Equestria Noir 2
Case 6
“Mirror Mirror”
By Jacoboby1
Chapter 1
“Sunsets and Mirrors”
It’s been about two weeks since my battle with Spera. I got out of the hospital about a week ago with only a few scratches from the fight, along with some stitches on my leg. Since then, things have been relatively quiet.
I spent most of the week at home with Twilight, occasionally helping out the Apple Family. With the new addition to the family, the farmhouse had to be expanded and the entire town pulled together to help get the project done. I was happy to see Fluttershy and Big Mac in marital bliss. Those two deserved it after all they’ve been through.
Then, about two days ago, Twilight received a call from Celestia. Turns out, the Crystal Empire is hosting a Royal Summit. A gathering of Alicorn royals all around the world to witness the newest addition. To say Twilight was nervous was like saying the sun rises in the morning.
Now, I was on a train heading towards said summit. Twilight and the girls were in the car ahead of mine. Spike was sitting beside me, reading a comic book as I looked out at the snowy landscape of the north.
Finally, Spike decided to break the silence, “Private, are you okay?” He asked.
I sighed. “Just, a little shaken up is all,” I said.
“Private,” Spike said as he looked over at me, “It’s been two weeks and not a single crime has come up. I figure it should be a good thing you got some time off.”
“It should be Spike,” I said, “but not after what happened two weeks ago. I just feel powerless again.”
“Hey, we’ll get through this alright?” Spike said, putting a claw on my shoulder. “You got Twilight and the others to help. Even if we can’t prove what this Shadowhoof guy did, we’ll find a way to get at him and kick his flank.”
I smiled at the little dragon. “Thanks Spike, I needed to hear that you guys are behind me.”
“Hey what are friends, or in this case number one assistants for?” He said with a laugh.
I laughed with Spike and looked back as the snow gave way to the smooth grass of the Crystal Empire. I watched the palace come into view and some Crystal Pony farmers waved as we passed by.
The Empire is looking pretty good to be honest. We pulled up to the station to find that the crystal ponies were all going about their businesses with joy in their hearts and coats shining.
I looked over as Spike was trying to carry Twilight’s saddle bags. He almost fell over before I caught him. That’s when I saw Twilight’s crown in the bag. “Honestly she needs to be more careful with this.” I muttered under my breath as Spike went out.
I walked out of the stall and prepared to disembark the train. I was starting to feel a little nervous and excited myself. I mean, I got to see some Alicorns during the summit at Canterlot. But, this was seeing Twilight inducted into the larger world.
As her husband, I couldn’t be more proud of her. I hopped off the train and went to meet the girls.
_______________________________________________________
We all walked up under the Crystal Palace, there the mysterious Crystal Heart spun slowly and shone in the waning light of day. I was walking beside Twilight as AJ walked on her other side and said, “Whoee, your very first Princess Summit, you must be over the moon Twilight.”
Twilight smiled at the cowpony and said, “Oh, I am excited,” She looked down for a minute, “But to be honest, I’m a little nervous too.”
“You must be nervouscited!” Pinkie cried and subsequently went into one of her spheals about the strange but fitting word. How she managed to get out of that ball is one of the many mysteries of the pink pony. Never mind what that odd noise was when she did it.
I sighed and shoved Pinkie aside after she rubbed Twilight’s mane. “Twi, you’ve got nothing to worry about.”
“You said it Priv,” Aj interjected, “We’re all here for you so it’s going to b-”
Suddenly Rarity zoomed over to Twilight and exclaimed: “Twilight!” She took Twilight’s cheeks and lowered her head. “Sorry darling, I happened to notice you aren’t wearing your crown.” She got within inches of my wife’s face and asked. “You didn’t forget it back at Ponyville did you?!”
“Uh, Spike has it in the bag.” I said, pointing to the baby dragon. “Although in my honest opinion, I still say we should’ve brought a chest with a lock on it.”
“Private, it’s fine.” Twilight said, getting out of Rarity’s grip. “I just, feel a little self conscious about wearing it.” She then looked back at her wings and said, “Haven’t really got accustomed to these either.”
She jumped into the air, flapped her wings a little and was airborne for a good half a second before falling down to earth.
I helped her up as Rarity went on, “You are a Princess Twilight, embrace it! Why, if I had a crown, I’d never take it off, why I’d sleep in the thing.”
Everypony and dragon did a eye roll as I said, “Look, if Twilight doesn’t want to wear it she doesn’t have to.” I looked over at my wife. “But that’s still technically an Element of Harmony, I’d hate to see anything happen to it.”
“Private, you’re being paranoid.” Twilight said with a sigh.
“Yeah, don’t be such a stiff neck Private.” Rainbow said, hovering over my shoulder. “If anypony tries to take that crown, you got the most awesome pony in Equestria to help.”
I rolled my eyes myself.
“Come on everypony, let’s head inside, the others are probably waiting.” Twilight said as we walked over.
As we did, I could’ve sworn I saw somepony move around in a dark cloak. I shook my head and that pony was gone. I went back to walk with the girls...getting a strange feeling of being watched…
________________________________________________
The doors opened to a large throne room. One either side of a red carpet were crystal pony guards. They were clad in silvery blue armor and they all bore the same shining purple coats. They blew in their trumpets as we entered, creating a fanfare.
At the head of the welcoming committee, were Celestia, Luna, Voidera and Cadence. All four of them smiled as we entered. I walked forward along with Twilight, I caught a glimpse of Flash standing with the guards. The young guard smiled and gave a small wave. Twilight and I both smiled. Flash has been good to us, in all honesty, for saving my hide and getting me to a hospital, I owe that guard a bit of a debt.
I went up to the Princesses, and performed my duty for the day, I bowed and then said proudly. “Her Royal Highness,
Princess Twilight Sparkle!”
Twilight went forward as Cadence happily walked over to meet her. “Twilight! Private! I haven’t seen you two since the wedding!” She said with a smile.
“It’s good to see you too Cadence,” Twilight said. “How’s Shining Armor and the best niece in the universe?”
Cadence giggled then said, “Shiny is looking after her right now. But I’m sure she’d be happy to see her Aunt and Uncle come around for a visit.”
Celestia walked over along with her sister and mate and said, “We have much to discuss, but it can wait until morning.”
“Much appreciated Celestia,” I said with a nod, “Some of us are really tired from the journey, and we have much to prepare for.”
Voidera gave a deep chuckle and said, “It seems you’ve prepared your consort well Twilight.”
Twilight smiled and nuzzled me. “I’m just happy he and all my friends are here.”
“Now, all of you should be off to bed,” Celestia said.
Luna gave a nod. “I shall raise my moon then.” She said, walking away.
For some reason, I couldn’t help but get a weird vibe of Luna. Something was off about her. I think I should ask her about it tomorrow.
I watched as everypony left to retire for the evening. Flash walked up to me, “It’s good to see you’ve recovered sir.”
“None of the formalities Flash,” I said with a chuckle, “I’m just glad you and your friends found me in time.”
“You guys need anything you just let me know okay?” He replied.
“You seem eager to help out,” I said.
Flash gave a rather embarrassed look, “To be honest Private, it’s an unbelievable honor to be working alongside you protecting Princess Twilight. I hope I can help out.”
Suddenly the pony from earlier came into my brain. “Did you see anypony wearing a cloak around here?” I asked.
He shook his head and said, “No, I don’t think so. Why? You think there’s somepony acting suspicious?”
“With recent events I’m not taking any chances,” I said. “Keep an eye out.”
“Will do Private,” He gave a salute and then flew away.
Something was definitely off about the vibe here…
I can’t quite place it…
Just something seems...out of place…
I shook my head, chalked it up to paranoia, and went outside.
_____________________________________________________
After a mandatory visit, pony back ride, and hug from my niece Skyla, I found myself in the guest bedroom. I finished unpacking my gear. I pulled out Silver Wolf, put in it’s scabbard and set the blade off to the side. I felt...almost naked without Blackbird though. It felt I lost a friend.
I could get a new gun, that was no problem. But, I’ll miss that revolver.
I heard a sigh and turned to look at Twilight. She was sitting in front of her mirror, the crown on her head. Spike and I looked at each other for a moment and I walked up behind her. I put my hoof around her shoulder and said, “Twi, you okay?”
She sighed and looked at me in the mirror, “I don’t know Private, I’m just, worried I guess. I mean, Cadence was given an entire Empire to rule over. What if now that I’m a princess, Celestia expects me to lead a kingdom too?”
Spike appeared on my head under my hat and said, “That would be awesome!”
I smiled but then saw Twilight’s expression and went back to a frown. “No it’s not!” She said, then left my embrace and walked over to the bed. “Just because I have these wings and crown, doesn’t mean I’d be a good leader.”
Spike and I looked at each other as he slid down my neck onto my back. “Twi, you are a great leader,” I said as I walked over to the bed. “It’s because of you Ponyville wasn’t overrun by a crazy Miasma Monster. You also saved Equestria many times. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”
“Sides,” Spike said, hopping off my back and walking over to her, “If it ever becomes too much, you got us to help shoulder everything.”
She smiled at us, “Thanks you guys, I’m glad to have my family here at a time like this.”
Spike beamed at that.
I gave my wife a kiss on the nose and said, “Come on, it’s late, we should head to sleep.”
“Will you two promise to keep quiet?” Spike said, picking up his pillow and moving towards a basket. “I swear, it’s like a hurricane is going on with you two at night.”
Twilight and I blushed. Spike uh, may have overheard our more…*ahem* intimate moments. Thank Celestia he was staying at the library now.
I levitated the crown off Twilight’s head and said, “Don’t you worry about tomorrow. We’ll get through this just like every other challenge.”
“Hopefully without anypony dying.” Twilight said with a yawn.
Twilight then settled into the bed under the covers. I removed my trench coat and set my hat next to the crown. I climbed into bed and pulled Twilight into a warm embrace. I loved her more than anything in the world.
As I drifted off to sleep, I moved my head to avoid her wing smacking me. I got so good at avoiding the wings I could do it in my sleep. Sadly, the covers were not so lucky and ended up getting thrown all over the place as Twilight tried to get comfy.
I only hope...I can….help her….zzzzz
____________________________________________________
I don’t know what woke me first. I thought heard a strange creaking...followed by magic activating...then Spike’s snoring…
I’m...dreaming aren’t I…?
Something fell?
No...sleep now….
More Spike Snoring...more magic….
CRASH!!
I woke with a start as I heard somepony fall. I looked quickly over and saw a pony with a cloak on the floor. Judging by the horn she was a unicorn. Twilight woke up beside me as well, and we both looked on in horror as we saw what was in the pony’s saddlebags.
“She’s got my crown!” Twilight yelled.
“I’m on it!” I yelled, snagging Silver Wolf in my magic and chasing after the cloaked unicorn.
I ran after the unicorn and yelled as I past the rooms of my friends. “Somepony’s got Twi’s crown! Stop that thief!”
I didn’t have time to look if my friends were following me. Damn I wish I had brought a gun. I heard Twilight following me and the loud crack of her teleportation spell.
The pony rounded a corner and Twilight was waiting for her. “Stop!”
The pony’s horn glowed an aqua blue and she teleported as well. The cloak going up into Twilight’s face.
The pony reappeared behind Twilight. She looked to be a couple years older than I was. Her coat was orange, and her mane a mix of red and yellow. Her cutie mark was a sun, and her expression was smug.
“Hey!” I said, leaping over Twilight and chasing after her. I ran around a corner and drew Silver Wolf from it’s sheath. “Stop!”
“Really?” She said, her voice mocking, “This is the pony she’s chosen? How pathetic!”
I barely had time to blink before she shot a magical bolt at me. I fell back and dropped Silver Wolf onto the ground. I looked up as Twilight and the others passed me, running after her.
Damn! I can’t believe I screwed up again!
I shook my head and ran towards where the girls were heading. I heard sounds of struggle. Followed by a clang and some voices. I ran inside just in time to see the pony jump into...a mirror?
We were in some kind of storage room. All around me were strange baubles and even some weapons. I wonder what this place is? More importantly, what was with the mirror?
“Who was she?” Fluttershy said.
“Whoever she was, she wanted Twilight’s Crown, where is it?” I asked.
Twilight pointed at the mirror.
I walked towards it, looking at my reflection in the mirror. Wait...there was…
Somepony looking back...but it wasn’t me...no...it was…
Mom…?
“Private! Get away from that mirror!” I turned around to see Celestia standing there, Luna at her side.
I looked back at the mirror and only saw my own reflection. I then turned to Celestia and said, “Something tells me you have a story for us.”
__________________________________________________
The morning saw us all gathered in the throne room. Celestia, Luna, Voidera, and Cadence were all in front of us. Celestia just finished up explaining who that pony was. Somepony named Sunset Shimmer, a former student of hers that went rogue. Honestly I suspected that Celestia had students before Twilight, but I never expected her to pick one so cruel sounding.
“She replaced Twilight’s Crown with this one.” Spike said, holding up the fake crown.
“It was probably to have us distracted while she took the real crown,” I guessed. “But the question is, where did she go?”
“Where did she take the crown?” Twilight asked her mentor.
Celestia’s expression was grim as she said, “You’ll soon learn more about this world than even I do.”
“What world…?” I said, a little worried about where this was going.
____________________________________________________
She took us back to the mirror and Luna explained as she stood in front of it. “This is no ordinary mirror, it is a gateway to another world. It only opens once every thirty moons.”
“Ooh sparkly!” Pinkie said, before Luna used her magic to keep Pinkie from messing with the mirror.
“At one time this mirror was in the throne room of Canterlot.” The princess of the night said, “But after Cadence took over the Crystal Empire, we had her watch over it.”
“Are there a lot of them?” I asked, looking at the mirror.
Before I could even look at it, Voidera stood in my way and said, “No, and for good reason.”
“I had hoped that Sunset would use it to return,” Celestia said sorrowfully, “To come back to Equestria seeking my guidance. Obviously, that has not happened.”
“Twilight,” Cadence said, “If you do not get that crown back, the Elements of Harmony are powerless.”
Twilight walked forward and simply nodded.
Even with Hope, Equestria was without a very important weapon in it’s defense. We have to get that crown back, one way or another.
“Twilight, your crown does not belong in the land Sunset inhabits now.” Luna said, “No doubt that Sunset would use the Element to cause great harm to the people on the other side. They will be powerless to stop her.”
I watched as Twilight levitated on her saddlebags and looked back at her mentor. Celestia’s look showed nothing as she said, “You understand the task before you?”
“Of course,” Twilight replied.
“Good, then you must go at once,” She ordered.
Twilight let out a breath, and was about to go in, when Rainbow got in the way. “Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! She’s goin’,” She pointed to the rest of the elements. “We’re goin’ too.”
“No way I’m letting her go in on her own,” I said firmly, “I’m going in too.”
“Oooh!” Pinkie said, “I’m so nervouscited!”
“You do realize that’s not a word, right?” AJ said flatly.
I just facehoofed.
Celestia stepped forward, “I’m afraid I cannot allow the rest of you to go.”
“What?” Rainbow said.
“With all due respect Celestia!” I said, looking at the Alicorn. “Twilight is going into a world where she has absolutely no idea what’s in store. For all we know, this mirror could send her straight to Tartarus!”
“I know you all worry about her,” Celestia said, “But sending more than just Twilight could upset the balance of the world. This is something that Twilight has to do alone.”
I didn’t like it, not one bit.
“Time is of the essence,” Luna said, “On the third day, when the moon reaches it’s peak in the night sky. The gateway will close. It will be another thirty moons before you can return.”
That’s two and a half years at least…
Everypony cheered on Twilight as she moved towards the mirror. She stopped and looked back at me.
I took the cue and walked up to her. I sighed and said, “I don’t like you going alone.”
“I’ll be okay Private,” She said, pressing her muzzle to mine. “This is something I have to do.”
“I know, just be careful okay?” I implored. “I would hate to lose you for thirty moons.”
She put a hoof on my chest. “I’ll be back before then,” She said, “I promise.”
I smiled, and reached into my trench coat. I pulled out a gift I was going to get her for after the summit. It was a small locket, with a pearl and an amethyst combined into a heart. I put it around her neck and said. “Something to remember me by. To know that I’m always there.”
She put a hoof on my cheek, and gave me a kiss goodbye. Then she turned, and stepped through the mirror…
Before any of us could stop him, Spike bolted for the mirror. He leaped inside before I could catch him.
With that, both of my friends were gone. I looked in the mirror. I wanted to jump inside like Spike did, ignoring Celestia’s warning.
I sighed, and turned to the others. “I, I’m gonna stay here, and wait for her.”
Everypony understood, Voidera walked up to me and said, “I know, personally, how you feel right now Private. But trust in Twilight, she’ll be back soon.”
With that, my mentor left with his mate and my friends. I took a position in front of the mirror and sat there, Silver Wolf leaning against me.
I was going to wait Twilight...for as long as it takes….
__________________________________________________
Two days would pass. I sat there, day and night, only leaving to eat and answer the call of nature. But my hours were spent in front of that mirror, waiting patiently for my love to return.
I missed her more than I ever have before. I longed for her as I sat there. My vigil was interrupted when I heard my friends come in.
It was Rainbow who spoke first, “Any sign?”
“Not yet.” Was all I said.
“Sugarcube, have you been sittin here all this time?” AJ asked.
“While I do find it romantic that you would do this for Twilight,” Rarity interjected. “I don’t know if it’s healthy for you to maintain your vigil like this.”
“At the very least let us take over for a couple of minutes.” Fluttershy implored.
“Thanks guys but,” I looked back at them and said, “I need to do this. I promised myself I’d wait, and so I shall.”
“Tonight is when she’ll be back.” Pinkie tried to say to cheer me up. “I mean, that’s when the moon goes up and the portal seals right?”
“Guys, please,” I said as I closed my eyes.
They all exchanged knowing glances. AJ was the first to say, “We’ll wait here too Sugarcube, ain’t no sense for you to do somethin’ like this alone.”
I smiled as everypony else sat with me, we all looked at the mirror and hoped that Twilight would pass through it….
____________________________________________________
The moon was in the sky as we sat there. All around me my friends and the others waited patiently for Twilight to come back.
Luna looked off to the side. “Twilight Sparkle does not have much time,” She said.
“Let us have faith she will come through.” Celestia tried to reassure.
I gazed into the mirror, “Come on Twilight...come back…” I begged.
Slowly, Luna’s head drooped…
No…
“No, you don’t mean…” I said.
“The moon has reached it’s highest peak Private, to pass now would be far too dangerous.” Luna said sadly.
Twilight’s….gone….?
Everypony’s head drooped. Cadence had tears in her eyes as she said, “What will I tell Shining and Skyla…?” She turned and cried into Celestia. The Princess of the Sun, held the Princess of Love as she cried.
“Twilight’s, stuck…?” Rainbow said, her voice in total shock.
“I am afraid so,” Voidera said. “There is nothing we can do now, but wait for thirty moons for her return.”
“No….”
Rarity looked at me nervously. “Private? Private darling are y-”
“I refuse to believe it!” I yelled and glared at the alicorns. “All four of you are supposed to be the most powerful beings on this world! You can’t tell me there isn’t a way to bring her back!”
“Private, your grief is great I underst-” Celestia tried to start.
“Don’t patronize me!” I yelled. “I knew Twilight shouldn’t have gone in alone!”
“Priv, try and simmer down,” Aj said.
“Simmer down? You try and simmer down when you hear the one pony you can’t live without is going to be gone for two and a half years! That’s two and a half years too long in my book!” I yelled. I then turned and stomped my way towards the mirror.
“Private, wait!” Luna cried.
“Private Eye, I order you to step away from that mirror!” Celestia cried.
“I’m not giving up on her, unlike you,” I said, my words cutting into Celestia. I didn’t intend to say such a hurtful phrase. But I was in no mood for pleasantries.
I turned back to the mirror, and tried to focus my magic on it.
I felt like I was tackling a wall. My magic couldn’t piece through the barrier no matter how hard I tried. I yelled, “Come on magic! For once in your miserable existence, help me!”
“Private no!” Voidera yelled, “Don’t do it! If you do you could destroy everything!”
“Anything...for...her…” I said during my struggle.
Chanting….
Everypony was thrown back as a shockwave emanated from me. I felt Hope around my neck as I was lifted into the air. I watched as cord of light shot into the mirror. Then...I saw a sight…
Suddenly a violet unicorn appeared to my left. She was tall, beautiful, with long violet hair and deep green eyes. She looked at me for a minute, as if searching for my motives.
Then, another appeared, to my right, connected by a cord of light to me. He was the same as when I last saw him. Grey coat, blue eyes, with a long black mane coming to his shoulders. He was wearing a similar outfit to Sombra, sans crown. His expression, was one of pleading.
“Please Izanami!” He yelled at the mare. “Help him!”
She looked uncertain, looking at the mirror, at me, and then at the other unicorn. Slowly, she nodded.
Her horn glowed brightly as she turned towards the mirror. Suddenly I sensed the barrier fall away like it suddenly turned to sand in the wind.
The mare smiled, and slowly faded away.
The stallion looked to me, and said, “Go”
I took his advice and dived through the mirror….
_____________________________________________________
I felt like my entire body was being twisted and turned. The pain was unimaginable as I fell through the brightly colored wormhole into wherever I was going. Who were those ponies? Was that really Izanami? Did she come...because of Twilight…?
HOLD ON TWILIGHT I’M COMING!!!
I came through and suddenly crashed onto what felt like concrete. I rolled around, flailing my limbs around as I tried to stop my roll of destruction. I eventually crashed onto my face and groaned.
I lifted my head and pushed with my forelegs so I was looking up. Wherever I was it looked like a city. Houses were nearby, and I could see skyscrapers in the distance. The air felt nice, almost like Equestria. Wherever I was, at least it’s not Tartarus.
“Private!”
I heard a familiar voice, and looked around. “Spike?” I said, was it just me? Or was my voice a little...younger sounding?
“Down here!” Spike called.
I looked down, and couldn’t help but snicker.
Spike...was a dog.
A purple dog, with a little tuft of green hair on his head, a greenish belly and a collar around his neck. Oh my gosh I couldn’t help but laugh.
“It’s not funny, Private!” Spike yelled, he was talking normally, despite his...new shape.
“I’m sorry Spike, you just look so darn cute,” I said with another laugh.
“Yeah, wait till you get a load of yourself,” He said, crossing his front paws.
“What are you talking about Spike?” I asked, “I’m just your average everyday…”
“Look down,” Spike quipped.
I did, and I was looking...at pants…
I blinked, and slowly lifted up my foreleg...only...it wasn’t a foreleg….it was an arm….
With a...hand…like Lyra was going on about...
I couldn’t feel my tail...or my horn for that matter…
I felt my face...it was flat...my ears...they were small too…
“Puddle’s over there.” Spike said, pointing.
I slowly, looked…
I was...human….
With grey skin, silver eyes, a flat face, my mane was the same as my pony self. Even my Fedora was there. I was wearing my trench coat...a white shirt and grey tie were under it. I was also wearing light grey pants and black leather shoes…
There...were only two words that could possibly work with this situation…
I looked to my reflection and said…”Oh boy…”