//------------------------------// // Sigmarite Love // Story: A Draconic Sparkle Love // by Mystic Sunrise //------------------------------// Pearl grinned as Twilight finally dragged herself down into the kitchen. “Well look what the cat finally dragged in. Sleep well?” Twilight nodded, yawning as she did up her hair. While she much preferred this body compared to how she had once looked, it still surprised her what she needed to do to look presentable in the morning.  Luckily her lipstick and eye shadow was second nature now. Her shirt had a pocket holding a tube of her favorite Fuschia color lipstick, and an eye shadow pallet always in the correct and proper color tone, with a proper applicator. Fortunately, Rarity had been happy to show her how to use them. “Like a log,” Twilight grumbled as Pearl handed her a cup of coffee. “Where is everyone?” Pearl shrugged. “They were on their way out as I was coming down. Twi still didn’t look happy about any of this. Not like she has much of a choice though.” Twilight chuckled. She could understand that feeling. “And what about us?” Pearl’s black ring glowed. “Now we see if you can sit and do one model. Seeing as how last night went… Lucky for you, I still had that Vindictor. I think I gave the Knight-Incantor to Spike.” Twilight nodded. That helped her idea along then. “That explains why he’s been so busy lately. He seems to be looking at the Radiant Sons of Sigmar.” Pearl blinked, as Twilight suddenly realized what she had just said out loud, before smirking knowingly. “You’ve read the battetome then?” Twilight nodded sheepishly, unable to hide it any longer and seeing no point in doing so now. “Yes. It wasn’t long after you first returned to Equestria with it. I was curious, so I read it. I didn’t think you would be mad that I did, but my pride wouldn’t allow me to admit that I had.” Pearl giggled. “Well I’m not mad, that’s for sure. I’d have been more shocked if you never read them at all. Did you have a Stormhomst in mind? Even if it is your only one.” Twilight nodded. “I do actually have one in mind, but I’m not sharing just yet. What about your Warhammer group? I can’t pass off as Twi.” Pearl gulped. Now they came to a sticky point she’d avoided talking about for years, but it was time to drop the act. “You won’t have to. Mass memory manipulation is your friend here.” Twilight frowned. She knew the magic in question. “But who cast it? It takes an incredible amount of magic to do it on a large group of people, and then to keep it running for any length of time.” Pearl rolled her eyes. “Who do you think? Kohaku and his family worked it once my coming here became frequent. I think they got divine help since they’ve never had to renew it as far as I know. To the rest of the world, sis and I have always been twin sisters, as have you and Twi. Only our families, your friends, former Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna, and his family know the truth. Plus one other, but she’s an exception I think. For some reason.” Twilight’s frown grew. While she understood the need for it, she still didn’t like the idea of doing it to so many people. Or the whole world. Pearl saw this and shook her head. “Moving on. I can’t help if I don’t know which one you have in mind. I brought my paints and tools, but…” Twilight smiled widely as she took Pearl’s hands. “It’s all I need, Pearl. But I have a question. Why did you choose the Fists of Sigmarite?” Pearl shrugged, her own voice joining that of her Black head. “Not sure really. Sis has her Astral Templars, so I wasn’t gonna do them. Hallowed Knights was my other idea, but didn’t feel right.” Twilight chuckled. “Somebody else was already doing them?” Pearl giggled. “Nope. Only a few of us play Stormcast Eternals besides me and Sis. They play  Stormblood Guard and Knights of the Aurora. So those were out also. Here I am then.” Twilight rolled her eyes. Typical. “Well then. I know which ones to avoid if I ever decide to do more than one model. I’m almost thinking about it as well.” Pearl squeed. Finally. No matter how often she visited, or how much time passed, seeing Canterlot High still made Twilight’s head spin as Pearl led her down a hallway. “Twi doesn’t mind us doing this?” Pearl shook her head. “It was Vice Principal Luna who first had the idea actually. Principal Celestia really couldn’t say no. All she said was that the school still be standing when we were done and that no magic be involved.” Twilight chuckled. That sounded about right. Princess Luna, as Shiny had confirmed, was an unapologetic nerd. When her duties allowed of course. “Has magic ever been used?” Pearl shrugged as they came to the Meeting Room. “Unless I totally missed something? No.” “It wouldn’t be the first time, Pearl,” a new voice behind them giggled, causing Twilight’s eyes to widen in shock. She knew that voice. Even after all of these years, she couldn’t forget it. Turning she saw… “Crystal?!” The young woman smiled widely. Stand her next to Flurry Heart, and you could be forgiven if you thought they were twin sisters. “Oh hey, princess. Didn’t know you were coming today.” And just like that, the familiar eye twitch was back as Twilight groaned. “Crystal. What have I said about using my title like that?” Crystal smirked. “Nope. It’s the only way I can keep you and Twi apart most days. I’m sure she’s told you about that.” Pearl was lost as she looked between the two. “Did I miss something here? When did you two know each other?” Crystal could see how the two were leaning on each other, how their hands were clasped, and her smirk fell away, even if she was happy for them. “She hasn’t told you yet?” “Tell me what?” Pearl asked with mounting annoyance. Twilight sighed as she led the three of them to the side. “I didn’t tell you the full story of my first time here, Pearl. About who helped me.” Pearl gave her a look. “It was your friends and Flash, right?” Twilight nodded. “Well, yes. But they weren’t the only ones.” Crystal nodded. “I was an exchange student here at the time. I was the only one Sunset and her goons could never find anything to blackmail me with. No matter how hard they tried. During the Fall Formal, I wasn’t a mind-controlled zombie either, and I still don’t know why.” Twilight nodded, smiling at the memories. “You also taught me how to dance, after I knocked Flash out. And gave me a place to stay, even though you didn’t know me. It only got more intimate after the Battle of the Bands.” Crystal blushed. “Very intimate. I had to go home before Senior Year for some reason, and it all fell apart.” She took Twilight’s hands in her own and smiled. “You were the first girl I ever loved, Twilight. That will never change. And I’m happy for both of you. I really am.” Pearl digested this for a moment. So this was who was in the photograph Twilight never let her see. “What about Flash?” Twilight winced, as Crystal giggled. “He dumped me after Camp Everfree. We’re still friends, but I think he knew it would never work between us. For obvious reasons. I tried with the Flash in the Crystal Empire once I heard Crystal had returned home, and it worked for a while. It only took your confession for me to realize I was waiting for something that would never come, however.” Pearl nodded, for she had met the Pegasus. “He’s married to the Crystal Guard basically. Good luck with that. A nice stallion though.” Crystal rolled her eyes. “And for some reason, I’m not under the mass amnesia everyone else is about you four. Mr. Forestsong says I have divine protection or something.” Pearl pinched her nose. If any version of Kohaku said that, then she was inclined to believe him. Whatever it might mean. Crystal looked around, noticing who wasn’t there. “So where are your counterparts then? They never miss a meeting.” Twilight nodded. “A very impromptu doctor’s appointment. They should be back tonight, I hope, with good news.” Crystal pinched her nose with a groan. “Alright. What did her Pearl do this time?” Twilight giggled as Pearl bristled at the implication. “Nothing serious, Crystal. Just something Twi wasn’t expecting, and they’ll be coming home with big news I feel.” Crystal wasn’t sure about this but decided it wasn’t her place to ask as she saw the backpack the princess was carrying. “So what are you doing here, princess? Come to the fun side at last?” Pearl giggled as Twilight groaned. “I’m not sure yet, Crystal. But I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to try at least one model. Who knows? I might do more,” Twilight finally replied. Pearl patted her back. “And I had a spare Vindictor, so we saved a trip. Twily still won’t say which Stormhost she has in mind. Me?” She patted her bag. “Time to put the Great Stomp campaign and Season of War: Thondia to good use.” She smirked at Fluttershy, who was unloading her things. “Maybe my Kraken Blades will finally let me beat Fluttershy’s Orruk Warclans. I’m tired of losing.” Twilight nodded as they finally entered the room, seeing most of the group had already arrived. “I’ve read the battletome, and I have an idea.” Crystal beamed. With how much these two truly loved each other (something everyone else soon caught onto as well, sharing knowing looks), she had an idea of what it might be. Pearl was going to be so surprised and elated if she was right. Twi huffed as she sat there on the exam table. Her arms crossed and tapping her foot on the table legs. For the last hour, she had been poked, prodded, and had enough blood drawn to satisfy Dracula’s thirst. She looked over at her wife Pearl who was just sitting there with a smirk on her face.  “You're enjoying this aren’t you?” Twi grumbled. “You bet I am.” Pearl smiled and leaned back in her chair. Crossing one leg over the other, making her skirt ride up a bit for Twi’s enjoyment. “Now just relax. In a few moments, we’ll have confirmation of our being parents.” “Teh. This can’t be happening. I won’t believe it until I see the results of all these blasted tests.” Looking at Pearl, Twi bit on her lower lip. “And why couldn’t Riko do these tests herself? But no. She had one of her nurses do it.” Pearl nodded slowly. She didn’t enjoy it either. Watching one of the many male nurses around the clinic poke and prod her wife was as uncomfortable as it could be. She still didn’t understand why Riko insisted on only male nurses. But then understanding any of that family was impossible.  At the sound of the door opening the pair watched as Riko strolled into the room. Her doctor's coat hung open on her slim figure. One folder under her arm and one open in her hand. “Well, congratulations. Your pregnant.” Riko smiled at Twi. “You two are to be mothers.” “Is that really what the tests said? I’m pregnant?” Twi groaned and bowed her head slowly. “Hmm? OH, I haven’t read the results yet.” Riko giggled. Which sounded like spring water over reeds. “Then what’s that open folder?” Pearl poked the pink folder. “Oh, another case I’m working on. One second.” Leaning out of the door Riko hollered out. “Sebastian! Prep Mrs. Robinson for her operation. I’ll be there shortly.” Leaning back she shut the door and set the folders down.  “So if you haven't read the test results why did you know how to congratulate us?” Twi folded her arms again and dug her nails into her own arm. “Simple. I could smell it on you from the moment you walked into my clinic.” Picking up the tan folder she had under her arm and handed it to Twi then looked to Pearl. “Seriously. As long as you’ve known our family you still don’t trust our noses?” “I do. She doesn’t.” Pearl rolled her eyes.  “Ahh. Now I understand why little brother made this appointment for you two.” Pointing at the folder Twi was now holding, Riko crossed her arms and leaned back like Pearl. “That’s your proof. I wish you would have just trusted our noses.” Turning back to Pearl. “You had to mate a science nerd, didn’t you? I’m surprised you didn’t have to club her over the head just to get her here. I know how hard it is to get her to any appointment. I can count on my tails the number of times she came here of her own free will.”  “Yeah, we almost came to that. But I’m not about to risk the health of our first child by doing so.” Pearl just nodded as her wife Twi mouth read the results again for the tenth time. Going over every single line of every single test to make sure nothing had been missed.  It remained the same, as she lay a hand against her womb with a defeated sigh. “I don’t know if I’m ready to be a mom. What if I mess this up? I don’t want our child to hate me, or worse.” Pearl’s heart fell right out of her, as she lay a hand over Twi’s. “You think I know what I’m doing? You know how many girls I scared away when we were kids. How much I wanted this even then.” Twi smiled. It was the only thing Pearl ever talked about sometimes at that age. So much so that it had sent Kohaku running for the hills so he wouldn’t have to listen to it some days. “You two are going to be just fine.” Riko giggled a little, having heard the stories herself from her little brother. “I know how well you two handle my niece and nephew. You show them love yet are not afraid to discipline them should they need it. And knowing how rambunctious little Pearl is I assume it’s quite often. Not unlike how Pearl here was in her younger days.” Twi giggled nudging Pearl who grumbled and blushed with a smile. “Plus you have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips with Kohaku, Flurry, and your parents.” Getting up Riko gripped the door handle. “So I suggest you go home and rest up. See Alexander before you leave and he’ll have all your meds and a list of dietary requirements ready. I have a cist to remove, ta,” the door closing behind the doctor. On a whim, Pearl had brought her Fists of Sigmarite paints with her, and having primed it in Equestria, the model was as ready for Twilight as it could be. Looking around, Twilight only recognized Fluttershy, alongside Crystal and Pearl of course. Thankfully, no one seemed all that surprised to see her here. Again, she wondered just how this world’s Kohaku had reworked everyone’s memories. But that could wait for another day as she turned back to her Vindictor. Having removed the shield from the left arm, she now had a much cleaner approach to the left shoulder pad, as she grabbed the Retributer Armor gold paint. Starting from the head down seemed a good start, so that’s what Twilight did as she got to work. Thankfully, the entire helmet was meant to be in gold, so this was a relatively easy process. Next came the back and chest, and now Twilight really needed to concentrate, zoning out all other noise, as the large surfaces were easy. What wasn’t were the areas under the arms. Luckily those were meant to be in gold, so once the chest and back were done, finishing up the arms was quick as well. Only carefully painting the right hand tripped Twilight up. But she hoped it could be cleaned up later, as she moved onto the shoulder pad trims. Quickly, she settled into a rhythm, and Twilight was soon smiling. Even at this early stage, as she finished the left leg, she could see why Pearl was so into this. It was relaxing in a way. Across the room, as she finished up another Vanquisher, Pearl watched Twilight’s Vindictor begin to come to life, as the princess finished up adding Leadbelcher to the spear.  Fluttershy saw it too and smiled. “Is that what I think it is?” Pearl shrugged. “Maybe. I’m not gonna ask Twily though. Could still be Hammers of Sigmar, though I’d hope she wouldn’t pick something that easy.” Fluttershy smirked. “Says the mare who took forever to even pick an army at all.” Pearl rolled her eyes. Point. Twilight heard none of this, though she could see the smiles beginning to form on everyone around her as they seemingly put together just what she was doing. All but Pearl that is. Just how she wanted it. Whether she did more Stormcasts or not, was still up in the air. But Twilight was enjoying this, as she added Screamer Pink to the spear’s shaft. “Think she’ll ever catch on?” Crystal asked as she worked on her Deathwatch next to her. Twilight rolled her eyes. “Pearl can be remarkably dense when she wants to be. All these years of having to deal with her as my student has taught me that.” Crystal giggled. “And you love her anyway. I know how alicorns work, Twilight. So I know you’ll both be happy.” Twilight smiled as grabbed the Corax White. Now came the hardest part, as she bit her lip and set her brush into the pot. Grugni’s mark on the right pad was simple enough. But it was the Redeemer symbol on the left shoulder pad that worried her the most as she began to very carefully paint the symbol. Years of fine quilmenship were being put to the test. But if there was one thing Twilight was proud of more than anything else in her life, it was her ability to write or paint in this case, in between the lines. Nopony had ever beaten her at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns at quilmenship. Your life literally depended on the correct placement of lines or the drawing of certain symbols. While nowhere near as extreme here, Twilight would be damned if she let her workmanship slip. Thankfully, all those years of work paid off, as the Redeemer conclave symbol was brought to life, and no paint spillage onto the black. She was rather proud of herself. Giving the symbol time to dry, Twilight finally turned to the shield, a piece she had been avoiding till now. Time to change that. With no real idea of what color the central face and the rays coming off of it were meant to be, she went for the gold once more. Pearl’s own Fists of Sigmarite were no help here. Again, thankfully, years of careful spell work paid off, and Twilight only needed to clean up two small areas, before painting the rim of the shield in gold as well. Finally, Twilight allowed herself to breathe as she thoroughly cleaned her brush for the last time, and allowed herself to relax. Pearl’s breath hitched as Twilight added the shield to her Vindictor, at last confirming what she’d begun to expect a little while earlier. “No way,” she squeed. Her black and blue rings flashing brightly, Pearl felt herself, and her black and blue heads swoon and pass out with hearts in their eyes and their tongues hanging out, the combined joy overwhelming her. Only the intervention of her white head kept Pearl upright. Fluttershy looked on with worry. “Are you alright?” Pearl nodded as she walked over to the princess. “I’ll be fine,” she replied with a cold voice. Twilight noticed the change immediately and frowned as the white ring glowed brightly. “What happened?” Pearl rolled her eyes. “You drove three of us madly in love and over the edge. They’ll wake up eventually. Me and Greeny are in the driver’s seat till then,” she giggled. Twilight sighed. Typical. “And her? She didn’t say anything last night.” Now the green ring glowed brightly. “You had me last night, Twily,” ‘Pearl’ giggled, taking Twilight’s hands, as the white’s joined with her own. “Now comes how long before you put a ring on us?” Twilight blushed furiously, as ‘Pearl’ and Crystal giggled.