A copy of Quantum of Solace- A “get well” gift from Generic- was open in Wob Niar's hooves. She had just gotten to the part where the villain's plot of controlling the water supply of a small third-world country was revealed.
It had been one day since the stabbing, and she was feeling better enough to have her “normal” colors back. Rose Quill was still with her, resting on the chair by the bed. Her eyes were closed, a content smile on her lips.
Wob looked up from her book as she saw a pony enter the room. A white pegasus stallion with a flowing silver mane. A mane that looked familiar somehow, though Wob couldn't quite place her hoof on it. His eyes shared the same color as his mane. His cutie mark was a shield, of course, one with a silver ingot over it. His name was Radiant Silver.
“Oh, hey, the plothole who stabbed me.” Wob said with dripping anger in her voice. “Here to finish the job?”
“No.” Radiant said, a serious look on his face. “I am... Er... Here to apologize.” The serious mask on his face slipped for a moment, showing awkwardness.
“Huh. You, apologize?” Rose said, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, ma'am.” Radiant replied.
“Wait, 'ma'am'?” Wob questioned, an aside towards Rose. “Do you outrank him or something?”
“No, he's just kind of... formal. You get used to it.” Rose said with a minute shrug of the shoulders.
“So, er... What was your name again?” Radiant asked.
Wob sighed. “Wob Niar.”
“...Isn't that just 'Rainbow' backwards?”
Wob rolled her eyes. “It was Trixie's idea.”
“I see. As I was saying, I apologize sincerely for my assault upon your person.” Radiant said.
“Upon my... What?” Wob asked.
“He's sorry for stabbing you.” Rose translated.
“Right.” Wob said. “Why did you do that, anyways? I mean, I get that I'm a changeling, but I wasn't hurting anypony!”
“You have to understand, I have not encountered a 'friendly' changeling before, so I assumed that your intentions were likewise.” Radiant said. He tilted his head. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Your mane.” Wob said. “Something about it is... Ah!”
“...Yes?”
“Erm... Do you know a gray filly? Mane similar to yours, has these dorky glasses? A spoon on her flank?” Wob asked. “You remind me of her.”
“Silver Spoon? She's my cousin.” Radiant said.
“Ah, alright.” Wob said.
“...Are you not angry? You changed the subject.” Radiant said, confused.
“Oh, I'm livid.” Wob clarified. “You did bucking stab me, after all. But, I understand that you were trying to protect your friend. So... No hard feelings.”
Radiant blinked. “...By the by, are you two...?”
“Yes, is that a problem?” Wob said with a smirk.
“I will 'get used to it', as Rose put it.” Radiant said.
“Okay. If you don't mind, I have a book to read.” Wob said as she began reading again.
“I shall take my leave, Ms. Niar.” Radiant said. Wob was pretty sure he just saluted, though she couldn't see him through her book. A few hoofsteps and a closing door told her that he left.
“...Get used to... Does he have a problem with-” Wob started to ask Rose.
“Nah.” Rose said with a smirk. “He doesn't like couples in general.”
“Uh, why?” Wob asked, confused.
“Romance intimidates him.” Rose said. “Quickest way to annoy him is to show affection in front of him.”
“That's kinda weird. I mean, I don't quite like the mushy stuff myself, but...” Wob said.
“Don't really know.” Rose replied, “The rest of us think he walked in on his parents while they were having sex.”
Wob winced. “That might do it.” She said with a chuckle. “Anyways, I think I'll get back to reading.”
- - -
Rainbow Dash watched the night sky from the railing of the ship. She heard hoofsteps behind her. They were very quiet, so she assumed they were Fluttershy's.
Suddenly, an intense, sharp pain dug into her back. She turned around to face her attacker, and time stopped.
She was looking at herself.
Changeling.
The cyan pegasus was pushed overboard, falling into the cold water below. She looked at the shimmering moon as she sank into the depths, the red mist of her blood clouding up the water around her.
- - -
Wob awoke with a gasp, and was soon panting as cold sweat ran down her body. Her eyes were wide with panic.
Her friends were in danger, and there was nothing she could do about it. After all, she was in an entirely different world, a mirror universe!
...Wait a minute...
Mirror universe?
That's it! A mirror! The mirror!
“What is it, Wobsy?” Rose asked groggily. The orange of late daylight washed over her features.
“...'Wobsy'?”
“Answer the question.” Rose said.
“Oh, um... I have an idea as to how to get back. Tell me, have you encountered a magic mirror that takes you to another universe?” Wob asked.
“...Hmmm... Well... Not that I know of?” Rose said.
“Dang, I thought that- Wait! Perhaps Twilight would know!” Wob said.
“Twilight? The Bearer of Magic? What are you-” Rose asked. “...Right, you were Rainbow Dash in a previous life. Of course you'd know something I wouldn't.”
Wob silently looked at her Rainbow-Dash-Like complexion, then looked back at Rose with a raised eyebrow.
“...I'm kinda slow when waking up early, okay?” Rose said sheepishly.
“No kidding. Anyways, I think I feel well enough to go places.” Wob said.
“Are you sure? I don't want you taking any extra risks.”
“I'm fine!” Wob snapped back.
Rose frowned, looking a bit downcast.
“...Sorry, Rose...” Wob said with a sigh. “It's just... If I'm right, the safety of my friends is on the line! My original friends, in my original universe!”
“I'll take your word for it, I guess.” Rose said.
Wob nodded. “Any ideas as to how I could get in contact with Twilight?”
“Hm... I could have Trixie send a letter to Luna, who could then send one to Celestia, and from there to Twilight.” Rose said. “Not that straightforward, but our best option at the moment.”
“Then it's time we paid Trixie a visit.” Wob said as she got out of the hospital bed.
“...Shouldn't you have a doctor check you over, just in case?” Rose suggested.
“There's no time!” Wob shot back. “Every second we waste, is another second my friends could be hurt!”
“Fine, if you insist.” Rose said. “But at the first sign of trouble, I'm getting you into bed!”
“...Bow chicka wow wow.” Wob said with a smirk.
“If you insist.” Rose replied with a matching smile.