//------------------------------// // Old Friends? // Story: The Twilight Rainbow // by ModMCdl //------------------------------// When Twilight Sparkle's vision finally cleared, she was no longer in Canterlot. Looking around, Rainbow Dash and Spike were no longer with her. Princess Luna was not in her presence either. She was in a room with crystal walls, and a door off to the side. Before she could contemplate anything further, that door opened to reveal Princess Celestia. The regal mare almost seemed to have an aurora that radiated outwards like the sun itself. But today, that glow was gone, and replaced by a darker, increasingly ominous tone that spoke more of the situation than if Celestia had used words. "Come with me, Twilight," she said. "And prepare yourself." The newest alicorn hurried to follow Celestia into the corridors of the Crystal Palace, the destination suddenly and shockingly clear to her. It was all too familiar after all, she had led a chase down this hall after Sunset Shimmer not a year before. However, she could not contain a shred of fear as to why they were heading to the mirror room. Had Sunset returned? Was she dangerous? Hadn't her human friends reformed her? Or was it not Sunset at all? Was it a greater threat? Whatever it was, Celestia was not carrying her usual light and friendly appearance, instead it was dark and ominous. The cold crystal beneath her hooves seemed to extend its hard, cold feeling into Twilight's body as each step closer to the mirror room lessened the distance between them and whatever it was that had the sun goddess nervous. Seeing a figure such as Celestia nervous had the tendency to make everyone nervous. But, the walk was not long, and it led her to a peculiar location. The two princesses stood outside the door to the Mirror Room; the room that housed the portal to the human world. It was flanked by four unicorn guards, all of whom held stern, grim faces, and merely bowed their heads at the arrival of the regal mares. Twilight realized that these were part of Celestia's elite guard. These stallions only were called in during a true crisis scenario. This did not help to assuage her fears as to what was behind the door. "Twilight," began Princess Celestia. "What is behind this door may truly well shock you. However, I must assure you, this is an entirely different pony than the one you've met before." Twilight gulped nervously. "She has not shown any aggression. If anything, she is scared for her life." And with that notice, the regal alicorn opened up the door, and the two walked inside. The sight that met Twilight's eyes was one of extreme surprise to her. Never before has she expected to see this mare again, yet alone curled up against a now-solid mirror, tears lining down her face while Cadence stood near her, yet distant enough to try and sooth the poor alicorn's discomfort. However, as the door opened, and the two newcomers stepped into the room, the Princess of Love turned towards them. "She's still very disoriented and upset," stated Cadence. "As you can tell." But the words did not break Twilight's stupor. The newest princess continued to stare at the alicorn who lay, quietly crying on the ground. Twilight continued to stare at the one mare she hoped to never see again. Queen Chrysalis. Chrysalis looked up to Twilight, her eyes widening in recognition, and the lavender mare began to panic. 'Why does she look like she wants to attack me?!' thought the princess, alarmed. But for the second time today, the unexpected happened. "Twilight! Oh thank goodness!" cried Chrysalis, her voice nowhere near as raspy as Twilight had become accustomed to with the Changeling Queen. "Please! Tell them I don't know what they're talking about! I don't have an army!" And the turquoise-maned alicorn once again began to cry. To say Twilight was confused was a drastic understatement. Never before had she ever thought that Chrysalis would be on her knees, thanking Twilight for being there, and asking her to help. The situation was too much to take in at once. "She has been asking for you ever since we detained her here," said Cadence softly. "We don't know why, and we're hoping you can shed some light on this subject." She turned to Celestia. "She also insists she be alone when she talks to her." Celestia raised an eyebrow at this. "It is a bit understandable, considering that we haven't offered her the warmest of welcomes," Cadence smiled apologetically. Sighing, the Solar Princess nodded her consent, and all ponies left the room but Twilight and Chrysalis. The door shut behind them. Gulping in fear, Twilight let out a silent scream as Chrysalis suddenly smiled and rose, walking towards her. "I can't believe you actually came," said the dark alicorn. "Everyone here seems to think I'm evil." The lavender alicorn tried to summon her magic, but she found that it was extremely difficult to concentrate. Her voice was unable to make a sound as she was backed slowly into the corner. And then, once again, she was yet again surprised. Chrysalis hesitated, her advance on Twilight stopping. Her gaze shifted from one of domination to one of unease. "Why- why are you backing away from me?" she asked, hurt. "Why do you look scared of me?" Twilight didn't know what to do or say. This strange turn of events shocked her thoroughly, and she was almost overwhelmed by it. Here was Chrysalis, the queen of the changelings herself, practically fallen on her knees, crying. Begging her for... something. Forgiveness? Acceptance? "I- how did... who?" The lavender mare could not get a coherent sentence together. While part of her mind was convinced that this was a trick, the greater half felt pity. "Sunset Shimmer said that you'd help me," said the queen softly. "She said that you would tell them I'm not bad." "You- you know Sunset Shimmer?" asked the alicorn, surprised. Chrysalis nodded. "She was my only friend at Canterlot High." It was then that everything fell into place for Twilight. The Chrysalis that was before her did not have the signature holes in her legs. Her mane was not torn, and the was no crown atop it. And no crooked horn was on her forehead, instead sat a majestic one, only slightly larger than her own. And although her fanged teeth remained, her voice was not raspy and slurred. This was the Chrysalis from Canterlot High; she was a completely different mare than the one from here. Taking a deep breath, Twilight made her choice. "Alright... I'm sorry," she said. "I was just a little surprised. It's not very often we get visitors through the portal, here." She walked over and helped her up. "Let's go explain your story to the other princesses." Together, the two headed out the door, one thankful, the other worried about the implications that came with her choice. Much to Twilight's dismay, Celestia and Cadence were not right outside the room, and the guards directed the two ponies in the direction of the throne room. Sighing, the lavender alicorn gestured for Chrysalis to follow her, and together they walked through the halls to their destination. It was during this journey that the black alicorn spoke once again. "Why was everyone here scared of me?" The question hung in the air for a few minutes while Twilight thought about how to tell her that her doppelganger was a love/power-crazed evil queen. "Everypony here hates you," she began. "Well, not you personally, but your equine clone who is naturally from this world." The princess looked over to the guest and noticed the look of slight confusion on her face. "As you've probably noticed," explained Twilight. "There is a pony clone of every err... person in this world." Chrysalis visibly withered, her muzzle nearly touching the floor. "So every... pony here will hate me," she said, her voice full of sadness. Once again, Twilight found her heart full of pity. She didn't know exactly why she was surprised, this was an entirely different pony than the one she knew in this world. But she couldn't help but expect to be with the evil queen herself. "It's okay," said Twilight softly. "I'm sure that Princess Celestia will be able to help you out." As the duo approached the doors to the throne room, these thoughts collided around in her head. "I'm going to have a really crazy story for Dash when I get back," she whispered to herself, earning a questioning gaze from Chrysalis as they walked inside. "Let's go get you situated," said Twilight. "I'm positive that Celestia will personally help you once I explain." She would soon learn just how wrong she was.