Chapter 6
Friendship is…
Sunset and her friends hung out at the statue waiting for Twilight to show up. Rarity was painting Fluttershy’s nails, Pinkie and Applejack were playing cards and Rainbow and Sunset were leaning against the statue. “I don’t think she’s coming,” Rainbow Dash stated with doubt in her voice. Pinkie leaned her head over the side of the statue.
“Oh, she’s coming alright,” Pinkie replied. At that moment Twilight and Discord flew out of the portal screaming and landed in a heap on the ground. Sunset was immediately on her feet and running towards Twilight. Twilight got to her knees and turned around.
“I’m back,” Twilight said before she was tackled by Sunset. Sunset enveloped Twilight in a hug, which left Twilight at a disadvantage. Twilight thought Do I hug her back… Hug her back idiot! Twilight then put her arms around Sunset and they embraced in a very long hug.
“Why don’t I get a warming hug?” Discord said while sitting up straight.
“Mr. De Lancie?” Fluttershy asked. Discord looked down to see he was wearing a suit and then he felt his face to find out that he had a beard.
“Who’s mr. De Lancie?” Discord asked still confused over the whole ordeal.
“Your our physics teacher aren’t you?” Fluttershy asked helping Discord to his feet.
“Physics? But I’m the god of chaos!” Discord exclaimed and snapped his fingers… Nothing happened. Discord kept snapping his fingers and still nothing happened. “What has happened to my powers?” He asked.
“I’m guessing you have magic like Twilight in Equestria?” Rainbow asked.
“Yes, I didn’t expect it to be gone… One other thing do any of you have a mirror?” Discord asked looking between the girls. Rarity passed Discord a mirror. Discord looked at his appearance in the mirror. “Oh dear Celestia… I’m gorgeous!” Discord exclaimed while running a hand through his hair. “Having no powers kind of sucks, but I think I can make this work,” Discord said and started rubbing his beard. Sunset and Twilight were still hugging on the ground afraid to let go of each other for fear that something else would separate them. Also neither of them knew what to do next.
“Ahem,” Applejack coughed trying to get their attention. “I know you two have a lot of catching up to do but we have work to do…” She added trying to be as polite as possible. Sunset and Twilight slowly parted from their hug blushing deeply.
“It’s good to see you again, Twilight,” Sunset said simply.
“You too, Sunset,” Twilight replied awkwardly. Sunset helped Twilight back to her feet and they held hands.
“Oh just get a room you two,” Rainbow said while rolling her eyes.
“Rainbow Dash, you stop that right now. Sunset and Twilight have every right to express their relationship publicly,” Rarity scolded Rainbow.
“Whatever,” Rainbow replied and started to kick around her soccer ball.
“So who is he?” Applejack whispered to Twilight pointing towards Discord. Pinkie Pie stepped in front of them.
“He’s from Twilights dimension and he was a super evil super ancient bad guy who wanted to do nothing but cause chaos in Equestria but was stopped by the alicorn versions of Celestia and Luna but then was reformed by the pony version of Fluttershy and is now friends with all of our pony versions,” Pinkie said and then made a cat face.
“How did you…?” Twilight started to ask.
“Just a hunch,” Pinkie replied shrugging her shoulders.
“Wait a minute…” Sunset started. “You brought Discord here with you?” She asked staring at Twilight in disbelief.
“He’s changed, believe me he’s good now,” Twilight replied putting a reassuring hand on Sunsets shoulder.
“Well he seems to be getting along quite well with Fluttershy,” Sunset said and looked over at the two of them laughing as they told each other jokes.
“Fluttershy and Mr. De Lancie always got along… It broke her heart when the incident happened at last year's science fair,” Applejack stated remembering that particular event with sadness.
“What happened?” Twilight asked.
“Well… It’s better if we showed you,” Rarity stated motioning them towards the school.
“I can’t believe this!” Discord exclaimed looking at the statue in front of him the plaque reading John D. “I’m a statue in this reality too, what do you people have against me!” He cried out grabbing one of the kids passing by and getting right up in their face. Twilight raced over trying to pry him from the teenager.
“So sorry about this, he’s new around here!” Twilight apologized as she managed to pry Discord from the kid. The kid just simply glared at the two of them and walked off. “We’re trying to keep a low profile remember,” she added telling off Discord.
“It’s just so frustrating, it’s like the universe has a running gag that involves me in stone!” Discord exclaimed indignantly. Fluttershy approached the statue slowly.
“You guys know that I hate it when we come here,” Fluttershy stated nervously grabbing her arm. Pinkie stepped beside her and draped an arm around her shoulder.
“I know you do, cupcake?” Pinkie said pulling a cupcake out of nowhere.
“I’m good, can we just go somewhere else?” Fluttershy replied looking away from the statue.
“Sure,” Pinkie said and chucked the cupcake behind her which hit Rarity in the face.
“I still need to tell you guys the bad news… We should probably go somewhere more private,” Twilight stated while trying to hold Discord back from tackling more of the student body.
“Right, let’s move girls,” Rarity replied while wiping cupcake off of her face and glaring at Pinkie Pie.
The eight of them proceeded to a cafe in the city where they could talk. They all sat around a table, Twilight and Sunset sat close together on the sofa, Fluttershy sat next to them with Pinkie sitting on the arm of the sofa, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Applejack sat in chairs opposite the group and Discord sat on a chair as close to Fluttershy as possible. Twilight thought to herself Was Discord nervous? Discord seemed to be fidgeting and twiddling his thumbs. “I do regret that you had to come in such a time of crisis, darling,” Rarity stated apologetically. “We have so much catching up to do!” She exclaimed.
“And I bet you two no doubt want to catch up too,” Applejack pointed out eyeing Sunset and Twilight expectantly. Twilight and Sunset looked at each other and blushed deeply.
“Perhaps you could give us the latest gossip of what’s been going on in your world?” Rarity asked trying to change the subject.
“Ooh, ooh I can do this one!” Discord exclaimed jumping to his feet. “Please welcome the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle!” He yelled and snapped his fingers expecting his magic to work. “(Sigh) I still have to get used to that…” He added and sat back down disappointed.
“Wow, I guess you really were Celestia’s prized pupil,” Sunset said putting her arm around Twilight’s shoulder and pulling her close.
“She even has a castle…” Discord started but was cut off as Rarity jumped the table and grabbed Twilight by her collar.
“A castle!” Rarity exclaimed with a large smile on her face. “You have your own castle?” She asked practically beaming. She then realized that everyone was eyeing her confused at what she was doing. “Oh, well that’s good,” She said as she awkwardly got back to her seat. Twilight relaxed back into Sunset’s arm.
“So what’s new here, besides dangerous mythical creatures from Equestria?” Twilight asked.
“Well that’s not all that’s changed,” Rainbow said and showed Twilight a video of her turning into her super form when she played the guitar. “Pretty sweet right?” She asked but then added. “It happens to us when we play.”
“Interesting, there must have been residual traces of magic left inside of you guys that could only be accessed by doing a certain thing.” Twilight stated with her hand on her chin pondering her hypothesis.
“That’s what I thought,” Sunset replied with glee.
“You guys just have to ruin everything, why can’t you just say ‘that’s awesome’ and leave it at that?” Rainbow asked crossing her arms and pouting.
“With the magic of our friendship we should be able to stop the sirens like we did when Sunset became a horrific singed she-demon…” Twilight stated and then turned quickly to Sunset. “I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to…” She started.
“I’m a big girl Twilight, there’s no need to apologize,” Sunset replied with a smile. Twilight blushed at that comment.
“Oh yeah, we’re going to kick Siren ass!” Rainbow exclaimed and started to do roundhouse kicks and punching into the air, she then punched into Applejacks hand.
“And now that Twilight’s here we don’t have anything to worry,” Applejack stated.
“Oh, I think I could find something to worry about…” Fluttershy said sinking into the sofa. “But it won’t be the Sirens!” She exclaimed perking up suddenly.
“The sooner we do this the better!” Twilight said and turned to Rarity, “Any idea where the Dazzlings might be?” She asked to which her friends shrugged their shoulders. Pinkie leaned over Fluttershy and poked Twilight on the shoulder to get her attention.
“There’s a big party tonight for all the bands that signed up to be in the showcase, that would include the Dazzlings,” Pinkie stated and made her cat face.
“Looks like we’ve got a party to crash,” Twilight said triumphantly.
The gym was packed with all the various bands that were participating in the showcases, yet the only ones not glaring at each other were the rainbooms. “Tough crowd, it’s like I was in here,” Discord whispered to Twilight. “Do those Dazzlings have no limit to their treachery!” He added putting the back of his hand on his forehead.
“I think I’ll go keep an eye out for the Dazzlings in the hallway,” Twilight stated and started drinking more of her drink. She then crashed into Flash Sentry, he managed to grab her by the waist before she fell.
“Twilight?” Flash asked. Twilight blushed and looked away from him.
“Me bumping into always doing,” Twilight fumbled around with her words wishing that Sunset was the one who caught her.
“What are you doing here?” Flash asked helping her back up. “You're here for the big competition,” He added.
“Something like that,” Twilight said and tried to step past him but he stopped her.
“It’s not like there's going to be a competition, my bands the best and we’re going to win this thing with no problem,” Flash stated triumphantly. Sunset noticed what was going on between Twilight and Flash and stepped over beside her girlfriend. “Oh, hey Sunset,” Flash said in a less cheery mood.
“Hey Flash, there's something me and Twilight need to tell you,” Sunset said and put an arm around Twilights shoulder. She was about to explain herself when Pinkie threw a chocolate chip at her. She then peered around Flash to notice the Dazzlings stepping into the gym. “Could you excuse us for a minute,” Sunset suddenly said and walked over the rest of her friends with Twilight by her side.
The Dazzlings surveyed their work like architects after the foundations had been laid out. “Oh no, nobody's mingling, it’s like there's some underlying tension that could bubble to the surface at any minute,” Adagio stated pressing her fingers together.
“It’s the fruit punch isn’t it, I knew I used too much grape fruit,” Sonata said with a sad look on her face. Adagio then face-palmed at Sonata’s comment.
“It’s not the fruit-punch, it’s us,” Adagio pointed out in an exasperated tone. Sonata and Aria then got into a fight about what good fruit punch was. “This is just the kick-off girls, imagine how they’ll be when the battle of the bands starts,” Adagio said with a sick grin on her face.
“There isn’t going to be a battle of the bands!” Twilight exclaimed. “We’re going to make sure of that,” She added as her friends assembled. “Alright girls, let’s do this,” She said as they all joined hands. “Friendship is magic!” She exclaimed, but nothing happened she opened her eyes to see that the Dazzlings still stood there.
“Uh, weren’t there rainbows and lasers the last time?” Rainbow asked Twilight.
“I don’t understand, we’re all together again why isn’t this working?” Twilight asked herself. Discord popped up beside Twilight.
“I’m kind of an expert in this department and this tells me that something's gone terribly wrong,” Discord whispered into Twilights ear.
“I know, but what is it?” Twilight asked confused as to why it wasn’t working.
“Talk about throwing down the gauntlet, this thing hasn’t even started and these people believe they’ve already won,” Adagio stated crossing her arms.
“Not if the great and powerful Trixie has anything to say about it!” Trixie yelled out to the crowd. The rest of the gym then fell into a frenzy at that point.
“We need to go right now!” Sunset said and the girls and Discord ran out of the gym leaving the rest of the bands to their chaos.
“I think we found the source of the magic here girls,” Adagio stated with a wicked grin on her face.
“It doesn’t make any sense!” Twilight exclaimed confused as the rest of the group sat on the steps outside of CHS. “I should have been able to create the spark to break their spell, what’s so different this time?” Twilight asked turning to her friends.
“Well if I was to hazard a guess it would be because you aren’t facing me this time,” Sunset replied trying to decipher the situation.
“Why would that matter?” Twilight asked.
“Last time you were facing ‘me’ and you drew power from your element of harmony. The Dazzlings power comes from their music, so maybe you have to use the same kind of magic to defeat them,” Sunset hazarded.
“I think you're onto something, Sunset,” Twilight replied with a bright smile on her face.
“Really?” Sunset asked perking up slightly.
“You guys get your super forms from playing music now, so maybe the only way to beat them is by playing a musical counterspell!” Twilight said and slammed her fist onto her open palm.
“You mean a song?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yes, and in order for it to work everyone has to hear it,” Twilight replied.
“The band competition!” Rarity yelled. “That’s when we could play it because that’s when we know the whole school will be there to watch it,” She added gleefully. “And I believe you Twilight have just become the rainbooms newest member,” She stated holding a hand out to Twilight. Sunset tried to keep a happy face at the news but failed, she thought to herself It’s not like I want to be in the band anyways she tried to convince herself. The girls all rushed over to Twilight besides Sunset and hugged her.
“So what instrument do you want to play…” Pinkie Pie ran through a long list of instruments for Twilight to try out.
“I might take a little too long to learn how to play an instrument with these,” Twilight stated indicating her hands. “I’ll just sing,” she added hopefully.
“Like as in lead singer, because that spot is taken this being my band and all,” Rainbow stated pridefully.
“It’s our band,” Applejack stated extremely irritated by Rainbow. “And of course as lead-singer,” She added and hugged Twilight. “She’s the magical one here remember,” She stated eyeing Rainbow.
“Ok, at least this gives me the opportunity to hone my already insanely awesome guitar skills,” Rainbow responded and started air-guitaring.
“We don’t have to win the battle of the bands, we just need to play it during the first round of the competition,” Twilight stated.
“Then let’s get to learning that musical counterspell!” Rainbow exclaimed ready to go.
“Well that’s just it… I don’t know any,” Twilight said shrugging her shoulders awkwardly. Everybody sighed in disappointment. “But I’m sure I can figure out how to write one,” She added trying to fill her friends with hope again.
“Oh don’t worry about a thing,” Discord piped up and stood beside Twilight. “She can make a spell just like that,” He added and snapped his fingers. “Still have to get used to no magic, (sigh),” He said disappointed.
“Technically I helped ‘finish’ a spell, and there was a lot more to it than that,” Twilight replied awkwardly.
“Still counts,” Discord stated.
“I’ve got this,” Twilight said and marched towards the school.
“Where are you going?” Applejack asked.
“Last time I was here I spent the night in the library,” Twilight replied.
“Are you crazy!” Pinkie exclaimed. “We’re besties now, slumber party at my house!” She added and picked up Twilight in a bear hug. After Pinkie put Twilight down they all began to walk to her house.
“Twilight can we talk for a second?” Sunset asked walking beside her.
“Of course,” Twilight replied.
“Alone,” Sunset said insistently.
“Oh,” Twilight said realizing what she wanted to talk about. “You guys go on ahead, we’ll catch up,” She added waving off the rest of the group. She got knowing looks from all of them besides Pinkie Pie, who was just as oblivious as her own Pinkie. Twilight followed Sunset to a tree on top of a hill.
“I sometimes come here when CHS get’s too much for me and just relax, no matter what it’s always calm up here,” Sunset said looking over the horizon.
“It does seem peaceful up here,” Twilight replied as she stood next to Sunset.
“Twilight, I’ve been waiting so long to tell you something and here we are and I find myself speechless,” Sunset said taking Twilight’s hands in her own. Twilight noticed the ring that she sent through the portal was on Sunset’s finger. Twilight simply smiled at Sunset and leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. Sunset let go of Twilight's hands and wrapped her arms around Twilight’s waist pulling her closer, Twilight wrapped her arms around Sunset’s neck as they deepened the kiss introducing tongue into the equation. To the both of them it seemed much more passionate and romantic than the last time. This time they kissed under an apple tree that swayed in the wind while the sun was setting. When the two finally separated they rested their heads against each others. “I love you, Twilight Sparkle,” Sunset said finally surprising herself with the words.
“I love you too, Sunset Shimmer,” Twilight replied and kissed Sunset again to add the exclamation point. Tears began to stream down her face at the happiness she felt at that moment, she didn’t want this moment to end. Twilight broke the kiss.
“I don’t want this moment to end… But we should probably catch up with everyone else, we have a lot to do,” Twilight said grabbing Sunset’s hand.
“I guess,” Sunset said with a sigh, disappointed that the moment had to end.
“Love is in bloom!” Discord sang from nearby.
“Discord!” twilight yelled irritated.
“Hey I didn’t hear… much,” Discord tried to defend himself.
“How much does much mean?” Twilight asked the anger clear in her voice.
“All of it,” Discord replied awkwardly. Twilight was about to erupt but then Sunset started laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Twilight asked.
“Your so cute when you're angry,” Sunset replied and squeezed her hand lightly. Twilight then blushed at her girlfriend's comment.
“So are you going to kill me?” Discord asked.
“Not this time,” Twilight replied while her and Sunset came down from the hilltop.
“Can I bring up what just happened in conversation?” Discord asked.
“Don’t push your luck,” Twilight replied. All three of them started laughing as they made their way to Pinkie’s house. Sunset thought, one things for sure, she truly is my girlfriend now. This put a smile on Sunset’s face.