash added to which she was kicking a soccer ball with her head. "We have about 10 hours before the te.."
It was at that moment she noticed Pony Rainbow Dash kicking a soccer ball with her head as well, after which she slid it down her back, spinned in on her hoof, and tossed it into a nearby bin.
"Whoa." Said Human Rainbow How did you..."
"Hey." Pony Rainbow replied. "When your awesome, anything's possible."
"You and me both sister." Human Rainbow added.
"Exactly Rainbow." Cory replied "I think we've all done enough studying for awhile. Now it's time to put our thoughts into actions. Is everybody and everypony acquainted with each other?"
Cory turned around to see Rarity and Fluttershy talking to their counterparts.
"What is that gorgeous ensemble you have?" Asked pony Rarity.
"Oh please, it's just my casual outing." Replied human Rarity. "And where do you get your Mane curls?"
"From yours truly." Pony Rarity replied. "To do without it is a crime."
The two chuckled simultaneously.
Meanwhile Pony and Human Fluttershy just looked at each other bashfully.
"I'm sorry." Human Fluttershy said. "I never really met me before."
"No need to worry." Pony Fluttershy replied. "Personally, I'm not the best at...."
"Introducing myself." The two said together, to which they covered their mouths.
"How bout you start first." Human Fluttershy suggested.
"No, no, you can start." Pony Fluttershy responded.
"GUYS!!" Cory responded as he turned back to the students. "Look, I know you all have your doubts, but my mom told me that with a little trust and a huge heap of friendship, she was able to unite everyone of you over the course of a single day. I believe if we all get together not just as a school, but as a team, we can show Stiffson that the magic of friendship can overcome any obstacle."
"Cory." Said Katie as she approached him. " I'm not sure if a gym is the best place to tell of your plan."
"You're right." Cory Replied. "Everyone come over to the shack and bring the IPAD with us."
Everyone nodded as they left their seats and headed out the door.
"Pinkie?" Twilight asked as she noticed Pinkie still staring at the screen. "Aren't you coming?"
Both pony and human Pinkie seemed to be engaging each other in a copying contest.
"Say, your'e good." The two said together as they mimicked their movements. "HAH!! Darn. Hmmmmm. Mary Had a Little Lamb, whose fleece was white as.......PICKLE FISH LIPS!!!!"
"PINKIES!!!" Shouted Twilight. "Lets go, the two of you!"
"Sorry." The two of them said sheepishly. Then human Pinkie unplugged the IPAD from the screen, picked it up and caught up with the rest of the students.