Princess Twilight took her friends to the train station to go to the Crystal Empire for a visit. Her visitors were Sunset Shimmer and her best friend Twilight Sparkle. Starlight also wants to come along since it’s been a while since she parted ways with Sunset and she’s willing to know everything about her.
They get inside the train with Twilight Sparkle wearing a white hood to avoid any contact since people will confuse her as Twilight’s twin sister. They sat at their seats and soon the train honked its horn, giving everypony the signal that they’re off to their destination.
Sunset looks out the window, watching the fields of Ponyville. “I can’t believe I’m going to the Crystal Empire.” She replied.
“Believe me, your rival school Crystal Prep is nothing compared to the Crystal Empire.” Starlight added.
“Why isn’t Spike coming with us?” Twilight asked.
“Because, remember when he told you about him being the savior of the land?” Princess Twilight explained which gave her counterpart an confused look. “The population worships him.”
“Seriously?” Sunset respond.
“The last time we went to the Crystal Empire for an emergency, Spike was wearing a disguise. And when he took it off when we arrived, everypony came out of nowhere and went, Oh Spike the brave and glorious, you come to save the day!” Starlight lifting her hooves up.
Both Twilight and Sunset didn’t actually believe that Spike would ever be a big shot of the land. “Well, I guess there’s a lot here that’s different than where we live.” Twilight commented.
This made Princess Twilight giggle after hearing her counterpart’s compliment. “In Equestria, a lot of situations happen than in your world.”
“Then maybe in the future I should bring my dog Spike to see what your dragon has in store.” Twilight making a smirk.
“You always want to act cool in front of the Princess Of Friendship, do you?” Sunset lid her eyes at her best friend.
All the girls giggle with their conversation about Spike being a savior of The Crystal Empire but as for Sunset she has so many questions of what the land has to offer.
“So Twilight, is the Crystal Empire kind of like Canterlot?” She asked.
“Sort of but you might find out when we get there.” Twilight answered.
“Do any one of those questions involving Crystal Prep?” Starlight added.
“Well to be honest, I actually wanted to know what it’s like there than where I’m from. That way, maybe I can learn everything in Equestria and how it’s similar, kind of like Everfree Forest.” During her way from the mirror, she brought along pictures of her time in the locations that are the opposite in Equestria. She took out the photos from Camp Everfree and showed them to Twilight and Starlight.
“Do you think Everfree Forest is the same in Equestria?”
Both Twilight and Starlight made scared expressions due to their encounters in that forest. “Not even close!” They both shouted.
“How about we don’t talk about it because that’s a topic you might need to go to understand.” Twilight awkwardly replied while making an disturbing grin.
Sunset found Twilight’s reaction typical as before but when she shows her what Everfree Forest is like, she would think otherwise.
“Anyway I don’t have any pictures of Crystal Prep but Twilight told me it’s not the same in my school. Are you sure The Crystal Empire is a respectful kingdom?”
“Oh believe me, the rulers of the land always make everypony there comfortable. We’ve been in that crisis twice.” As Princess Twilight finished the conversation, they wait until they make it their destination. Not only there will be surprises, but discoveries that will blow Sunset and Twilight forever.
Once they exit the train station, they step onto the crystal street with hundreds of houses around them. Sunset and Twilight were not only amazed but shocked. While Twilight checks the neighborhood with crystal fillies playing in their front yard, Sunset only wish Princess Celestia would show her this when she was her student back then. In her entire life, she never went to a kingdom that’s somehow better then Canterlot in her eyes.
“Twilight, I don’t know what to say other than…” Sunset commented while looking around.
“Beautiful?” Princess Twilight turned her head to Sunset.
“Yes, Yes it is.”
“Maybe before we leave, we should go to Sunburst’s house. He’s my longtime best friend.” Starlight offered.
“Really, you have a best friend who lives in the Crystal Empire?” Twilight asked.
“And magic advisor.”
“I bet Sunburst must be very smart.” Sunset smirked.
Starlight turned around completely surprised at Sunset’s intelligence. “How did you know my best friend is like Twilight!?” This caused the Princess to glare and Starlight in annoyance. “Not what I mean as in spending all the time in the library!” She giggle in defensive.
Sunset didn’t even flinch whatsoever, in fact, her facial expression stays the same after Starlight’s reaction. “I’ve been doing my studies for a long time, I think it’s obvious that your magic advisor is related to Twilight.”
As for Twilight’s student, she blushed in embarrassment not only after she offended Twilight, but also herself. “I think maybe I really need to keep up what you're on to, I guess.”
“Pretty much.”
While they continue to walk to the castle, Twilight couldn’t understand that everypony in this population is crystal and not ordinarily.
“Hey Twilight...I mean Princess Twilight.” The Princess turned to her counterpart. “Why is everyone- I mean everypony as you put it, shine in crystal?”
“That’s because they have the Crystal Heart. It’s a highly important crystal to protect everypony in the empire.” When they got to the entrance to the castle, they witness the Crystal Heart, still hundred percent unharmed as it protects the kingdom.
“It...looks...beautiful.” Twilight mesmerized.
“I can’t believe this rare acquirement is what the Crystal Empire needs for peace.” Sunset commented.
“So true.” Starlight added.
Twilight found the Crystal Heart interesting. With a place completely under control, there’s something she needs to learn about Princesses, since her counterpart is one but not similar.
“Princess, I have another question?” Twilight asked as Princess Twilight looked at her. “Who are the rulers of this land?”
Then Sunset who knows about her friend’s time before transferring, decides to help her out. “Actually Twilight,” She chimed in front of Princess Twilight. “I know you don’t know a lot about other Twilight.”
Princess Twilight tilted her head in surprise. With how long she’s been away from Sunset’s world, she’s wonder what her counterpart has. Sunset whispered into Twilight’s ear about the bookworm. For about ten seconds or so, the final words made the Princess shocked in disbelief. She never thought her doppleganger would have a life that’s the opposite in Sunset’s world.
“I think maybe we should go to the throne room. It’s where the rulers of the Crystal Empire are at.” Princess Twilight responded but she wasn’t finished. “And...their baby.”
“Their baby?” Twilight replied now having the image of something she never had in mind. Her princess counterpart gave her a look of seriousness, knowing she might confuse her more she decides to her show her the rulers to make things simple.
After walking in the hallways and arriving by the throne room’s door, Princess Twilight took a deep breath to calm herself down. When she opens the door, there’s no turning back of what could be the most controversial subject in the Crystal Empire.
“Sunset, I want your friend to stay in place, let me and Starlight do the talking.” Princess Twilight warmed as Sunset agrees.
She back up to her friend to take a few steps back away from Twilight and Starlight “Do what she saids, this is really important.”
When the bookworm agrees to avoid any possible mistakes, she covered herself with her hood, scared of the predicament she’s about to be in in moments. Princess Twilight pushed the door open which surprises the crystal guards in the throne room.
They see both Princess Cadence and Shining Armor taking care of their baby. Luckily for Shining Armor, most of the army are filling in the outside lands of the empire to stop anyone breaking in. They both notice that Twilight and Starlight have arrived in the throne room while they saw two of their guests.
“Twilight Sparkle!” Shining Armor replied happy to see her sister.
“BBBFF!” The princess walked up to her brother while also thrilled to see her sister in law.
“It’s amazing you decided to bring guests in our kingdom, the more they know about the Crystal Empire, they might bring their friends here for their vacation.” Cadence smiled with her eyes closed.
Meanwhile, Sunset Shimmer and Twilight couldn’t believe what their witnessing. Shining Armor who is also the bookworm’s brother in the alternative world is one of the protectors of this kingdom while his wife is Dean Cadence, who is a princess. The realization they were husband and wife hit Twilight's heart like a lightning strike. Nothing like this would ever happen in her life between her real brother.
“Am I seeing things or are my glasses broken?” She thought to herself.
“Hey who’s one of your friends over there?” Cadence pointed at Sunset and Twilight who hid her face in her hood. Princess Twilight who’s still unsure of what’s about to come in minutes only allows Sunset Shimmer to come inside the room while her counterpart continues to stay in place.
“This is Sunset Shimmer.” The princess introduce her. “I’m sure you know who she really is.”
Princess Cadence remembered what Celestia said about her when Sunset stole Twilight’s crown. On the half of her thoughts, she wants to forgive her for the mistakes she did before Twilight fixed everything but the other half she broke into the hallways in the castle. A subject that’s unacceptable in her reign of princess.
“So...you’re the rulers of the Crystal Empire?” Sunset spoked while trying to keep an open mind.
“Yes and your the same pony who…...you know what.” Cadence in her all seriousness to the red and yellow pony.
“Really long personal story between me and Princess Celestia.” Sunset lowered her head. Shining Armor who wasn’t part of the situation when his sister got into the mirror world to reclaim her crown, steps in.
“That was a long time ago, just please, I’m sure she learns her mistakes.” Shining Armor chimed in for his wife. “Twilight told me everything about her.”
Cadence despite having a grudge with Sunset’s actions, has to understand that her sister in law is honest like her cowgirl friend. She slowly lift her hoof up to greed Sunset a hoofshake which she accepts.
“Trust me, Sunset isn’t the same girl she was in the past.” Starlight said.
“So much more than you think.” Twilight added.
“I really hope your right.” Cadence commented. She still notice that there’s one more pony with her hood covering her body staying out of the throne room. “Is your other friend going to introduce herself? Why is she still over there?”
“Yeah, it’s not like she’s going to blow the whole Empire in controversial confusion.” Shining Armor respond.
“Why is everyone so nonchalant in this world!?” Twilight shouted in embarrassment.
“Trust me, you will take those words back.” Princess Twilight awkwardly giggling as she looks at her counterpart in the distance. “You have to come in now.”
Twilight slowly took her time to get in the throne room. She saw several crystal guards staring at her with her being the last guest of this trip. They of course wanted to meet her in person but their expectations will change soon.
“Friend, you can take off your hood now.” Sunset replied nicely but Twilight refused. Now she’s inside the throne room in the center of attention while there’s nothing she can do to get out of it. She didn’t even use her unicorn magic to reveal herself especially it’s hard for her to use her horn.
Soon everypony in the room lost their patience, but Princess Twilight who wants to avoid any arguments, uses her horn to lift the hood off of Twilight which made her eyes shoot wide in shock.
During the reveal, there was no sound in the next minute as the guards made a huge gasp altogether. They know that the Changeling Empire has changed thanks to Thorax so this wasn’t a changeling, it’s a real pony similar to Princess Twilight but with no wings.
As for Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, their jaws hang open in complete disbelief. Their eyesight never lies as they see another Twilight with glasses who’s having a hard time to make the next move.
Starlight and Princess Twilight didn’t even have words to describe the situation they just created. Luckily Sunset Shimmer decides to fill in but Cadence uses her alicorn to stop her from helping Twilight.
“Don’t, move, a muscle!” She instituted. “I think this is not what I think it is.”
“She’s not a changeling, I’m serious!” Sunset shouted back.
Princess Cadence who’s more loyal to her kingdom walks up to Twilight to see if Sunset is right. Twilight couldn’t even believe Cadence is staring face to face to her while she leans up to her eyes. With the counterpart Twilight knows from her world, she goofily made an smile. Twilight always liked Cadence during her times in Crystal Prep and even if she’s in the most awkward way possible.
“So…..Twilight?” Cadence turned her attention to her sister. “Is she...the other you from Sunset’s world?”
“I had the same reaction when my eyes laid on her for the first time so…” Princess Twilight nodded her head refusing to say the obvious word.
Cadence looked at the Twilight with the glasses again which made Twilight jumped again. “You look like before Twilight had her wings expect...you’re kind of like her best friend Moondancer.”
“Yeah...expect I never had a friend called Moondancer from where I live.” Twilight said awkwardly. “And I can see my broth- I mean Twilight’s brother! Is...your…”
Sunset Shimmer facehoof herself after the terrible move her best friend did in front of Princess Twilight’s sister in law. Princess Cadence can see that she really isn’t a changeling but she still gave her a serious look.
“And I can easily see you also had a brother who never married to other me right?”
Twilight lowered her head. “No……”
Shining Armor who decide to chime in on this surprise, also looked eye to eye on Twilight. “Especially from the way your wearing your glasses. I never see my sister wear glasses in my life.”
Twilight didn’t know what to expect from Shining Armor in this world. With in being a knight really makes her believe that Equestria is a fairytale comes to life.
“And yes, me and Cadence are married.”
“You didn’t need to say that out loud.” Starlight added which made them look at her.
“Actually from the way this is going, she needs to.” Cadence replied.
For the next fifteen minutes or soo, Sunset Shimmer explain everything while Princess Twilight tries her best to discuss why she invited them in the Crystal Empire.
“I cannot believe your actually one of Sunset’s friends from her world.” Cadence said. “I still found it weird for you to come over like this.”
Twilight blushed with the decision she made of going to the Crystal Empire in the first place. “My curiosity got the best of me, I couldn’t resist!”
The others reacted after Twilight’s outburst while Sunset smiled. “Sometimes when she’s interested in stuff like this, she couldn’t help herself.”
“Kind of like me.” Princess Twilight added.
Shining Armor didn’t know what to say to Twilight with all the information he got from his sister. “So is there anything you want to see in this kingdom?”
“Actually, I think I’ve seen more than enough.” Twilight spoked while looking the views of the empire from the windows.
“All expect for one small thing.” Starlight commented.
Twilight gave Starlight another confused look with her glasses almost fallen off until she prevented them from doing so. “What small thing are your talking about?”
All the other ponies didn’t even need to say their words at all. From Twilight’s knowledge about the relationship between Cadence and Shining Armor now, she has so much to know about their new life. Back in her world, she can only see her brother as Cadence best friend and nothing more. And not only that, she misses Cadence once she left Crystal Prep so what she expects from this relationship makes it all the more hard to believe.
“You might need to look at this, it would explain everything.” Shining went by the throne room where a baby bed is located. He uses his horn as his magic lifted the bed up and shows Twilight the baby who’s sleeping in.
Twilight’s heart pounds in insanity with her eyes and mouth went as wide as she could, also with a hard gasp she made from her throat. It’s tough enough with the idea of a relationship becoming wife and husband but not with a baby.
“How long was it when you got married?” She asked as she looked at the baby again.
Both Cadence and Armor looked at each other from Twilight’s question. From how far they did in the Crystal Empire, there’s always questions from ponies they haven’t met before. “Long before we knew something about Sunset Shimmer.” Cadence answered.
“This is Flurry Heart. Your princess self took care of her once while we took the day off.” Shining Armor explained.
“Flurry Heart?” Sunset asked.
“You really found this more interesting than the kingdom.” Starlight retorted.
“But this is actually something I never thought would ever happen. Mainly the fact my friend is still looking at her.”
“I guess you do have a point, I don’t know a lot about your Twilight, friend.”
Princess Twilight went into silence because she know sooner or later of what’s about to come. The moment that concerns her the most could make a huge mistake of allowing Sunset and her other self to come here.
Then Flurry Heart woke up as she looks at Twilight who just stood in place. “Well here it goes.” Princess Twilight thought.
Of course Flurry is thrilled to meet the aunt she loves but not the same princess from before. She made cute noises as she lifted her hooves wanting to play with Twilight.
“What am I supposed to do?” Twilight look at Cadence.
“Just make goofy faces but not the scary bear, she’s afraid of that.” Cadence replied fast.
Without making a second option, Twilight instantly agrees as she gives Flurry Heart several goofy facial expressions. This made Flurry giggle in delight from Twilight. So far things are looking okay, Princess Twilight and her friends were panting slowly from Twilight’s faces for the baby. But once she lifted her head from the bed, Flurry Heart is holding onto Twilight’s face like she did to Pinkie the other time. However Twilight is scared to death of a possibility she could hurt Flurry if she lets go of her.
Everypony was about to freak out until Sunset helps out “Help her!” Sunset whispered in Shining’s ear. Then he uses his magic again to get Flurry off of Twilight.
“I think maybe we should handle this on the ground.” He offered.
“Good idea.” His wife accepted. Shining placed his baby on the floor while Twilight sits. Twilight was relief Flurry wasn’t on her face but she never took care of a baby before, one of the things she didn’t mention out in the open. Flurry flew in front of Twilight thanks to her wings as her tiny hooves get on Twilight’s.
She desperately wants to play with her by giving her a sweet hug around Twilight’s body. Twilight’s heart never pounded so fast in the position she’s in. A baby she never thought would be a thing in Equestria while her low ability of taking care of babies is just too much, but soon after ten seconds, she gives her a hug to let it go away.
Flurry accepts hugs because she loves them, it makes her protected in her nightmares when she sleeps. She hums in happiness and soon enough Twilight is actually enjoying this.
Her Princess self is adoring every moment of this. She’s afraid this could be the opposite, but luckily it wasn’t, her counterpart became the same thing she do for Flurry Heart, her favorite aunt from Ponyville.
“Umm...aren’t you aware that’s not you who’s hugging their baby?” Starlight whispered.
Princess Twilight face turned frowned, completely forgot about it. Just when she was excited, she’s then concerned about two Twilights in front of Flurry’s eyes. “What am I supposed to do?” She asked to herself looking at the ceiling.
“Just let her see you, she still has a heart for you.” Sunset added.
With the only way to make things more simple for the future of Princess Twilight’s relationship with Flurry Heart. Her counterpart notice her princess self is in the cycle of attention, she broke the hug slowly until Princess Twilight is right by her.
When Flurry Heart saw two Twilights in her sight, she became confused but the princess who’s the voice of reason, fills her in.
“Yes, she’s not me, it’s a long story but she wanted to come here. And she isn’t my twin sister.” Princess Twilight trying to be serious while being sweet to Flurry Heart.
Then her counterpart decides to help in this predicament. “I’m from a different place, which is why I have glasses on. And no offense but I never thought her brother would be a father.”
Then Princess Twilight gave her a glare which Twilight facehoof herself. Flurry Heart always listen to her aunt because she trusted her. She looked at the Twilight with the glasses and she is truly right, in fact she was more then happy. She once had a dream or so many Twilights around her to protect the nightmares she had and she wanted a second Twilight to double her fun activities.
She flew up in the air and gave both Twilights a quick kiss on the cheek as she lands in Princess Twilight’s hooves. All the ponies in the room took a deep breath from the scene they witness.
“Thank Celestia our baby is getting smarter by the day.” Shining replied.
“More than I thought, I guess baby alicorns can be easily forgiven.” Cadence added.
Sunset and Starlight found this moment really amazing of how it turned out. “Is it me or is your friend should have a baby if her brother marries someone?” Starlight asked.
“I don’t think so. If we ever come back here, she might want some time with her other self so they can play with Flurry Heart.” Sunset replied.
“So I’m curious, what am I supposed to do now?” Twilight added.
“Well since your staying for awhile, you should know what our baby is. Twilight, you should show her Flurry’s bedroom.” Shining offered with a smile on his face.
“Please do that, your Twilight with the glasses friend should have some time with our baby.” Cadence added.
“That’s a great idea.” Princess Twilight accepted as she turns to her counterpart. “What do you think of their baby?”
“Well at first I was confused and shocked at the same time but I’m more happy to play with Flurry. However I still need to know everything about babysitting.” Twilight awkwardly smiled while her princess friend does the same with her eyes lid.
“You will work it out once you know it.” They both leave the throne room as the make their way to Flurry’s bedroom.
“Well since the Twilights wanted some time alone with Flurry, how about I’ll show you my best friend Sunburst?” Starlight smirked.
“I would love to. Besides I’m far from done with my interest in the Crystal Empire.” Sunset smirked as well.
“Guess you two have a lot of common.” Once of the crystal guards said which got the two ponies attention.
“You bet.” They both said.
Meanwhile the Twilights are using stuff animals to play with Flurry Heart who’s giggling again. As for Twilight Sparkle, it may take time for her next trip to the Crystal Empire to happen once she leaves, she’s still happy she got the chance to be here.
“I want to know Twilight.” She said to her princess counterpart.
“Yes?” The princess responded.
“If Flurry Heart loves you so much, what does she think of you?”
“She thinks I’m the best aunt.”
“And what does she thinks of me?”
“Her second favorite aunt because she has a heart for anypony like you who’s sweet and protective.”
Twilight couldn’t help but let a tear on her face fall. If there’s one thing she will never have in her world is a baby loving her in a family relationship.