The train finally stopped at Canterlot’s station, allowing Twilight and Dusk and their friends to depart the train.
“So, let me git this straight, the princesses want to see all of us?” Apple Jack asked, handing her luggage to AJ, who took it and started carrying it, along with his things.
“Well, no, not exactly. See, the princesses asked ‘us’” --she pointed at the mares in the group-- “to come, saying there had been a change with the elements.”
“Wait, did you say ‘elements?’” Rainbow Blitz questioned, hoisting Dash’s luggage along with his own.
“As in the ‘Elements of Harmony?’ Like what Blitz specified durin’ his...change?” AJ added.
“Exactly that. Seems this world has the same elements as ours. I believe it is a good idea I gave the journal back so--” Dusk started.
“So I can what, Dusk? Write down what is in our future?” Blitz stomped his hoof on the deck of the station’s platform, kicking up unusual sparks and dust.
“Exactly that,” Dusk retorted, gathering Twilight’s bag and his own and starting down the lane.
The rest of the friends followed suit, with Blitz mumbling behind and Dash trying to keep him cool. It wasn’t long before ponies started looking at them with curious expressions.
“I-I don’t like t-the way they’re looking a-at us,” Butterscotch whispered, putting his wing over Fluttershy, protectively, as he balanced his and her saddle bags.
“Yeah, it’s like something set this place off balance.” Dusk looked up at the sky and saw it a little gloomier than usual, but only the sky above Canterlot seemed to have such essence for it were clear and bright everywhere else.
The colts hurried the mares, kindly, as to not attract more attention and they quickly made their way to the castle. Six of the guards escorted them in the door, taking their bags to the mares’ appropriate rooms and left the group's side before they entered the throne room.
Celestia and Luna looked up from their seats as the friends entered.
“Ah, Twiligh--” Celestia began, but her train of thought was cut short when she saw a similar looking colt at her side.
Luna noticed the other colts as well, “What is this? A joke of some sort? Magic--”
“Calm yourself, Sister. I believe Twilight will care to explain.” Celestia nodded her head to Twilight, who in turn stepped forward.
Twilight bowed, then stood. “Princess Luna. Princess Celestia. I believe this disturbance that you have seen with the elements are the effect of…” She looked to Dusk, who nodded for her to continue. She nodded back then turned back to the Princesses, “these parallel universe doppelgangers arriving in our world.”
“Really? Then my I ask, who is that at your side?” Celestia motioned for the colt to step forward.
Dusk walked to Twilight’s side, bowing to the Princesses, then taking his stance. “I am, your majesties, Dusk Shine. I, along with my friends, come from a kingdom ruled by Prince Solaris and Prince Artemis."
"'Princes?'" Celestia asked in her kindly fashion.
"This must be a ruse, sister," Luna objected. "There can't honestly be a....how did Twilight put it?"
Blitz stepped foreword, using his British accent, "'Parallel Universe' is what I believe you are seeking."
Celestia and Luna perked their ears as if they had heard a ghost. "Please, come forth," Luna waved to Blitz.
Blitz was soon overtaken by an overwhelming feeling to hide, but he soon shook the feeling away and made his way to the Twilight's opposite side and bowed to the princesses. "My lieges," he said in his unfaltering accent.
"Now, I know I've heard that voice somewhere before," said Celestia as she scrutinized Blitzkrieg.
"Yes, me as well, Sister. State your name, newcomer." Luna eagerly asked, thinking of a past memory.
"Well," Blitz said as he stood tall, "I believe my Professor called me Rainbow Haiex Romanov Blitzkrieg, my liege."
"So, 'tis him," Celestia reflected.
"Here? Again?" Luna stood up and flew to Blitz's front, landing to face him. "Why are you here? You've only brought us dark omens the last times you've visited, Doctor." She angrily, but gently, put her snout to his, towering over him with her magic at the ready.
"Who's 'The Doctor?'" the friends murmured.
Blitz eyed her, back. "I honestly believe that I have no recollection of what you speak of," he gave her a teasing smirk.
"Stop this act--"
"Princess Luna, stop. He's only here to help." Twilight tried to step close.
"Yeah, he's really here to help. Okay?" Rainbow Dash said, her voice trailing off as she realized she was talking a little loud.
Blitz waved his wing to show it was okay, not taking his eyes off of Luna's. "I don't believe you're just starring at me for intimidation. Are you, Luna?" He cracked a smile and stepped back, standing tall and giving her and Celestia a warm smile.
Luna gulped, putting her wings down and quickly changing her demeanor while quickly taking her seat next to Celestia.
"Are you blushing, Sister?" Celestia whispered to Luna.
"What? No I'm not...I just though of somepony else," she whispered back.
"That wouldn't happen to be a black alicorn with a dark hourglass, on his flank, now would it?" Blitz's smile widened.
Twilight turned to Dusk, "Did he just hear them?"
"We're closer and I didn't even hear them," Dusk answered Twilight.
Celestia and Luna froze, turning to Blitz with surprised looks.
Rarity trotted forth, giving a quick bow, "Now, our Princesses, whatever do you three quarrel about."
Celestia cleared her throat, "Nothing, Ms. Rarity. Nothing at all. We are just catching up on an old conversation."
The rest of the colts introduced themselves to the Princesses and the subject soon changed when Flash Sentry brought out the case containing the Elements of Harmony, with the help of some other guards.
"What!? How can there be two of each now!?" Twilight rushed over to the case and started examining the newly appeared Elements that sat underneath the originals.
Dusk slowly came to Twilight's side, "Is it probably because we're here?" He smile.
"Yes, ofcoursethat'swhytheyarethere." Blitz covered his mouth, shocked as if he hadn't meant to say those words.
Elusive turned to him, "You knew this would happen?"
"Well, uh..." Blitz mumbled under Elusive's stare.
AJ soon stepped in, "And our little brothers? What about them, Sugarcube?" He gritted his teeth.
"A minor byproduct of showing Sweepy Belle a summoning spell," Blitz said, coolly, then grabbed at his throat like he was sure he didn't say those words.
Apple Jack pushed herself between the two stallions as AJ started advancing on Blitz, "Now, wait a hoof stomping minute. Isn't this all a good thing?"
"Perhaps for us, here, but without the elements back in our world the Princes are defenseless." Dusk gulped.
"At least you can still keep an eye on Apple Buck, right AJ?" The last two words, from Apple Jack, rang with sternness as she looked at AJ.
AJ snorted and walked to the case of elements, mumbling as smoke seemed to come from his ears.
Apple Jack followed him trying to calm him.
"So, this was the emergency?" Twilight looked up to Celestia for her answer.
"Yes, indeed so...and I don't need to remind you, Twilight, about the danger this posses." She gave her usual smile.
Dusk turned to Twilight, "Well, Twily, it seems it was a good idea to leave Spike and Barbara in charge of the animals and the Cutie Mark Knights back home."
"Yup, your right, Duskie. If we're going to wait and see what danger this proves to be, then it might take a while."