"What is this about?!" Twilight screams demandingly to a very nervous Sunset.
The former equine raises both hands defensively, looking around to make sure the hallway is empty. Fortunately, it is. Still, Sunset has no idea how to explain her current situation. "Tw-Twilight, I—"
"Why do you have an ID of me?! Where did you get it from?!"
Sunset tries to answer, but her words stick in her throat.
Twilight cannot stop staring at that card, and in a moment, she realizes why the photo is so familiar. "Wait... This picture..."The former equine bites her lip nervously. "... It's the picture you took of me the other day..."
"I... You see..." Sunset again tries and fails to explain herself.
"Is this why you asked me for that?!" demands Twilight. "You wanted to make an ID card with my name?!"
"Twilight... Please..."
"What do you want?! Why do you want this?! What do you want to do with this?!"
There's silence. Twilight is extremely upset and bewildered, and yet... her eyes seem to tremble with... fear...? Sadness..?
Sunset cannot give an immediate answer. She looks away, and finally, closing her eyes, she sighs. "It's not for you... It's for someone... someone who... you don’t know... but at the same time... you do..."
Twilight's gaze grows more severe. She crosses her arms and her eyes twinkle, ready to well up with tears. "I want the truth, Sunset!"she demands her with a stern but hurt voice.
Sunset does not say anything for a moment, but in the end, she just sighs. "I guess it was inevitable..."
*S*A*S*
Celestia does not take long to answer the knock at her door. She also cannot hide her surprise at seeing her old student at her door and a familiar face next to her.
"Um, hello, Principal Celestia," the former Canterlot student says with a nervous smile.
Celestia takes a few seconds to process what she is seeing and recover her calm countenance. "Sunset. Um, good afternoon." Her heart pounds as she resists a strong desire to take the fire-haired girl in an embrace.
"Sorry we came without warning," the fire-haired girl says with some fear in her voice. "Um, is the princess here?"
The word “princess” catches Twilight’s attention, although she does not say anything at the moment.
Celestia is still somewhat surprised, but she smiles kindly in response. "Yeah, sure. She's upstairs resting. Oh, but what am I doing? Come, girls; it's so cold out here."
She steps aside so that both girls enter the house, one more nervously than the other.
Both girls take off their winter coats, revealing their school uniform underneath, and with the woman's permission, they leave their coats hanging near the entrance.
Twilight looks at her partner and clears her throat. Sunset gets the signal immediately. "Oh, yeah. Um... Principal Celestia, this is Twilight Sparkle, a friend of mine at Crystal Prep."
Celestia tries to keep the familiarity out of her eyes, but at the same time, she can’t help smiling when Sunset calls her a friend.
Twilight takes a step forward and nervously greets the woman. "Good… Good afternoon. I'm Twilight Sparkle. Um, it’s a pleasure to meet you."
She makes a small bow that leaves Celestia somewhat curious but smiling. "Twilight, it's a pleasure to meet you, too. So, you and Sunset are friends?" Her voice reflects more emotion than she would have liked.
"I... Well..." She hesitates for a moment, but in the end, she smiles. "Yes, Sunset is my friend."
That only enriches Celestia's smile. Sunset, however, is surprised at the declaration, but soon, she smiles softly, too, full of hope that she hadn’t shattered her friendship with her.
Celestia says, "Well, I'm really glad to meet you. Do you want some tea, maybe cookies?"
Sunset responds, "Thanks, but that won’t be necessary, actually. I think we'll go see the princess."
"Princess?" asks Twilight in a low voice.
"Oh, sure. She's upstairs, the second door on the left."
"Thank you. Come on, Twilight."
Celestia watches both of them go upstairs, and when she is alone, she releases a breath that she did not know she was holding.
After reaching the top of the stairs, Twilight says, "What's that about a princess?"
"... You’ll see."
Twilight rolls her eyes, getting impatient as the girls walked down the hallway. "Sunset, I'm getting tired of this. Why did we come to this house, who or what is the princess, and who are you here to see?"
The demanding tone of the scientist makes Sunset stop for a second, but when they reach the door, she opens it and responds, "You."
Sunset is the first to enter, Twilight following with a confused and annoyed expression. Both remain silent. For a moment, the scientist keeps her eyes on Sunset, but when she turns to the bed, her irritation is instantly replaced by surprise, followed by intrigue, and finally... fear...
In the bed, fast asleep, lies... herself...
She stares at herself firmly clinging to the warm blankets of the bed as she sleeps.
Twilight opens her mouth to scream, but Sunset hurries to cover her mouth and stifle it. Sunset speaks to her in a low voice. "Look, I know it's... strange, but... I need you to stay calm, okay?"
After a moment of doubt, Twilight moves Sunset's hand away from her mouth and speaks in a voice that is equally low but extremely worried, "What’s going on? Who is she? Why does she looks like me?!"
Sunset tries to find a way to explain herself. "It's... too complicated for me to explain it to you right now. Just... give me a moment, please."
Without allowing her to ask more, Sunset approaches the sleeping girl. For a moment, she simply watches the sleeping princess, her calm face reflecting her deep and peaceful sleep. The blankets cover her entire body, leaving only her head out. Sunset has a slight feeling of guilt for waking her up, but it has to be done.
Sunset shakes the sleeping Twilight’s shoulder gently. "Princess. Princess, wake up."
There is no reaction from the slumbering princess, and the other Twilight considers the scene in front of her. "Princess?" she thinks to herself as memories replay themselves in her head with new context.
"Are you a princess, too?"
"Now we have the twin princess."
"Princess... They were talking about her...?" thinks Twilight.
Sunset continues her attempt to awaken the princess, shaking more firmly as she starts losing patience. "Princess, wake up."
"Sunset..." she hears her whisper, but the princess still doesn’t stir. "Don't leave me…"
Her words are very soft, and Sunset is surprised to hear them. A small tear runs down the princess's cheek.
Sunset suddenly felt hurt. Something in her chest felt cold.
She touches the princess's cheek, gently wiping the tear away. The princess purrs, pressing her face into Sunset’s palm. Sunset almost laughs at the gesture, but manages to keep herself in check. She raises her voice. "Princess, come on. Wake up."
Finally, the eyes of the princess open. For a moment her eyes are unfocused, but in the end, she distinguishes Sunset next to her. "Sunset..."
"Hey, Princess."
"Am I still dreaming...?"
Sunset raises her eyebrow but smiles. "No, I'm really here. I came to see you."
The princess's eyes and voice tremble slightly. "You're here..."
While both former equines gaze at each other, the other girl in the room suddenly becomes extremely quiet, without moving, her eyes fixed on the image before her.
Sunset, oblivious of her friend, sits on the edge of the bed. "How are you? I can see that you're still a little sick."
"A little," admits the princess, "but I'm already improving. Principal Celestia and Luna have been taking care of me. They’re so kind."
"That’s no surprise. After all, she is Celestia. It doesn't matter the world."
The princess gives a small laugh, and Sunset smiles. On the other hand, the scientist grabs an arm and bites her lip, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable.
"I'm glad you came..." the princess says softly and with pure honesty.
Sunset cannot resist the urge to caress the princess's cheek, and Twilight just responds with a smile, closing her eyes, and letting out an unconscious coo.
It was strange. The previous time they met, she was still angry at everything that happened. However, now, she was quite glad to see the princess. She could not explain the reason, but she was really happy.
Neither of them realizes what the scene causes in the other Twilight in the room. She remains silent, her annoyed expression having long ago disappeared. She shifted feet nervously, constantly alternating her gaze between the two girls and anything else in order to distract herself.
Twilight did not know why, but she very much felt like a third wheel.
Watching Sunset act that way... with that girl... who looked like herself... She was clearly someone important to Sunset...
And the way that girl talked to her... Why...? Why did they seem so close? Who was she?
... Who was she to Sunset?
Almost unconsciously, the scientist begins to back away, her eyes fixed on the image of Sunset, who was still looking with worried eyes at that girl while caressing her cheek...
Eventually, she manages to leave the room, and with more haste and strength than he would have liked, she closes the door. Twilight keeps her gaze down and embraces herself tightly.
Suddenly, she starts to feel cold. That image of Sunset with that girl... that... Twilight... has burned itself in her head.
It hurt... It hurt to see that...
"Who is she…?" she asks herself. "Why, Sunset... Why?!"
Memories reached her of the moments that they both shared: Sunset defending her… their conversations... the kind, friendly, loving way in which she treated her...
Sunset is her friend... They are friends... Sunset loves her, and she loves Sunset... They have a tie, a special bond... Friends have... bonds...
... Was that girl... another friend...?
The scientist’s body begins to tremble. She is cold, and she feels a pain in her chest.
Sunset could have other friends. Twilight was not Sunset's only friend. There was Sonata, Lemon Zest, maybe... Sunny Flare... and that boy Flash Sentry. It was good... That was good. Sunset had several friends. That was good!
Despite these thoughts, the image of what is inside the room continues to haunt her.
... That girl... had her face... and...
She remembers the ID card. It was her picture and her name...
And... she had the same name. It was... another Twilight. Sunset had... another Twilight...
Her mind kept replaying the scene of her copy and Sunset talking, smiling, touching...
A Twilight that... Sunset wanted more... more than her...
Her legs fail, and she falls to her knees, her body trembling and her tears falling.
*S*A*S*
The sound of the door closing makes Sunset turn, finding that her scientific friend was no longer in the room. "Twilight?"
The princess opens her eyes curiously. "Yes?"
Sunset turns around, aware of her little mistake. "Oh, no... It's nothing..."
The princess seems confused, but does not ask. She just closes her eyes again, rubbing her cheek against Sunset’s palm, holding the fire-haired girl’s hand firmly.
Sunset looks towards the door, now somewhat worried.
Suddenly, the strange atmosphere and the emotions that she felt vanish. Sunset remains motionless, repeating in her head the previous few minutes. She looks down at the princess on the bed, who is still holding her hand.
After one more moment, Sunset shakes her head and gets up from the bed, pulling her hand from the princess’s cheek, leaving the princess worried and a little disappointed.
"Um, yes. Let’s get to why I’m here,” the former villain says with some haste, wanting to change the subject.
The princess seems confused by her attitude, her confusion growing as the fire-haired girl takes something out of her pocket. It was small and looked like plastic.
"I brought this for you," the fire-haired girl says handing it over for the princess to inspect curiously.
*S*A*S*
Outside the room, the owner of the house narrowly missed dropping her tea tray at the sight of Twilight on her knees, on the floor, trembling and sobbing.
"Twilight!" She exclaims and hurriedly leaves the tray on a small nearby table to approach and kneel next to the girl. "Twilight, what's wrong?"
Twilight looks up, finding the worried face of the woman. Hurriedly, she wipes her eyes and tries to silence her sobs. "It’s nothing…"
"Nothing? You're crying."
"N-No... It's nothing..." Twilight removed her glasses in order to wipe her eyes better. "It's nonsense..."
"Nothing that makes you cry can be nonsense," Celestia says as she rubs Twilight's cheek, removing the traces of tears. "Something happened with Sunset?"
"Sunset..." Again, the image of Sunset and her double talking makes her chest ache. Celestia waits for her response. "She's... in there with... with... that girl..."
"Girl? You mean... You mean, with Twilight...?" The phrase felt strange, even if it were real.
Twilight was surprised to learn that indeed, that girl had her name. That girl... was another Twilight.
"Wh-Why... Why does she have my name... a-and look like me...?" Twilight questions with a trembling voice.
Celestia takes a few seconds to respond. "I see that Sunset has not told you about her yet..."
Twilight looks down, unsure what to say.
"Honestly, I don't know how much I can help you," the woman continues insecurely. "But I'll try to explain to you as much as I know, at least."
Twilight looks at the woman, her eyes still sad but now gleaming with interest.
Celestia helps her up and, with one hand gently resting on her arm, leads her towards the stairs. She takes the tray with the mugs and teapot on the way. “I know you said you wouldn't drink anything, but I decided to make some tea anyway."
"Thank you... Ms. Celestia."
A soft smile brightens Celestia’s face, and she continues to lead the distraught Twilight to the ground floor.
*S*A*S*
The princess looks curiously at that object in Sunset’s hand. "What’s that?" she asks finally.
The former equine takes a moment to organize her words. "Last week, you asked me for help because you wanted to find a source of money," Sunset says calmly but seriously. "With the way this world works, that would be impossible for you. So, I asked an old acquaintance to make this identification card for you."
Twilight pushes herself to a sitting position. The blankets fall, revealing the lavender, long-sleeved nightgown she is wearing. After shaking her head to clear the dizziness, she takes the card to examine it. "This is... what you told me about. Those social documents?"
Sunset hesitates a moment. "More or less... This is...” Sunset takes a deep breath. “I won’t lie to you; it's illegal—a faked document."
"Faked? But, then..."
"When I came to this world, I didn't have documentation. I had to manage to survive, and I found that there are people who do these things," Sunset explains, looking away, partially lost in memories. "With a faked ID, you can start making your way in this world."
"But Sunset... this is... wrong..."
Sunset does not look at the princess, her voice becoming somewhat cold. "At the time, that didn’t matter to me."
There is silence. The princess looks worriedly at her companion, who seems lost in ancient times.
"Anyway," Sunset continues, "this is as far as you or I can get. No one will give you a real ID."
Twilight keeps looking at that small object with a tinge of regret.
Sunset seems nervous. "In any case... With that, and even without any higher education, you can get a job. A waitress, store clerk... something like that."
There is no response from the girl with purple hair, who is deep in thought. Uncomfortable, Sunset continues, "Well... That's the best I can do. You're smart. You'll know how to use that."
Twilight becomes tense when she sees Sunset turn around. "Wait, you... You're leaving...?"
"I came to bring you that, and... I brought it. I don’t have anything else to do here."
Her voice seems cold, but at the same time, the coldness sounds forced, as if she really doesn’t want to hurt the bedridden girl. However, it has the expected effect, as the princess puts both hands on her chest as her eyes water.
Sunset stands still, turning her back on the princess for a few seconds.
Why was she hesitating? What was she doubting...?
With an annoyed moan, Sunset starts heading to the door.
"Wait!"
The loud cry is so surprising that it makes the former villain turn around, surprised. The princess herself is surprised by her own volume. She blushes slightly in embarrassment, and after a few seconds, she continues, "I-I'm sorry... I just... Could you... stay a little longer?"
Her voice and her look are so pleading... The shell that Sunset tried to put together almost shatters. However, she steels herself, trying to be serious. "I-I can't. I... I have to go home. There’s something big tomorrow, and I have to get ready."
Using the soccer game as a cheap excuse to... to escape? What happened to her?
Twilight looks down, hurt. "I understand..." She looks up again. "Then, at least... let me accompany you to the door."
Even as she speaks, Twilight pushes the blankets off her body and moves to the edge of the bed.
Surprised, Sunset quickly says, "Princess, no. You need to rest," unable to keep the disinterested façade up as her worry shows through.
"I've been in bed all day," Twilight says as she sits up slowly. "I think I can walk to the door, at least." Although it causes her dizziness, she stands up and places cotton slippers on her feet. Sunset does not seem convinced, but she prefers not to argue.
*S*A*S*
Downstairs, sitting on the sofa in the living room, Celestia looks silently at her guest, who is equally silent as she keeps her gaze on the steaming mug in her hands.
Twilight is thoughtful, as if she were analyzing the situation. The woman takes a drink of her tea, patiently waiting for the young woman to absorb and process the conversation.
Finally, the young scientist speaks, albeit with a very doubtful voice. "You... You... Her... Sunset..." She pauses, she taking a few seconds to put together a complete sentence. "An... alternate world... That's... what you’re trying to tell me?"
The principal waits a few seconds, taking a sip of her tea before answering. "That's what I can understand. The truth is that I myself am not sure of exactly how the situation works."
Twilight is lost for words again for a moment. "That... That's... It's so... Ugh..." Her fingers press the mug, and she takes a long drink of her tea. The hot drink almost burns her tongue and throat, but she ignores it. "That... is the most absurd thing I've ever heard."
Celestia is a little surprised by her words, but soon shows an understanding smile. "Yes, I suppose it is."
"Are you being serious, or are you playing with me?"
"I'm serious, Twilight," Celestia responds, still smiling but sincere. "I know it's hard to believe, but with what has happened at my school in the recent months, I'm willing to believe... almost anything."
Celestia corrects herself before finishing, because there were things that, even after seeing them, she would never believe.
Anon-A-Miss was among those things.
Twilight plunges into her thoughts for a moment. "Even about that stuff last fall and during that musical event?"
The principal thinks for a moment on how to respond. "Yes. It’s not easy to avoid the news, but so far, we’ve been able to keep the situation calm."
"And that... that 'Twilight'… and Sunset... are related to those events...?"
Celestia hesitates a second but nods. "It was they who saved the school and the students."
Twilight pauses. "Then, Sunset lied to me..." Her voice and her look are deeply pained.
The aurora-haired woman takes the girl's shoulder and speaks softly. "Twilight, don’t take it like that. Sunset just wanted to protect you."
"Protect me? Protect me from what?"
"Since you're aware of the events now, you shouldn't have to ask that," Celestia answers with equal parts seriousness and kindness. "The magic that Sunset has is beautiful in many ways, but it can also be dangerous."
Twilight does not respond. She looks unsure.
Celestia continues, "Sunset always takes care of others, especially those she loves."
Twilight thinks back to everything Sunset did for her.
Sunset not only defended her from the aggressors at school but also extended her hand in friendship, listened to her and understood her feelings.
She was her first real friend, and thanks to her, she was able to meet others...
She could not fight against the smile that formed on her lips.
Celestia did not fight her own smile, either. "Sunset is someone special."
"Yes... She really is." Twilight takes a sip of her tea as her shoulders relax. The older woman smiles more widely at the sight.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs causes both to turn. Sunset descends at a cautious pace, holding Princess Twilight's arm and waist to help her down.
"In fact, the Crystal Empire is real," says the princess. "Cadance is the ruler there."
"That explains everything," comments the fire-haired girl reluctantly. "Just my luck."
The princess covers a slight laugh as they stop at the bottom of the stairs.
Sunset's eyes meet those of her scientific friend. "Twilight..."
The Equestrian Twilight, however, is the one who responds. "Yes?" When Sunset does not speak again, she realizes that Sunset is not looking at her. Twilight follows Sunset’s gaze... and pauses, stunned.
Silence fills the room. Neither Sunset nor Celestia knows what to do or say, but both Twilights stare at each other, unmoving.
After a few seconds that felt eternal, the scientific Twilight gets up and, with some doubt, walks towards the girls of Equestria.
The princess is still silent, watching her double approach until they are face-to-face with each other, still without saying anything, never breaking eye contact.
Sunset had retreated a few steps, and after swallowing a little nervousness, decides to speak. "Um... Princess, this is... well, I assume you can imagine... She's a friend mine of Crystal Prep."
"Friend..." the princess whispers almost at the moment of hearing that word.
The visual contact between the two Twilights never breaks.
Sunset, after a moment, speaks again. "And... Twilight, this is... well... It's hard to explain..."
"Ms. Celestia explained it to me... a little," the scientist says in a neutral tone.
The owner of the house decides to get up and approach gently.
It was a curious image, having on one side two humans, natives of that world, and on the other, visiting ponies from a different world.
And yet, both sides were equally uncomfortable and confused with the situation.
Eventually, it is the human Twilight who makes the first move, extending her hand towards her 'twin', receiving a confused look from her. "I'm Twilight Sparkle. A pleasure to meet you." Her voice is neutral, however; she does not seem sincere, though it does not sound rude or a lie, either. Rather, she just seems unable to process the correct emotion.
The magical Twilight hesitates but responds by shaking her double’s hand. "Um... A-A pleasure... I'm... I'm also Twilight Sparkle..." she says, smiling nervously.
They shake hands for a few seconds, and when they let go, the scientist looks at her palm with great interest. The others watch curiously.
A couple of seconds more, and the scientist lets out a nervous laugh. "Heh, I'm glad we didn't explode, heh..."
The comment gains more curious looks, although soon, all but the princess begin to laugh. The princess just looks on confusedly.
The laughter lasts a few seconds before the scientist returns to speak to her double, this time with a small smile. "Well... this is... quite strange, really."
"Heh, yes, it is," the other Twilight agrees. "I think it's the second weirdest thing that ever happened to me."
"'Second'?"
Sunset decides to change the subject. "Um, well, I don't want to be rude, but… I have to go."
"I do, too," says the human Twilight. "Um, Twilight, we have to meet up one of these days and talk... about... something...?"
The magical Twilight smiles. "'Something' sounds good. I'd love it."
They smile at each other, this time a real, albeit still doubtful, smile.
Celestia approaches and speaks to her guest. "But it will be when you have recovered from that cold. Speaking of which, what are you doing up? You should be resting," she scolds.
"I just wanted to accompany Sunset to the door... then I'll go back to bed, promise..."
Celestia's gaze was a mixture of understanding and scolding. Sunset could not help but laugh at the image.
Celestia looked just like a mother.
Soon, principal and princess see the Crystal Prep students off.
"Thanks for your hospitality and for the tea. It was delicious," says the scientist.
"It was a pleasure. Come back to visit us whenever you want," the owner of the house says, smiling.
Both former equines look at each other. "Sunset, thank you... for coming. And for helping me."
Not knowing how to respond, Sunset averts her gaze. "It's nothing..." She looks toward Celestia. "Thanks for everything, Principal Celestia. Princess... I hope... that you do well."
She allows that as a farewell and begins to walk away. The human Twilight gives a final bow as a farewell and rushes to catch up.
The aurora-haired woman watches them go and releases a content sigh. As she looks at her companion, she notices the look of sorrow in those amethyst eyes. "Twilight?”
The girl is silent, her gaze forward even when the two are no longer in sight. "Principal Celestia..." She pauses, looking down, her eyes twinkling. "Do you think that Sunset... has forgotten about me...?" A couple of tears fall as she finishes speaking.
The question stuns Celestia. Twilight begins to cry, and almost as a reflex, Celestia envelops her in a motherly embrace. "Twilight, how can you think something like that?"
"Sunset has a new life... a new school... new friends... and another me..."
Twilight’s tears continue to flow, dampening the shoulder she buried her face in. Celestia holds the girl's body tightly and gently strokes her hair in an attempt to calm her down.
How had she seen two Twilights cry in less than an hour? And how is that the reason had been, apparently, the same for each one?
With her thumb, Celestia wipes Twilight's tears as she holds her against her chestmaternally. "Twilight, Sunset came here for you, came to see you. Do you think she would do such a thing if she had forgotten you?"
While trying to control her sobs, Twilight remembered Sunset’s arrival, the way that Sunset smiled at her, the soft touch of Sunset's hand on her cheek. It made her feel warm, loved... almost as if her friendship had re-ignited...
And although that feeling was extinguished in a short time, Sunset had helped her...
Sunset took that trouble for her...
She hides a sob in Celestia's chest and hugs her tightly. "I miss her so much…" she says, her voice muffled by the embrace.
Celestia embraces the girl firmly. "Me too, Twilight... me too..." The strength of the woman falters as tears manage to escape from her own eyes, sliding down the woman's cheeks while she, ignoring her own pain, caresses and soothes the girl.
*S*A*S*
It was difficult to know if the sun had already set, as the clouds obscure any source of natural light.
As usual, the cold wind attacks the streets of the city. Both girls know they have to get to their homes before it gets even colder.
It is not a long stretch to a bus stop, from which Twilight could take one to head home, but the recent events, still too fresh and attached to their minds, make the trip feel much longer and extremely awkward.
While standing and waiting for the bus, Twilight looks straight ahead with a neutral expression, while Sunset turns her eyes in all directions with impatience and a hint of... fear...
They had not spoken since they left Celestia's house, each one focused on her own thoughts.
Sunset looks at her friend, who keeps her eyes fixed straight ahead, although she does not seem to see anything in particular. After a pregnant pause, she decides to talk to her. "Aren’t you going to ask me anything?"
The answer does not come immediately. "There's so much I want to ask... but... I think... I prefer that you just start talking." Twilight turns her head to see Sunset. With a serious look and a voice bordering on pleading, she says, "Please, Sunset. No more secrets." Sunset bites her lip, looking away again. Twilight interlaced her fingers with Sunset's. "We're friends, Sunset. That won’t change... right...?" The last question is asked in a tone of desperation.
Sunset returns to look at her. Emerald and amethyst stare at each other. Her fingers tighten around Twilight’s. "That won’t change. Ever."
The answer makes the violet-haired girl approach and lean her head on the former equine’s shoulder. Sunset responds in kind, resting her head on Twilight’s.
"I'll tell you soon," Sunset says after a few seconds of silence. "But not now... Right now, it's all very confusing for both of us..."
Twilight seems to understand her, for she nods softly. After another few seconds of silence, she says, "Sunset... that girl... that Twilight... What relationship do you have with her?"
The question causes Sunset to lean back slightly to look at Twilight. "Relationship?"
"I mean... when we got there... you… you started acting very sweet with her... The way you talked to her... and the way you smiled at her. She's... someone important to you, right?"
Sunset stares at her for a moment, not knowing what or how to answer. "She did a lot for me in the past... When I gave in to my own ambition, she lifted me up and gave me her hand so I could move on, overcoming... one of the worst moments of my life."
"Anon-a-Miss...?" asks Twilight with curiosity.
The former equine shakes her head. "It was a time before Anon-A-Miss. The first time I felt truly alone. Other than my childhood, anyway."
Twilight is touched by her words and the way Sunset expresses them.
"I owe her a lot," continues Sunset. "She... Yes, she is important to me... and although I have my problems with her right now, it does not mean... that I stopped caring about her."
Although she responded to her friend, her words almost seem directed towards herself.
There is silence. Twilight looks down at the ground while asking another question. "When you came to Crystal Prep... did you help me... because I look like her...?" Her voice is wavering, dreading the answer.
Sunset looks away doubtfully. "I don't know..." she says.
The scientist raises her eyebrows, the surprise stark on her face. It does not seem like the answer Twilight wanted, because she looked to the ground with some disappointment. "Maybe that's why. I'm not sure either..."
"But you know," continues the fire-haired girl, "when I started to get to know you, I realized that, despite having the same face, you and she are very different."
"We are?"
Sunset gently squeezes her friend's hand and looks her in the eyes. "Maybe you two have the same name and the same appearance, but honestly, I can’t compare you to her. You are you.”
Silence resumes as they look into each other's eyes.
It is the former equine who breaks eye contact with slight embarrassment. "That... was cheesier than I expected..."
The comment wins a laugh from the scientist. "It was... nice, though."
Their smiles don’t fade as the bus approaches. They break away from each other, and the scientist takes a few steps towards the sidewalk to wait.
"See you at school tomorrow," Sunset says, her smile more relaxed.
Twilight nods but drops her smile, staring at Sunset. "Sunset," she speaks in a serious voice, "you're my best friend..."
Sunset is surprised to hear it, but her smile only grows. She opens her mouth to speak, but Twilight beats her to it.
"And I... I'm not willing... to be your second-best."
Sunset is intrigued by that, but before she can ask about it, she feels the soft touch of Twilight's lips on her own.
Two seconds. It was just that, then Sunset could only watch Twilight get on the bus. The doors close, and in a few seconds, the vehicle is lost in the streets.
She was alone in the place.
After a few seconds of completely motionlessness, she sighs, rubs her neck, and looks at nothing.
"Go home, Sunset," she says to herself. "Tomorrow’s a big day."
With that, she turns around and walks towards her apartment.