//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: When the World Goes Upside-Down // Story: My Little Pony Equestria Girls 3: Twilight's Shadow // by Revan //------------------------------// Twilight Sparkle set down her mug, quizzically looking across the table at Sunset Shimmer and the other girls. They were sitting inside their large college dormitory room. Twilight idly wondered how they had managed to get this room. Large college rooms weren't that easy to get, after all. She then mentally shook herself and returned to the task at hand. "So let me get this straight. There's another world, one inhabited by talking, magic-using ponies, pegasi, unicorns, and unisi, which you call "alicorns", plus other species, and they're linked to this one by a magic portal?" "Yep" was the reply from the blond-haired girl named Applejack. The others nodded their heads in confirmation. "And the time-spatial disturbances that I've recorded are incidents where magic has been used by you and others?" Once again, everyone nodded. "And in addition to that, there are pony versions of everyone in this world?" They nodded for the third time. "And the Sunset Shimmer that is sitting in front of me is the one from Equestria?" Twilight said, gesturing to Sunset, who was wearing a turquoise shirt with an orange-and-red sun on it. Sunset sighed. "Yes, I am." Rarity spoke up. "I know it's all a bit hard to take in, darling. Heavens knows that I was a bit put out the first time I heard Spike talk." Twilight stared at Rarity. "Hold on a second. Equestrian Spike can talk?" Fluttershy answered. "Yes, he can. Back in Equestria, he's not a dog at all." Twilight snorted. "I suppose that he's a pony then?" "Nope. He's a dragon!" Pinkie Pie stated cheerfully, as she guzzled down a strawberry milkshake. Twilight's jaw dropped. Rainbow Dash interrupted the silence. "So, whaddya think? Are we kosher or not?" Twilight paused. Conflicting emotions played across her face, and the others leaned forward to hear what her answer would be. Twin voices argued inside Twilight's head. They're playing you for a fool, Twilight Sparkle, the first voice warned her. Another world, inhabited by ponies? Don't be ridiculous. But it would explain the space-time anomalies that you've been detecting for months, the second voice argued. And it also covers why there are two Sunset Shimmers. The first voice snorted. Magic? Another version of YOU? You're going off your rocker, Twilight Sparkle. But look at them. Do they look like they're lying? the second voice replied. They could be mistaken, the first voice said desperately, sensing that it was losing ground. You could always just ask them to demonstrate their magic, the second voice answered. That would settle the question. Twilight came to a decision. "You said that you get longer hair and wings when you play music?" "Yeah. And it's totally AWESOME!!" Rainbow Dash answered, pumping her fist in the air. "Not all of us get wings, Twilight", Rarity corrected Twilight. "But all of us do get adorable pony ears!" "Could you play a song for me?" Twilight asked. "Of course!" Pinkie Pie said. She moved so fast that she blurred, coming to a halt in the middle of the room, where a drumset stood. "Which song should we play?" Sunset queried. "Why don't we play 'Shine Like Rainbows'?" Applejack offered. "I really like that one", Fluttershy said shyly. "Let's get ready to rock!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. As they played, Twilight was startled by the transformations that occurred. Despite their statements, she hadn't really fully believed them. Until now. When they finished and reverted back to their normal forms, Twilight spoke. "I believe you." Sunset Shimmer smiled. "Would you like to go see the portal?" Twilight nodded. "Yes, I would like that very much." As they all headed downstairs, Twilight thought, I wonder what my Equestrian self is doing right now. Twilight was under attack. She blocked and parried, attacked and counterattacked, utilising every passageway in her brain. But she was inexorably forced back. Why are you doing this? What are you? she cried out in despair to the darkness in her mind. I am the other side of you, the darkness replied. I am the anger, your cruelty and despair. I have had enough of your platitudes and weakness. It is time for a new order, under my rule!! Twilight screamed out in defiance. I will not let you! She retreated suddenly, pulling herself inward to the deepest corners of her mind. She constructed a near-impenetrable defense, sealing herself away from the darkness. The darkness, surprised by the sudden move, roared in anger. It quickly relaxed, however, as it recognized that Twilight could not keep up this defense forever. It settled down to a siege of Twilight's inner sanctum, and proceeded to wait for the moment when Twilight's concentration would waver. That would not happen for a while, but it could afford to wait. Its eventual victory was assured, as long as no external assistance came.