Chapter Preview: Autumn's Balance

"Do you think there are more mes out there?"

"Hm?" Gazing up from her small guidebook, beautiful violet orbs sparkled. "How do you mean?"

Looking away from the window of the lengthy compartment, I faced the mare opposite me with half a smile. "Considering I'm the Jack of Equestria, and there's two more versions of me in this world's counterpart; one of whom already resided in another franchise prior." Not to mention the cluster[BEEP] involving Casey and all those variations.

"What brought this on?"

Shrugging, my hazel eyes turned back to facing the window. What lovely weather today, blue sky and all. "Just wondering. Not to sound so conceited, but imagine if there's like a version of me in every fictional universe my people created."

Star Wars. Pokemon. Danny Phantom. Even maybe One Piece.

The possibilities and implications are endless, is all I was saying.

"Every world having their own Twilight Warrior, to maintain the balance of things..." I mused, the corner of my phepirial vision catching my Princess pondering the idea herself, tilting her head in an adorable fashion. Guess that incited her scientific curiosity too.

"It's... Feasible. But that would imply every world has their own imbalanced problems." Telling me they didn't? Upon spotting my bewildered glance, Twilight merely grinned sheepishly. "But even so, I'm sure those worlds are in much better conditions with you there to help out."

"Just give them their own Twilights, and they'll be even more balanced." Beaming warmly at the compliment, Twilight resumed memorizing the guide, us settling into a comfortable silence.

Were there countless other mes out there, Starswirl, fighting and saving the multiverse?

His answer was immediate: I have no jurisdiction or insight in telling, Jack. My range can only reach so far, but if I were to hazard a speculation, I would confess it's not entirely implausible. The laws of Balance operates uniquely between worlds, and perhaps a Twilight Warrior is more suited for the job than anything else.

To that, I almost snorted, smirking a little instead. Right, because I was well known for my adaptability. Shifting myself more comfortably, I released a low sigh. We weren't too far from our destination by now, I think. That revelation, soon enough, emphasized by Twilight's enthusiastic tone only mere moments later.

"Is it wrong of me to feel this level of thrilled?" My fiance asked rhetorically, unable to contain her eager smile while putting the book down again, now too regarding the outside sun. "I've been reining in this excitement ever since Fluttershy and Applejack told me of their findings about the Kirin. Now, we get to see it for ourselves!"

Yep, the fabled Kirin I've been hearing Twilight gush over about these past few days. Reining in my hoof; she couldn't STOP talking about her intentions to meet the formerly isolated society of rare species herself up to this point. Even during cuddle times, not five minutes didn't go by without front pages being shoved in my unsuspective face regarding what knowledge ponykind had about the mysterious creatures until now. Just only a day after the two mares returned from their mission, already the train tracks around Equestria extend to where the Kirin resided.

How convenient!

"Haven't seen you this excited since you proposed the school, love." I remarked with a coy brow. Her anxious levels rising moreso, the closer we reached our destination.

Twilight was quick to emphasize the purpose behind her zeal. "A species thought lost to time. An entire culture, Jack, we can learn all about since those ancient days! Just imagine how much their society's changed after the known history of their kind were published. We'll be the first to document and release the information of the new Kirin civilization to the public, and help them better intergrate into pony society!"

With always, her amount of content for the pursuit of knowledge and help being endearing to my eyes and ears. Especially my heart. My smile couldn't possibly hope to match her own right now, raising a coy brow. "And another species to teach the magic of friendship, no doubt."

She brushed off the teasing with grace, nodding rapidly. "Naturally!" My Princess declared, beaming in merry, my own grin wideneing in response. Contagious, I swear. But then, Twilight added with a more subdued posture, "I'm glad we can do this together, Jack. You weren't obligated to come along."

Obligated? Of course not, but Twilight had been leaving not-so-subtle hints of hoping I would, recently. Besides, missing a chance to see my love so thrilled and content? Not for the world.

"Maybe I'm a little curious about these Kirin myself." Came my confession. Indeed, Applejack and Fluttershy's retelling of their most latest adventure had piqued my intrigue. Especially regarding the Nirik aspect. Reaching out, my gold hoof clasped over lavender, offering an affectionate smile. "Plus, any excuse to spend more time together."

Now, that light pleased, flustered blush WAS an obligation. But Twilight couldn't repress her glee at my willingness, violet eyes sparkling lovingly. The moment of quiet exchanged intimacy lasted a goo moment, before the Princess spoke up again, her voice now reflecting on pure gratitude.

"I'm proud of you, you know. Spending so much time with our friends as I asked." Said pride shone on her flawless pony face, and my heart flipped in joy by the response I elicited from my activities of late, feeling it was worth it.

I would travel the whole world on foot if it made Twilight blissful.

"Now there I have doubts, honey." She mentally replied, now smirking slyly upon hearing my stray thought, and I could only chuckle sheepishly. But her emotions sung with affectionate gratification regardless.

Once the moment concluded, we pulled back, myself glad since the leaning was putting minor strain on my back. Got enough of THAT when I was human. Rolling her violet eyes - seriously needed not to broadcast my thoughts too much - Twilight returned to the small, colourful blue and green guidebook again, voicing her own enthusiastic thoughts still. "I wonder if the Kirin village has any libraries where we can borrow further history of their background and evolution over the years."

My head titled, considering the idea. "I suppose, given they once sworn themselves to eternal silence, reading would be their best means of a pasttime."

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Coming this week...