//------------------------------// // Chapter 20 // Story: A Mirrored Reunion // by currentlemon //------------------------------// The trip back to Castle Friendship felt long. Much longer than Pear Butter’s previous walks around town. Though this wasn’t exactly a bad thing. Her family and friends made the trip worthwhile. The ponies did nothing but socialize, with each of them telling stories about their lives. Applejack was the loudest of them. She continued her stories from before, telling Pear about all the adventures she had with her friends. Apple Bloom chimed in too, doing her best not to be out done by her sister. Big Mac stayed quiet for the most part. He wasn’t a big talker compared to his sisters. In fact, he acted just like her son back home, and Pear expected that. However, he lost his composure when Applejack joked about his history with Cheerilee. Apparently, the two of them had a relationship a couple of years ago, but it didn’t last long. He and Cheerilee were smitten only because of Apple Bloom and her friends. They accidentally made a dangerous love potion for the two, causing them to fall in love at first sight. Pear smirked. The thought of her childhood friend and eldest child dating was so silly that she burst out laughing. Big Mac flushed red. “Oh, come on, Ma! Don’t laugh.” “Oh, lighten up, sugarplum! There’s no point in gettin’ all flustered. After all, it’s in the past,” Pear replied. “Besides, it ain’t even yer fault. You two were forced to fall in love, remember?” “It’s still a bad memory, Mrs. Apple,” said Cheerilee with a sigh. “Please, don’t ever remind me of that one time ever again!” “Eeyup,” said Big Mac, nodding. Though he and Cheerilee’s pleas were ignored as everypony joined in laughter. After the group eventually calmed down, they continued forward and told all sorts of stories. Everypony was willing to share, even Pear Butter shared details about her world. It would continue for a long time, until the group finally made it to castle. “Looks like we’re here, everypony!” said Princess Twilight. “What?! We’re here already?” shouted Applejack. “Aw shucks. Didn’t think we’d get here so quickly,” said Big Mac. “Well to be fair, it took us quite a while ta get here,” said Grand Pear. “Besides, we had some fun on the way here. Shouldn’t that matter ta y’all?” “But Ma’s gonna leave soon,” whined Apple Bloom. “Now that we’re here, we’re gonna have ta say goodbye.” The three Apple siblings lowered their heads and moped. “Aw, cheer up ya whippersnappers,” said Granny. “Don’t get all upset. Especially in front of yer Ma!” “That’s right, kids. Y’all know this was comin’. Quit mopin’ and let’s all get inside the castle,” lectured Pear Butter. The Apple siblings nodded their heads slowly before following their mother inside the castle. Upon entering, they were immediately greeted by two unicorn mares. One whom Pear immediately recognized. “Hello, Mrs. Apple,” greeted Starlight Glimmer. “It’s a pleasure to meet you again.” “Pleasure’s all mine, sugarcube,” Pear replied. “Good ta know that yer not threatenin’ ta arrest me this time.” Applejack flinched. “Wait, what?!” “Calm down, AJ. There’s no reason to shout. She had a legit reason,” Pear said as she rolled her eyes. “Your mother is right, Applejack,” said Twilight. “I know it seems harsh, but your mom trespassed on royal property without permission. By all accounts, Starlight could’ve arrested her on the spot.” “But she didn’t,” said Chiffon. Starlight nodded. “True. I jus’ gave her warning and let her go. But to be honest, she did lie to me when we first met. Convinced me that she was some tourist that barged in and got lost inside. Believed her too.” Grand Pear raised a brow. “Huh, looks like my daughter lied ta avoid arrest. I don’t know whether I should be proud or not.” Twilight groaned. “Everypony, please! Let’s not talk about this anymore. We still need to take one more photo before Mrs. Apple leaves. So, let’s get a move on, okay! “Before we get ta that, yer highness, ain’t there something ya gotta do first?” Pear asked as she pointed in the direction of the second unicorn. “That pony’s been standin’ there quite a while. I reckon she’s the one ya brought over?” “Yup, that’s correct.” The second unicorn trotted toward the group and politely greeted the farm pony. “Hey there, Mrs. Apple. My name Sunset Shimmer.” “Pleasure to meet you dear,” Pear greeted back. “So, I reckon that you are one of my daughter’s closest friends?” “That’s right,” answered Sunset. “She and I have been friends for quite some time now.” “So, she knows ‘bout this whole portal mess and Equestria?” Pear asked. Sunset nodded. “Correct. Me and my friends been doing our job watching over the portal. We’ve done everything we can to make sure no one goes near it. Trust me, the last thing either of us want is for some student or faculty member falling into Equestria by accident.” Good. At least this girl’s aware of the situation she’s in. Same with my daughter too. Pear thought to herself. “Let me ask you this, Sunset. Does Principal Celestia know anything about this?” Sunset flinched. “What? No, of course not! Why do you think she’s involved in all this?” “Don’t you dare lie to me, sugarcube. Yer secret isn’t exactly well hidden as you think it might be,” said Pear Butter in a much louder tone. “Now I’m gonna ask you again. Does Principal Celestia know anything about the portal?”     Sunset sighed. “Guess there’s no point in hiding it. Yes, Principal Celestia knows about the portal. Her sister knows too. They’ve been helping us keep the portal a secret from public eye. So far, it’s working, but I don’t know how long that’ll last.” “Alright, it’s good ta know there’s one pony who’s ready fer the worst,” said Pear Butter with a smile. “But let me ask ya this. My pony daughter here said that Equestria was your home, but then said you moved to my world. Is that correct?” Sunset nodded. “Yup. I was born and raised at Canterlot, our capital.” “I see. Now, she also told me that you were also a student of Princess Celestia. Am I right?” “Uh, yeah, I was,” answered Sunset. Her eyes twitched over to Applejack. “Um, is there something you want to ask me, Mrs. Apple?” Pear nodded. “Yes, there is. Sunset, you were chosen by yer nation’s Princess ta be a personal student. Now, I may not know nothin’ ‘bout royalty, but I reckon you had it pretty good. And if that’s the case, why’d ya leave? Why’d ya waste a good opportunity learning with the Princess and come to my world?” “Oh! I see.” Sunset twitched. Her body had begun to shake uncontrollably. “Well, the thing is, Mrs. Apple, I—” “Now before ya say anything, Sunset, I jus’ want ta let ya know is that I want an honest answer from you.” Pear motioned herself toward Sunset, giving the mare a stern glare. “Choose yer words carefully, dear. The last thing I want is fer ya ta lie in front of my face.” Sunset gulped. “I…. I left Equestria because I thought Princess Celestia was holding me back. I took the mirror portal to your world hoping that I’d gain power. I abused the school system, turned your daughter and her friends against one another, stole Twilight’s crown, and used magic to brainwash the entire student body to defeat Celestia and rule Equestria.” Everypony glared at Sunset Shimmer with jaws agape, completely horrified by her story. “Say what?!” Pear immediately grabbed hold Sunset and violently shook the mare. “I can’t believe you! Ya come ta my world hoping ta gain power and take revenge?! A-are you crazy?!” “More like psychotic,” said Cheerilee. “The last thing Equestria needs is another pony plotting to take over the world. We had way too much of that already!” “I agree with both of you,” said Mrs. Cake. “Princess, why are you letting a criminal like her run free? Based on what she said, she committed several crimes against Equestria and that other world.” Everypony, aside from Applejack and Starlight, turned to their Princess, waiting anxiously for the young alicorn to answer. Twilight groaned. “Look everypony, I know you’re all nervous, but Sunset isn’t a bad pony anymore. She already turned a new leaf and even made peace with Princess Celestia. Please, calm down and give her a chance.” “Yeah, y’all need listen ta Twilight ‘an calm down,” said Applejack, much to the surprise of Pear Butter. “Come on, give Sunset a chance. If Twilight says she ain’t bad no more, then she ain’t bad.” “I don’t know ‘bout that, Applejack. Didn’t she say that she tried to steal yer friend’s crown?” asked Grand Pear. Twilight shook her head. “Like I said, it’s all in the past. Sunset has done more of her fair share to make up for her crimes against Equestria. If she hadn’t, then Princess Celestia and I would’ve imprisoned her a long time ago.” “Gee, thanks for the support, Princess!” shouted Sunset. Twilight rolled her eyes. “Ugh, sarcasm aside, can we please drop this. We still need to take that last photo before Mrs. Apple leaves.” Pear looked at Twilight, still grasping onto Sunset tightly. She glanced back at the yellow unicorn mare and gave the pony a glare she’d never forget. “Looks like I ain’t gonna have much choice here am I? Fine, I’ll trust yer judgement Princess; but, there’s a few more things I need ta take care of first.” Pear released Sunset from her grasp, but still gave the unicorn a fierce looking glare. “Alright, Sunset, I’m gonna ask ya a few more questions. Ya don’t have ta give me a long answer, just nod or shake yer head or something. Got it?” “Y…. yes, ma’am,” replied Sunset. “Good. Now, first question. Yer friends with my daughter back at Canterlot High, correct? Are you two in good terms?” Sunset nodded. “Does she trust you?” Again, Sunset nodded. “Has she forgiven you fer yer past crimes against her, her friends, and the entire school?” Once again, Sunset nodded. Pear sighed in relief. “Alright. If my daughter trusts ya, then I’ll be more than willin’ ta give ya a chance. But don’t think I’ll be goin’ easy on ya. You still have ta earn my trust, and I will be watchin’ ya from now on. Got it?!” Sunset flinched. “Y…. yes, ma’am. I promise, I won’t let you down.” “Good. Now with that settled, all we gotta do now is take the photo. Yer highness, didn’t ya say that there was a workin’ camera here?” “Yes, it’s in my royal quarters,” answered Twilight. “Here, I’ll go get it.” In a flash of purple, Princess Twilight used her magic and teleported away, leaving the group behind at her castle’s entrance hall. She wasn’t gone long. The princess reappeared almost immediately, causing Pear Butter to flinch and fall to her side. “Oh, sorry about that, Mrs. Apple,” said Twilight. “I almost forgot you’re not used to seeing magic like this. Didn’t mean to startle you.” “No…. no, I’m fine, yer highness,” Pear replied as she slowly got back up. “I swear, I ain’t never goin’ to get used ta seeing a bunch of horses doin’ magic.” “I’m guessing you prefer the horses back at your farm, correct?” asked Sunset with a smirk., causing Pear Butter to immediately glare back at her. “Don’t push me, little girl. I meant no disrespect. It’s jus’ something I ain’t used to yet.” “I’m sure you’ll get used to it in time, Mrs. Apple,” said Twilight. “But let’s not linger on the topic. I got my camera right here.” She then used her magic to levitate a large camera to the group, placing it right in front of her. Pear stared at it with wide-eyes. The camera was an antique. Something that hasn’t been used in her world for a very long time. “Wow, ponies still use these old camera models?” Pear asked. “Yes, we do. Ponies still haven’t invented smaller portable cameras yet. So, we need to use this one right here,” explained Twilight. “I admit, it’s a pain dragging it along sometimes. Makes me wish I had something like your phone instead.” “Ah’ll say,” said Applejack. “Ah’d much have a smaller camera like Ma’s instead of haulin’ ours around.” Suddenly, a smile appeared on Applejack’s face. “Say, Twi’. Any way we can get a camera like Ma’s?” Twilight shook her head. “Sorry, Applejack, but I can’t allow devices from the other world to be brought over here. Ponies aren’t ready for something like that.” “But didn’t ya let Ma bring hers Princess?” asked Apple Bloom. “She’s an exception. I only allowed it because she stepped into the portal without me knowing. Next time though, I won’t be so lenient.” “Aw.” “Aw, quit yer belly achin’ everypony,” Granny shouted. “So, what if we ain’t got a fancy device like Pear does. A camera is a camera. Now, are we jus’ gonna stand here all day or are we gonna take this here photo?” Pear nodded. “Granny’s right everyone. Drop the camera issue ‘an huddle up near the door. We’ve got a photo to take.” The ponies adhered to Pear’s wish and, aside from the Princess, Starlight, and Sunset, huddled together for one last photo. It didn’t take long take it. Once everyone was ready, Twilight set the camera down and took the picture. “There, that should do it,” said Twilight as she took out the film roll from her camera. “Starlight, can you please take film roll to our local photo shop. Have them develop this as soon as they can. And make multiple copies too.” Starlight nodded. Taking hold of the film role with her magic, she said her goodbyes to her friends before leaving the castle entirely. “That roll of film probably won’t be finished developing until the end of the day,” explained Twilight. “Sorry, Applejack, but it looks like you need to wait till it’s done.” “That’s fine,” said Applejack. “Ah’m jus’ glad we we’re able to make new memories today. When that picture gets done, first thing Ah’m gonna do is frame it ‘an hang it on our livin’ room.” “Oh, can I have one too?” asked Apple Bloom. Applejack chuckled and began to playfully brush her sister’s mane. “Course ya can, little sis. Heck, Ah’ll even give a copy of it ta everypony here if they like.” “Yay!” “Oh, Applejack, can I have one too?” asked Chiffon. “‘Course ya can, Mrs. Cake,” said Applejack. “Jus’ make sure ya keep the photo somewhere tucked away. Wouldn’t want anypony ‘round town knowin’ Ma’s somehow alive.” Twilight nodded in agreement. “Good thinking, Applejack. We should probably keep this between ourselves for the time being. Can’t let anypony else know what happened today.” Good. At least the Princess is doing her best to keep this secret safe. Pear thought. “Uh, Twilight,” said Sunset. “I don’t mean to be rude, but we need to get going. Mrs. Apple needs to come back with me to the other world, now.” “Aw, does she have to?” whined Apple Bloom. “Don’t whine now, Apple Bloom. Ya promised Ma that you’ll be okay with her leavin’, Applejack lectured to her sister. “Don’t go back on yer promise now. Show it ta her that yer a big pony who can take care of herself.” “Eeyup,” said Big Mac. “O…. okay,” said Apple Bloom as her ears drooped. A smile crept up on Pear’s face as she observed her children. She was very impressed with her daughter. She handled Apple Bloom’s immaturity quite well, and so did Big Mac. She took a small breath and sighed. The kids will be okay. They’ll be more than ready for whatever comes next. Plus, they still have Granny and Daddy. I have no doubt that those two will be more than happy to support their grandchildren. She smiled. I bet if the other me were alive, she’d be proud of them. “Alright. Yer highness, Miss Sunset. I’m ready to go. If you would though, can you guide us to the mirror portal? I got lost the last time I was here, and the last thing we need is to get lost in this big maze of a castle.” “Of course!” said Twilight. “The portal’s being held at the library. Just follow me and you won’t get lost.” “Thank ya kindly, Princess,” Pear said as she and everypony else followed Twilight down the castle hallway. The trip to the library wasn’t very long, much to Pear’s delight. With the Princess as their guide, they were able to reach their destination within a couple of minutes. “Okay, we’re here,” said Twilight. “As you know, Mrs. Apple, this room contains the mirror portal that’ll take you back Canterlot High. Once inside, you will use the portal to go back to your world. Now, Sunset has told me that her friends are waiting on the other side.” “So, then that means my Applejack is waiting for me, correct?” Pear asked, to which both Twilight and Sunset nodded in reply. “Our friends got us covered,” said Sunset. “So, there shouldn’t be any surprises when we get back.” Pear nodded. Good. At least she’s taking responsibility protecting the portal. She opened the door to the library room and stepped inside. There, she spotted the crystal mirror, sitting at the same exact spot as before. Everypony else soon followed, and they would all circle around the mirror. “Okay, we’re here,” Pear said quietly to herself. Looks like my trip to pony land is coming to an end. “Uh, Princess? Sunset? Can I ask ya both a favor? “Sure, what is it?” replied Twilight. “Before I leave, can I talk ta my pony family and friends here one more time? I’ve gotten ta know them quite a bit here, and I’d really appreciate it if you’d give me jus’ a couple more minutes with them. Please?” Sunset smiled. “Of course. I know we’re in a hurry but take your time.” “I appreciate it,” Pear said as she turned to her friends and family once again. “Well, everyone, this is it. I’m goin’ back home now. If any of ya want ta say yer goodbyes, now’s yer chance.” The first pony to react was Chiffon, who immediately ran up and hugged her best friend. “Pear, it was so good to see you again,” said the cake pony. “We had a rough reunion, but I’m glad that we were able to talk. I can’t tell how much I missed spending time with you.” “Pleasure’s all mine, Chiffon,” Pear said as she hugged her friend back. “You take good care of yerself. And make sure yer husband treats you well.” She turned to her other two friends waiting behind Chiffon. “Cheerilee. Oak. It’s been a real pleasure mettin’ you two. Do me a favor ‘an keep a close eye on my kids, alright.” “Don’t sweat it, Pear. We’ll make sure yer kids are fine,” replied Burnt Oak. “Jus’ promise that you’ll come back soon. Promise me you’ll bring Bright Mac over next time, okay!” “And don’t you worry about, Apple Bloom. She’s in good hooves. I swear, I’ll make sure that filly gets the right education she needs,” said Cheerilee. Pear smiled and waved back at her friends. She then released Chiffon from her grasp and turned her attention toward her dad and mother-in-law. She approached her dad first, and would immediately hug him. “Daddy, I know this ain’t exactly accurate, but it’s good ta have ya back in my life. I can’t tell ya how much I missed you.” She sighed. “I jus’ hope my daddy is willin’ ta put his grudges aside too.” “Don’t worry, sweat pea. He will come around, I promise.” Grand Pear sniffled as he hugged his daughter as tight as he could. “Thank you fer givin’ me a chance, Pear. It warms my heart knowin’ I was able ta see my daughter again.” “Yer welcome, Daddy,” Pear replied before she turned her attention toward her mother-in-law. “Granny, I know it’s a lot ta ask, but can please watch over the kids? It can be a bit hard ta do, but I need someone ta—” “Ah, don’t sweat it, Pear Butter. Ah’ve been watchin’ yer kids fer years now! And jus’ because Ah’m old, doesn’t mean Ah ain’t capable of doin’ that,” Granny shouted. She then trotted over to Pear Butter and hugged her tight. “Take care of yerself, alright. And tell that son of mine that…. that—” Granny took a deep breath as she did her best to fight back her tears. “Tell that son of mine that Ah wish him well.” “I will, Mama. You two take care of yerselves. And please, don’t overdo it. I want ta see ya again. Both of you,” said Pear Butter. “We’ll be waitin’ fer ya dear. ‘An don’t worry ‘bout us. We may be old, but we’re still kickin’. By the way, Ah think ya better turn yer attention ta yer kids. Looks like they really wanna see ya before ya go.” Pear nodded and gave her mother-in-law one last hug before turning to her children. “Kids?” Before she could say anything, all three of her children ran up to her at once. They hugged her on all sides, putting Pear Butter in a rather uncomfortable position. “Whoa nelly! Uh, kids? I know all three of ya want ta say yer goodbyes, but can ya please give me some room?” “Sorry,” her children replied all together. As everypony in the room chuckled at the embarrassing scene, Pear put some distance between herself and her children.   “Darn it! You kids need ta gave me a heads up the next time ya do that.” She sighed. Guess goes to show how much these kids miss me. Putting her feelings aside, Pear looked at her children once more. The first pony she made eye contact with was Big Mac, who immediately began to tear up upon eye contact. Pear gave her son a disapproving glare. “Big Mac?! What’d I tell ya ‘bout gettin’ all teary eye on me? Stop that right now! A grown stallion like you shouldn’t cry like that.” “Y-yes, Ma!” whimpered Big Mac. Wiping his tears away, he attempted to control himself and show it to Pear that he’s a big boy. But his attempt ultimately failed, as he dropped to tears again upon eye contact. Pear sighed. She trotted over her son and smacked him across the face. “Quit cryin’, sugarcube. That ain’t no way ya should be actin’ like that. I know ya miss me, but this ain’t helpin’.” She leaned over to him and began whispering in his ear. “Now you listen here, promise me that you’ll take good care of yer sisters. Yer the oldest siblin’, so they’re gonna need ya when the time is right. Same goes with yer grandparents too. So, can ya please do this favor of mine?” Big Mac nodded. “Yes, Ma. Ah will.” “Thank you, Big Mac.” Pear leaned close and gave her son a hug. “I know you’ll be fine.” She then let go over her son and looked directly at Apple Bloom. As soon as she called out to the filly, Apple Bloom ran toward her. “Mama!” The little filly tackled her mom to the ground, bawling out as she hugged her mother tight. Whoa nelly! My little girl’s one tough pony. Guess being an earth pony really does have its benefits. Brushing aside Apple Bloom’s strength, Pear hugged her daughter back. “Easy Bloom. Don’t cry.” She gently brushed her daughter’s mane, which tempered down the young filly. “Everything’s gonna be okay, Apple Bloom. You’ll see me again, I promise. Jus’ take good care of yerself ‘an make sure ya help yer family out. They’ll need ya when the time comes.” Apple Bloom nodded, meekly. “Ah will. Goodbye, Ma.” “Goodbye, Bloom. I love you,” Pear said as she smiled and kissed her filly on the cheek. She stood up and looked toward Applejack and moved toward her eldest daughter. “Sugarcube, it’s time. Come over here ‘an give yer Ma one more hug.” Applejack smiled. Unable to control herself any longer, she rushed toward Pear Butter and gave her the biggest hug she’d ever given. “Ma, Ah…. Ah can’t tell ya how good it felt seein’ ya again. This meetin’ meant so much ta me,” she said as tears flowed down her cheeks. “It’s funny. Jus’ yesterday Ah wished at the gravesite that Ah would see ya again. Never would’ve thought that it’d actually come true.” She wiped the tears off her cheeks and beamed. “Today’s supposed ta be mah parent’s anniversary. Ah don’t know if you ‘an Pa married on the same day as mine. But still, Ah wanna wish ya a happy anniversary, Ma.” “Thank you, AJ.” Pear said as she kissed her daughter on her forehead. “Make sure ya take good care of yerself ‘an yer family.” “Ah will,” replied Applejack as she squeezed her mother tight. “Ah love you, Ma. Goodbye.” “I love you too, AJ,” Pear whispered back. “Take care.” After a moment, Pear finally separated herself from AJ and trotted toward Sunset, who was waiting nearby the mirror portal. “Alright, Sunset, I’m ready,” said Pear Butter. “Let’s go home.” The unicorn mare simply nodded in reply before stepping inside the portal first. Pear followed, but not before taking one last look at her pony friends and family. A single drop of tear fell down her cheek as she said her goodbyes one last time. “Goodbye, y’all. Take care! And kids, make sure ya always look out fer one another ‘an yer grandparents. Never forget yer apples ta the core! And we Apples always look after our kin no matter what.” Her kids nodded and waved back, saying their final goodbyes as Pear turned toward the mirror. Their grandparents followed, and soon after that, so did her friends. As she wiped away the last bit of her tears, Pear slowly made her way toward the mirror and stepped inside.