Silence reigned supreme as the girls wondered who would talk first. About fifteen seconds or so ago, Princess Twilight had come racing through the portal, rambling about some sort of time travel loop.
Now, both Twilights, both Princess and not, were staring at each other, speechless.
The girls looked at each other, silently trying to decide who would break the ice first.
Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes. Someone had to do it. She cleared her throat.
Both Twilights snapped out of their shock, turning towards Sunset.
Sunset rubbed her neck sheepishly, "Uh, sorry to interrupt, but, you probably have some questions, Twilight." She said, pointing towards Princess Twilight.
Princess Twilight looked back at her human counterpart for a second then back at Sunset, "Some isn't even close to describing it. Mind filling me in on what I missed?"
Sunset put a hand on Princess Twilight's shoulder, "Sure thing. But, this might take awhile."
They sat down on the picnic blanket, making themselves comfortable.
Applejack handed Princess Twilight a sandwich, at which she gave a grateful nod.
Princess Twilight took a bite, savoring the taste, before speaking. "So, uh, I'm guessing that she's the me from this world?" She pointed to the other Twilight, who had been surprisingly quiet since she arrived.
"Yup," Rainbow Dash leaned back against the checkered blanket. "Surprised us, too."
"Well, now I understand why everyone knew me." The other Twilight finally spoke up, rubbing her arm.
"You two do look an awful lot alike, "Applejack smirked, sipping her apple juice.
Princess Twilight chuckled, "We do, don't we? Though, I must say, I look rather good in a bun. But, the glasses?"
Human Twilight adjusted her glasses at that, "What? What's wrong with them?"
Princess Twilight held her hands up in defense, "Oh, nothing. Nothing at all. They're fine. I guess I should've expected my human counterpart to wear them. How bad's your eyesight?"
The other Twilight shrugged, "Eh, not too bad, I guess. I'm nearsighted. Even when someone's standing in front of me, they're just a blurred mess. Can't see a thing without these things," she chuckled, taking her glasses off to clean them, "I guess that's the price I pay for spending hours hunched over research papers in a dark lab."
Princess Twilight laughed, "I can totally relate, sister. I used to spend half the day conducting experiments and studying magic. I, still do, but it's not as...heavy as before."
The Main Seven watched with amusement as both Twilights carried on a conversation.
"Didn't she have some questions for us?" Applejack nudged Sunset Shimmer.
Sunset shrugged, crossing her arms, "Hey, it's not everyday you can actually talk to yourself. I kind of expected this."
"How long do you think they'll go on?" Rarity questioned while reapplying her eyeliner.
"I'd say about half an hour." Pinkie predicted, hanging upside down from the shattered Wondercolt Statue. "We're going to be here awhile. Anyone want cupcakes?" She asked excitedly, pulling a tray of cupcakes from nowhere.
Sunset stared at her, pointing at the tray, "Where did you - ?
Applejack placed a hand on her back, "I wouldn't go there, sugarcube. You're not gonna understand Pinkie. So, don't even try." Pinkie waved, smiling innocently.
Sunset lifted a hand to say something but shook her head in amusement, taking a vanilla cupcake.
"Wait, wait, wait. Your Cadence and Shining Armor get married?" The other Twilight asked, bearing a huge smile.
Princess Twilight scoffed, "They've been married. In fact, it's nearing their third anniversary."
Human Twilight giggled, "That's crazy. Well, not too crazy, I guess. I've seen the way my brother looks at my Cadence. I don't doubt he'll try to go after her, which wouldn't be all that bad. I love Cadence. She is the best - "
"Foal - I mean, babysitter in the all the history of babysitters?" Princess Twilight grinned.
"Took the words right out of my mouth." Both Twilights high-fived, laughing afterwards.
"Well, you two seem to be getting along," Fluttershy pointed out, rubbing Spike's head.
"I know, right? You'd think I'd be weirded out by this. In reality, another me should not exist. But, I guess, seeing everything that happened during the...Friendship Games," the other Twilight's face noticeably drooped at that but quickly brightened back up, "Reality can be anything."
Princess Twilight nodded, "So true. So very true." She smiled at her human counterpart once more before turning back to Sunset Shimmer. "Now then, fill me on what happened during these Friendship Games. I need to know what I missed."
By the time the girls had gotten Princess Twilight up to speed, the sun had already set over the horizon.
"So," Princess Twilight turned to her counterpart curiously, "You turned into a monster, too? What is with everyone turning into monsters? Who's next? Pinkie Pie?"
Pinkie blinked, "Me? I'm not a monster." She looked from side to side before smiling in a sinister manner, fangs protruding from her teeth. "Or am I?"
Fluttershy shrieked, running behind Rainbow Dash, "Oh no! Pinkie's a monster."
Rarity rolled her eyes, "Fluttershy, darling, don't be ridiculous. Those are nothing but tacky attachments. Do take them off, Pinkie. They are most unsettling."
Pinkie groaned, "Aw, come on, Rares. You spoiled my trick."
Rainbow tied her shoelace, rolling her eyes, "Uh, no offense, Pink, but that wasn't one of your best."
Human Twilight cleared her throat awkwardly, "Uh, anyway, yes. I became a horrible monster. I was just...overwhelmed by the power I felt. I almost destroyed this world, all for my own selfish gain." She hung her head in shame, tears brimming at her eyes as she recalled the traumatizing event.
Princess Twilight smiled sympathetically, "I understand. Magic, or more specifically, power has been obtained by many. But, few have chosen to use it wisely." She placed a hand on her counterpart's shoulder. "But, if you allow friendship into your heart, you possess the most powerful magic of all. And, I'm sure these girls can help you do that."
Both Twilights hugged, the others watching in silent joy.
As they parted, Princess Twilight looked to the sky. "Oh, wow. It's late. I should be heading back. You seem to have everything under control here." She stood up and turned towards the portal.
"Do you have to leave now?" Rainbow asked.
Princess Twilight nodded, "I'd like to stay longer, but I'm really not needed here right now. Again, I apologize for not coming sooner. I'll try to respond to your messages quicker next time, Sunset."
Sunset waved a hand, "It's okay. If I learned anything from this, it's that we can't always rely on you to be there for us. I mean, you're a Princess in Equestria. You're probably swamped with problems, and you certainly can't be in two places at once."
Princess Twilight chuckled, "Well, I can now." She pointed to the other Twilight, who just smiled sheepishly. "Take care, girls. I'll be back. Oh, and tell Flash I said hi." She winked at them before stepping through the portal.
"Well, that was definitely...strange." Human Twilight rubbed her neck.
Sunset chuckled, "I'll say. You okay with it?"
Twilight shrugged, "I don't know if I'm okay with it. I'm still trying to process the fact that there's a world full of colorful magic ponies, and that I'm a princess in that world. But, I'll get used to it. Eventually."
"You said it, darling. Now," Rarity yawned, "Oh, forgive me, but it is rather late. I should be getting home. It's been quite a day." She hugged Twilight. "It's so great to know that you'll be attending Canterlot High, Twilight."
"Thanks, Rarity."
The others bid their goodbyes until it was just Twilight and Sunset.
They looked at each other before Twilight walked up to hug her fiery-haired friend. "Thank you so much, Sunset. If it weren't for you, I - don't want to even imagine what I might have done."
Sunset hugged her back, "I know. Trust me. I was in your shoes once. But, like you, I found the one thing I had missed out on for so long. Friendship. Everyone deserves it, no matter what they've done. What you've done. It's all in the past, and your past does not define you. It's what you choose to do now and in the future that does."
Twilight smiled teary-eyed at her, "And, you say you're not an expert on friendship."
Sunset chuckled, "I'm just as inexperienced as you. But, I have friends that helped me get to where I am today, and I know they'll do the same for you."
Twilight smiled as she knelt down and placed her sleeping dog in her backpack. "Thanks. Well, I'll see you around. My transfer should be completed in a couple of days."
"I'm looking forward to it."