The area around Canterlot High was serene. There were fields and fields of long, green grass swaying gently in the warm summer breeze that made it bearable to be outside. Dozens of groups were chatting and smiling and laughing as they walked or sat around. Some kids ran and played energetically, sighing blissfully whenever a relatively strong breeze passed by and blew sweat and hair out of their face.
I was sitting right beside the magical portal to Equestria, staring down at the enchanted book I'd used to hopefully contact Princess Celestia and as a result, get in contact with Twilight. I sat still for a few more moments, then I looked up and saw all of my friends relaxing. AJ and Pinkie were playing cards, Rarity was painting Fluttershy's nails, and Rainbow was lying down, tossing a ball back and forth between her hands.
"Ughhh," Rainbow groaned. "Why is it taking so long for Twilight to get here?"
"Now remember, Rainbow," Applejack said. "She still has to figure out how to open up that portal."
Fluttershy timidly added, "If she figures out."
We all turned to stare at her and she shrank, looking at the ground. Rarity laughed elegantly (can you even do that?...whatever, she did it) and confidently stated, "Of course she'll come. She's a princess though, so it's just going to take a little while."
"Everything's gonna turn out all right!" Pinkie said cheerfully. "In fact," she continued in a bubbly voice. "She's gonna be here in 3...2...1..." At that precise moment, she pointed at the portal and it started glowing, and we all stared in awe (except Pinkie) as Princess Twilight clumsily stepped out of the mirror and tumbled down to the floor. Spike came out soon after with a bit more grace.
Rainbow looked at Pinkie and asked, "How did you do that?"
Pinkie smiled innocently and said nonchalantly, "Just a hunch!"
I walked to Twilight and offered my hand to her. She stared at it for a while and seemed unsure of what to do. We were awkwardly still for a few seconds until she finally took my hand and I lifted her up. I scratched the back of my neck, while all of my friends crowded around and hugged Twilight.
My friends separated from Twilight and she frowned, saying, "I've got some bad news about these new girls." We all groaned. Of course there was bad news. "Here might not be the best place to talk about it though," She added.
"Ooh! We can talk at Sugar Cube Corner," Pinkie said cheerfully.
"Good idea," Twilight said. We all walked over to the local sweets shop. I hung at the back while Twilight talked with my friends. She told us all about the Sirens and their history. I just listened silently while all of my friends commented on Twilight's history lesson.
We arrived at the colorful, tasty looking building and headed inside. We all ordered a drink, then sat down at a large table, Spike deciding to rest in Twilight’s lap. Twilight took a long sip of her drink, sighed, and then asked, "So, other than the fact that dangerous magical creatures from Equestria are attacking the school, what's new?"
That isn't exactly new...I said internally, but shoved aside that thought almost instantaneously. I was a different person now.
While I was having a mini personal crisis, Rainbow pulled out her phone and said, "That isn't the only magical thing that's been happening lately." She showed Twilight a video of her ponying up while playing her guitar. And for some reason, it was showing a whole bunch of different angles and shots. Weird.
Twilight's jaw dropped, and she stared at the phone with shock. Pinkie jumped forward and pushed Twilight’s jaw up, then quickly bounced back.
“That’s...really strange.” She scratched her head. A few seconds later, she happily yelled out, a passionate glint in her eyes, “I’ve got it! Some of the magic must’ve remained here from when Sunset turned into that horrifyingly awful winged monster!” She did a double-take, then looked at me and said, “No offense.”
I sighed and unconvincingly said, “None taken.”
Some awkward tension hung in the air for a few seconds, before I sucked in a deep breath and said, “So, how are we gonna defeat The Dazzlings?”
Twilight smiled. “I think the 6 of us standing together against them will create the spark that’ll activate our magic. Just like that time when…” She stopped herself, then continued. “When...you know?” She smiled sheepishly.
I held back my frustration at the universe’s need to constantly remind me of my past. But that got me thinking. There was something off about this train of thought, though I couldn’t quite put my finger on it...Then, it clicked. “Actually, you shouldn't feel sorry about bringing up my past!”
Twilight asked confusedly, “Really?”
“Yeah, cause otherwise I wouldn't have realized that doing that won’t work. When you fought against me, you drew magic from the element of harmony I was wearing, but there aren’t any elements in this world anymore. I’d like to believe that just the power of your friendship will be enough to defeat The Dazzlings, but we shouldn’t take any chances. If they realize what we’re up to, they’ll do everything in their power to make sure we don’t get another chance. And that’s a lot, from what I’ve seen.”
Twilight held her head in her hands and groaned. Applejack scooted over to her and patted her back. “Don’t worry, Twilight. We’ll figure out something.”
"But what!?" Twilight asked. If we don't act soon, the whole school will be completely under their control, and I don't think they're gonna stop there. Before long, they'll have taken over the whole world!" Her face looked panicked, and she began to hyperventilate.
"Darling," Rarity said. "I think you might be overreacting just a scotch. Even if they do try to take over the world, that would take a long time. You have plenty of time to think of something."
While they comforted Twilight, I thought of a plan. "I have an idea." Everyone looked over at me, surprised. I guess they were expecting Twilight to be the first one to come up with something. "Remember that video Rainbow just showed you?"
Twilight nodded, and I waited for it to sink in. "Ohhhh," Twilight said in realization. "You mean you think we can use music to defeat the Dazzlings since you all pony up when you play music?"
I nodded in confirmation and Twilight smiled. "You're a lifesaver, Sunset." I blushed slightly at the compliment. "Alright, then, let's go to the music room!" Twilight yelled with enthusiasm that would usually be inappropriate for a statement like that.
We all stood up (or in Spike’s case, leaped off of Twilight), and exited the restaurant, ready to start our plan for defeating the Dazzlings.