//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Crawling Towards Forgivensss // Story: Cracks In Our Reflections // by Onyx Archer //------------------------------// Chapter 4: Crawling Towards Forgiveness Explaining the reason for Sunset’s appearance to Spike was fairly easy. He had watched her accept the magic of friendship, and had heard from his mirror world counterpart (who could talk for some reason) that Sunset had been the one who had shown Twilight’s counterpart the very same magic. After an ironically familiar sounding scenario played out, of course. Sunset’s appearance hadn’t really phased him after the short explanation from the two of them. What had phased him though was a single sentence inside that explanation. “Sunset and I talked a bit, and decided we wanted to try and see if we’d be compatible together.” The dragon wasn’t stupid. He may have been young, and a bit naive at times, but even Spike knew what that meant. Twilight, a pony he saw as a kind of mix of a mother and an older sister... was basically telling him she was experimenting in the realms of romance. With another mare. It wasn’t the idea that she was trying out a relationship with a fellow mare, as that was quite common. It wasn’t even that it was Sunset, as he had long since accepted Sunset as a member of his extended circle of friends. No, it was the fact that it was Twilight that was testing the waters with a relationship; the very same Twilight that had tried to give love a shot with Flash Sentry about two months ago, only for it to not work out. Twilight, as Spike knew her, wasn’t really one to think about that sort of thing very much, if at all. He had watched her turn down offers from potential suitors (something that, as a princess, she had to do very, very often) very often. She’d rather curl up with a dusty old book, and get lost in it’s pages than go out with somepony and get lost in them. Heck, it had surprised him when she had shown an inkling of an interest in Flash, and it had taken her nearly a year to accept a dinner date. Basically, Spike was almost starting to think that Twilight was a lost cause. He talked to Rarity about it at one point, and she had considered it a possibility that Twilight was ‘ace.’ Not knowing what had meant lead to him looking into it, and finding himself agreeing with the idea for the most part. He felt like he was finally able to understand why she had shown effectively no interest in finding a special somepony. And all that changed when she told him that Sunset and her were going to give some form of a relationship a try. Needless to say it was a pleasant surprise. “So... are you two marefriends or... what?” The young dragon couldn’t help but ask. He watched as the two looked at each other, both with somewhat unsure looking expressions. “I mean, that is what two mares in a relationship are to one another... right?” “It’s... a little more complicated than that, Spike,” Twilight replied, giving her number one assistant a small smile. “As I said earlier, Sunset and I are testing the waters with this type of relationship a bit first, before deciding on anything official.” “Yeah,” Sunset agreed. “I mean, neither of us have really had a relationship with another mare before.” “So... is this like those books about ponies going to college and ‘experimenting’ with one another?” Spike asked, being sure to use air quotes for added emphasis. His answer came in the form of a bright red blush covering both mares faces and Twilight yelling. “Spike! What kind of books have you been reading while I was gone?!” “I read a book Rarity recommended to me... and some comics,” he answered flatly. “None of them were that kind of book.” “Then how did yo-” “I heard Lyra and Bon Bon talking about it when I went to buy some gem candy from Bon Bon’s store,” he replied, shrugging. “I try to avoid books like that.” After deciding that Spike’s explanation was as good enough, Twilight made a mental note to have a chat with Bon Bon later. There should be a rule of some kind preventing ponies from talking about such lewd subjects in public, especially in a candy store. After all, young ponies (and dragons) could overhear some of it, and ask their parents about it, and Twilight was sure that parents would rather not have to deal with that topic for as long as possible. “Anyway, should I send Princess Celestia a letter to say that you are back?” Spike asked. “Not now Spike. Sunset doesn’t really want to have the princess pop by just yet,” she replied, looking at Sunset with a soft smile. “As much as I’d love to talk to Princess Celestia about my research into human holidays, it can wait until Sunset’s visit is over.” “Alright. What about your friends? Should I send them something to let them know you’re back?” Twilight once again turned her attention to her guest, an inquisitive expression gracing her features. Sunset appeared to think about it for a moment, before shaking her head ‘no.’ Twilight nodded, and looked back at the young, purple dragon. “No, that can wait until tomorrow,” the princess replied. “I’m sure Applejack and Pinkie Pie are tired from their trips, and I bet Rainbow Dash and Rarity are still busy with their work.” “What about Fluttershy?” Spike asked. “Last I checked, she wasn’t really that busy.” “No offence Spike, but today, I want to have Twilight to myself,” Sunset answered, giving the dragon a hopeful looking smile. “I wanted to see what kind of new books have come out since I... you know.” “Didn’t you already have her to yourself for like, two days straight?” “That was different... and before we decided to try ‘seeing each other,’” the fiery maned unicorn explained. “If you say so,” Spike shrugged, turning to leave the room. “I’m gonna go to the bookstore. A new issue of Power Ponies came out today, and I want to get the special variant cover version.” The two mares said goodbye as the little dragon left the library, leaving the two to their own devices. The two looked at each other, smiling as they began walking through the massive library of Twilight’s castle. “It kinda feels like we’re in the castle library back in Canterlot. You know, only more ‘crystal-y,’” Sunset said, in awe of the massive selection of books at Twilight’s disposal. She stopped in front of a random bookcase, skimming through the incredibly large quantity of books on the many shelves. “You must love your books.” “I do. Some would say too much, but nothing quite beats the feeling of getting lost in the pages of a good book,” Twilight sighed happily. A dorky smile formed, making Sunset giggle. “What?” “Nothing, oh Princess of Dorkiness,” the unicorn said in a tone full of whimsy. “That’s the second fake title you’ve given me,” Twilight laughed, playfully jabbing the amber mare in the shoulder. “Though I admit it’s probably the more accurate of the two titles.” “I dunno, you do end up shooting rainbow lasers at a lot of bad guys,” Sunset joked, earning a giggle from her friend. She loved the sound of Twilight’s laugh, and was glad that she was able to make her target of affection giggle like this. “Then again, you require the help of five other ponies to make that happen.” “Or five humans, depending on the circumstances.” “True enough,” Sunset chuckled. “Still, you’re a cute dork, so that makes you the best kind of dork princess.” Twilight’s face was soon wearing a light blush, as well as a small grin. It was the kind of soft smile that Sunset had found cute on Twilight’s human face, and it remained that way after passing through a magic mirror. It might have been cuter on this side of the mirror, but Sunset wasn’t sure if that was fair, since she couldn’t compare the two. Either way, it didn’t matter. Twilight was adorkable no matter the world. “So, you want to read something together?” Sunset asked, looking up at the books on the crystal bookcase beside her. She recognized quite a number of them, but for every one she recognized, there was one or two she didn’t. Equestrian writers had clearly been busy while she was in the mirror world. That, or she didn’t explore the library enough as a filly, though that was highly unlikely; she had all but memorized the castle library back then. “I would love to,” Twilight replied, with a familiar dorky grin. Sunset thought it was adorable how happy she seemed with the suggestion. Of course, this was the girl who had practically earned the title of ‘Princess of Books...’ she had to stop giving Twilight fake royal titles like that... “Do you have anything in mind? I’m up for anything.” “Well, there are a lot of books I’ve never seen, but I want to read something that you haven’t read yet.” “Maybe I’ve read them all?” “Haha, I’m sure there is at least one book in this whole library you haven’t read,” Sunset laughed. “I don’t know, I do love reading,” Twilight spoke, her voice showing no hint of a joke. Sunset simply looked at the Princess of Friendship. Was she seriously implying that she had read every single book in this library? A library that held at least a few hundred books, and that was a modest estimation. The library was huge, and the amount of books that made up the library was as plentiful as the room was big. “You can’t be seriously suggesting you’ve read them all... right?” Twilight simply smiled, giggling a little at Sunset’s look of disbelief. It was cute. “Obviously not, I’ve only read about... maybe a third of all of these,” Twilight said, hovering a book down from the shelf. “I took a list of all of the books I’ve read the last time I did a book-sort-cation.” “Book-sort-cation?” “Yeah, it’s basically something I do every so often,” Twilight explained. “Spike and I take a few days to sort through all of the books... I find it very relaxing.” “Haha, that does sound like something you’d find relaxing,” Sunset giggled. Of course Twilight would find the idea of sorting books relaxing, she was the Princess of Dorks and Books after all. “Maybe I should give it a try? Next time you do one I mean.” “I’m actually planning to do one in the spring,” Twilight spoke. She loved the idea of Sunset joining her on her next book-sort-cation. It was definitely something she could see herself doing with a possible marefriend. “If you want, I can write you when I’m about to start, and you can join me?” “Sure, as long as it’s on a weekend. As fun as sorting books sounds, I don’t really want to miss any school.” “Of course,” Twilight agreed. “The last thing I want to do is interfere with your studies. Even if you understand at least half of what they teach you from prior schooling.” “Yeah, I never did get why the mirror spits us out as younger when we go through it.” “Me either... maybe we could look into that too.” “Sounds like a plan. I’m always down to study magic,” Sunset replied, relishing the idea of studying some of the mirror’s mysteries with Twilight. The mirror’s magic had long been a mystery, especially since Starswirl’s disappearance. She had so many questions about the mirror that had been left unanswered for years, and she was more than eager to get some answers. “Maybe we can start during your next visit... or my next visit?” “It’s a date... without an actual date set in stone.” “Well, you’re the better when it comes to scheduling things than I am... so when do you think would be the best time to start?” Sunset inquired. “That depends, when do you go back to school? I take it you’re out of school until after the New Year starts?” “Yeah, most schools don’t reopen until the second week of January. Unless you’re Crystal Prep,” she replied. “They start on January 2nd... no thanks to Principal Cinch and her precious ‘reputation.’” “Isn’t there a school board that makes sure stuff like that doesn’t happen?” Twilight asked, recalling a book she had read about how the human education system. It had intrigued her, given how different it seemed from her past experience with the pony education system. “I thought all schools started more or less at the same time.” “Most do, but Crystal Prep is a private academy, so I think They pretty much do what they want. ,” Sunset shrugged. “I don’t really know anything about them outside of what Sci-Twi told me. Apparently they do a six day week.” “Kind of sounds like Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.” “Yeah... come to think of it, was the principal of that school Abacus Cinch?” Sunset asked as she sifted through the books on the shelf just above her with her magic. “I knew the name sounded familiar!” Twilight exclaimed, a metaphorical light-bulb going off in her head. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure she was the principal for the first couple of years we went there. I’m pretty sure she was let go after an argument with Celestia about something silly.” “I remember that!” “I think that was the year I became Celestia’s personal pupil,” Twilight said thoughtfully. “So that means it was the year that you left.” “I left a week after that if I’m remembering right,” Sunset spoke, still focussing on finding a book to read. “Do you ever regret leaving?” “Huh? I guess...” Sunset hummed, deciding on a book. It was a copy of ‘The Dreamscape Mare.’ It appeared to be something of a mystery novel, but she wasn’t exactly sure. It was written by her favorite author, Forest Hazel. “To be honest, I used to regret it a lot... but now I’m glad I left.” “Why’s that?” “Probably because my life has gotten a lot better for me since I left,” Sunset explained. She showed Twilight the cover of the book, a hopeful expression on her face. “Have you read this one yet?” “No, I haven’t really had the time, though I do like a lot of Forest Hazel’s novels... ‘The Pony of the North’ notwithstanding.” “Yeah, that one wasn’t very good, though every author has at least one bad book on their resume,” Sunset said with a shrug. “Is there a place we can comfortably read this together?” Twilight nodded, and began leading her friend to a better place to read together. While the library was a great place to find a book, it wasn’t the best for reading a book with another pony. Of course, that usually depended on the size of the book itself, and this one was not the biggest. That simply meant that they would have to huddle up together, which Twilight didn’t mind at all. If anything, she was happy that she’d get to try snuggling with Sunset in her pony form. Not that snuggling with her as a human was bad or anything. “When you said your life got a lot better since you relocated to the mirror world... what did you mean exactly?” Twilight asked. Deep down, she already knew the answer. She had mostly asked just to confirm her assumption, and to strike up a casual conversation. “My life got better because you became a part of it,” Sunset replied, smiling warmly at the purple alicorn. Twilight’s face lit up as her heart began to beat a bit faster. Shooting the fiery maned Unicorn a questioning look, she couldn’t help but smile a little at Sunset’s choice of wording. “Well, you showed me why I felt so miserable... and you’re the reason I was able to become friends with the girls.” Twilight shook her head. “All I did was teach you that friends were important,” she spoke, smiling the kind of warm smile that made Sunset’s heart race. “I may have asked the girls to look out for you, but it was you that convinced them that you would make a good friend.” “I know, but it was because of your words that I was able to start becoming a better person... and a better pony than I used to be,” Sunset told her companion. “If you hadn’t come to take back your crown, I would still be a selfish jerk.” “Yeah... and you’d be raiding Equestria with an army of zombie teenagers.” “Haha, you know it!” Sunset laughed. “Besides... if you hadn’t come through the mirror, I would have never developed some kind of a crush on you... and we wouldn’t be walking through your castle right now.” “That’s true... and I wouldn’t have it any other way right now.” The two of them eventually came to what appeared to be Twilight’s bedroom. There was a sofa sitting beside a bookshelf that held some of Twilight’s favorite books. There was also a small stack of books to the left of the sofa. Judging by the fact that the holidays had just happened, Sunset concluded that they were likely Hearth’s Warming gifts. This suspicion was confirmed when Twilight hovered the books she had received from their friends for Christmas into a small stack beside them. Twilight took a seat on the sofa, and tapped the spot beside her with her right hoof, beckoning Sunset to join her. With a warm grin, Sunset trotted over to the couch, and took her seat next to the young princess. She watched as Twilight hovered a blanket from the nearby bed over to them, using her magic to wrap it around the two of them. Nuzzling up against her, Sunset flipped open the cover of the book, and flicked through the pages with her own magic. The two of them were soon reading, and enjoying each other’s company. Twilight couldn’t help but be reminded of the night before, their present state being reminiscent of the first time they snuggled together like this. It was warm, and it made her heart beat just a touch faster. Despite her heart beat however, she was as relaxed as she was the night before, only instead of the faint glow of her dear friend’s television, there was the dim glow of Sunset’s magic aura holding up the book. All that was missing was a warm cup of cocoa. She contemplated calling Spike, but decided against it. They could go find him when they decided to have lunch. Looking at the clock she had hung on the wall, she found that they had plenty of time to read before they would go into the kitchen and make lunch. She felt Sunset nuzzle her cheek against her own. She nuzzled back, happy with where she was right now. She could think of ways that this would be better, but she silenced those thoughts as quickly as they came. Because right now, all was right in their little world.