Through the Mirror

by Darth Link 22


Monday Night

“So, he seemed like a nice young man,” Celestia said, a smirk growing on her face. “Is he going to be your Fall Formal Prince?”

Twilight blushed, doing her best to sink down in her seat and disappear through the floor. “Can we drop this?”

The older woman looked no less smug. “A little embarrassed? Well, you can’t be blamed for getting sidetracked. He is handsome, isn’t he?”

Twilight sunk further down.

“Can we stop talking about this?” Spike spoke up. “It’s disgusting.”

Twilight looked down at Spike with a disapproving glare. “Why are you so disapproving of me with a human?”

“Twilight... you’re my mom. You with anypony is kind of creepy to me.”

Celestia giggled. “Some things cross dimensional boundaries, I guess.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry, Spike. Flash and I won’t be getting romantically involved.”

“Oh? And what makes you so sure?” Celestia asked.

“I can’t do that to him. It would hurt too much.”

Both of Twilight’s companions looked at her. Well, Spike did. Celestia gave only a glance before returning her eyes to the road.

“What do you mean?” Spike asked.

“We’re going to have to go back to Equestria once this is over,” Twilight said. As the looks of realization crossed the faces of her audience, she continued. “And what then? Flash has a life here, a family, friends, goals of his own. I can’t ask him to follow me back to Equestria and give up all that.”

Spike, despite his earlier reservations, looked at his mother with concern. “Maybe you can find a way to make the portal stay open for good?”

Twilight scoffed. “Spike, don’t you think that if that was possible, Princess Celestia would have done it years ago? It’s not like I can just do a few calculations and figure it out.”

“Well, maybe she just never bothered to try.”

Twilight smiled, petting Spike. “I appreciate you trying to cheer me up, Spike, but I don’t think that’s happening. I like Flash, I really do, but I don’t think things would work out between us.”

Celestia eased the car to a stop at a red light. “So what are you going to do about him?”

Twilight looked down. “Well, we haven’t actually done anything romantic. He was just teaching me to dance. I think he likes me, but I’m not sure. I can’t just blow him off. If we just respect each other’s space, I’m sure we’ll do just fine.”

Twilight couldn’t be sure, but she could swear Celestia was suppressing a laugh.

“Well, onto more important things,” the principal said. “Did you find out anything about your friends?”

“Did I ever,” Twilight said. She told Celestia about the article they had come across, and who had written it.

“That makes far too much sense,” the principal said. “I suspected, I could just never figure out a why.”

“Well, all five of them seem to like me. When they start fighting over my attention tomorrow I’ll try bringing this up.” She thought a moment. “Is there anything else you can tell me about Rainbow Dash after the group split?”

“What do you mean?” Celestia asked, driving off as the light turned green.

“Well, my Rainbow Dash has a huge ego, but this one seems... I don’t know. Not humble, but almost like she’s embarrassed about her success.”

Celestia nodded. “She used to be a real show-off, but she did get quiet after the incidents. I guess the falling-out hurt her badly.”

“It seems to be more than that. Is she still on the soccer team?”

“Oh yes, and the star player. Coach Iron Will says she trains as hard as ever and gives it her best, so if she’s lost her love of winning, I’d be surprised.”

Twilight thought a moment. That certainly sounded like the Rainbow Dash she knew...

Celestia went on. “I suppose she folded a bit suddenly when the accusations against Fluttershy and her came about.”

“Really?”

“Rainbow Dash stood by Fluttershy’s side tooth and nail for a week. Then, suddenly, she broke things off and distanced herself from her. I questioned her, and she said she just thought it was for the best. I sent her to the nurse to double-check for injuries; I was afraid someone had beaten her down. She didn’t have a mark on her.”

“And Fluttershy herself? Did she have any bruises or anything?”

“I sent her down separately soon after. Nothing. Apparently she was just as surprised with Rainbow Dash as everyone else.”

Twilight nodded. “Do you think Rainbow Dash might have been threatened or blackmailed?”

“It did occur to me. I grilled her, but she remained quiet. Anything that would have gotten her to leave Fluttershy would have to be good. You may not think so, but those two were practically attached at the hip before everything started.”

Twilight grinned. “The ones in my world were friends from foalhood. I believe it.”

Celestia pulled into her house. “Well, maybe the article will loosen Rainbow Dash’s lips.”

“I hope so,” Twilight said as they both exited the car.


Sunset took another lap around the track before stopping to take a drink from her water bottle. The Dazzling sat on the bleachers, watching her with a bored expression. Once Sunset sat down for a rest, Adagio spoke up.

“You’re wasting time,” she said. “We should be focusing on getting rid of Celestia’s lapdog.”

“I told you, she’s no threat. A nobody who has no reputation to build off of. The only thing I need to worry about is looking good in my dress. I don’t have that magic metabolism you have.”

The yellow girl massaged her temples. “I can’t believe they put you in charge...”

Sunset rolled her eyes. “I’m in charge because it’s my destiny to be.”

“You think you’ll be running Equestria?” Adagio laughed. “I don’t think the others...”

“It’s my right to rule. You should know that by now.” Sunset looked at the water bottle, considering for a moment splashing the siren with it. She didn’t.

Aria spoke up. “You think the others will really see it that way?”

“It won’t matter if they do or not, and you know it.” Sunset took another drink and swallowed. “Besides, I know you three don’t want them in charge any more than I do.”

“Oh? And we’d want you?” Adagio cut back in. “You treat us like garbage.”

“And they treat you like animals,” Sunset reminded. “Face it, I’m the best choice you’re going to get. Do you honestly think they’ll keep their promises to you?”

The trio looked at each other. “Well...” Sonata started.

Aria cut her off. “And you will?”

Sunset shrugged. “I’d have no reason not to. You’ll be here while I’ll be back in Equestria.”

“You realize we can just tell them what you’re planning, right?” Aria leaned forward. “So how about we go back to Equestria with you?”

Sunset gave the same condescending laugh she had perfected over the years of making people feel small. “Your word against mine. And face it, you’re nothing but attack dogs to them. Even if they win, you’ll be on leashes, barking and scraping for whatever scraps Chrysalis decides to throw your way while they live it up. At least here, you’ll have your own kingdom to rule.”

Aria and Adagio gritted their teeth.

“Yay! Kingdom! Can I be the princess?”

The others looked at Sonata with nonplussed expressions.

“What?”

Sunset blinked. “Well... anyway, that’s why I know you’ll never turn me in. You’ll go along with me, even if it means going behind their backs. Because it’s either me, or licking Chrysalis’s hooves back in Equestria.”

Adagio spoke through gritted teeth. “And how do we know you won’t betray us? How do you know we won’t?”

“I don’t. But you three are easier to deal with than them. And since we’re both needed to go up against them, we won’t try anything until they’re beaten. So you’ll be reliable... for now.”

The trio scowled. Well, Adagio and Aria scowled.

“You know, I just realized: the skin on the elbow is really flappy. Feel that.” Sonata squeezed the flap of skin.

There was really no reaction to that.


Flash Sentry tried to ignore the looks his bandmates were giving him.

“A salad?” Ringo said. “Don’t tell me...”

“Relax, I didn’t go back to Sunset.”

Ringo and Brawly breathed a sigh of relief. Sitting back in their booth, eating their own meals, both looked more relieved than they had been since Flash announced he had dumped Sunset.

“But... Twilight’s a vegetarian, so I figured I better...”

Brawly through up his hands. “And it begins again.”

“What? Come on, I...”

“Flash... did Twilight ask you to do this?”

Flash shook his head. “No, no... she didn’t even mention it. Fluttershy told me when I saw her on the way out.”

His two friends seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Still, Brawly spoke. “Flash, you’re changing too quick. You barely know Twilight. For all you know, she could end up being as bad as Sunset.”

“I don’t think so...”

“Hey, lay off, man,” Ringo said. “After all this time, Flash is finally ready to get back in the game.”

“Yeah, I don’t want it to be with someone who’s going to spend nearly their whole time together insulting him.”

“Come on, I like Twilight already. Anyone who could stand up to Sunset...”

“It’s only day one. Give it time and she’ll fold like Rarity, and Trixie...”

Flash swallowed his bite of salad. “Guys... this is Celestia’s niece we’re talking about.”

Brawly nodded. “Well, there’s that. Anyone related to her can’t be all bad. And take a good look at Celestia, because that’s probably Twilight in thirty years.”

“Not a bad catch then,” Ringo grinned approvingly.

Flash rolled his eyes and took another bite of his salad. “Look, I really hope this works out. You think we can have something ready by tomorrow?”

“Not if we want it to be good,” Brawly said. “And not if you want this other project done. I managed to get Micro Chips and Sandalwood on it, and they’re getting some of the others.”

“Well we need to hurry, Fall Formal is Friday. As soon as we’re out of here, we can head to Brawly’s for practice.”

The other two nodded, returning to their meals. Still, Ringo had to get one last word in.

“So, you really think Twilight can make it? To Friday? Sunset’s bound to try something.”

“We protect her,” Flash said. “I think I saw Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie talking to her. With those three and us, we could have someone guarding her from pranks at all times. We could could probably get more...”

“And the rumors? No amount of bodyguards will stop those.”

“Well, first off Celestia’s rep should keep it down outside school. Inside... well, by this point everyone knows Sunset’s tricks. No one’s going to believe her.”

Ringo nodded. “Sounds as good as any plan.”

“Trust me. Twilight will get the crown, Sunset’s going to lose, and I’ll be taking that first dance.”

“Pretty confident, aren’t you?”

“Well, that was the deal for the dancing lessons,” Flash said. “And she seemed totally into me. I’ll bet right now, she’s thinking of me.”


“I’ve got to think of what to do,” Twilight said, sitting in the living room with Celestia and Luna. Spike had busied himself with a game on the tablet, leaving the girls to talk. “We have a basic outline, but if we’re going to take down Sunset we need a full list. I’m going to need paper and ink...”

“Twilight, while I appreciate someone with good organization skills, it’s probably best if you stick to a vague outline on this.”

Twilight sighed. “I’m sorry, but I can’t just do nothing.”

“So what else is new?” Spike said, looking up from Luna’s tablet. When Twilight glared at him, he went on. “Don’t give me that, you’ve literally worn grooves in the floor from worrying.”

Twilight sighed. “I know. I just wish there was something more I could do.”

“You need to learn to relax,” Luna said.

“Good luck, Celestia’s tried getting her to unwind for years... Princess Celestia, I mean.” Spike turned to his mother. “Remember Cadance’s breathing trick?”

Twilight paused, and remembering her sister-in-law’s response to the stress during Ms. Harshwhinny’s visit, preceded to take a few deep breaths.

“Wait, Cadance?” Luna asked. “Would your Cadance happen to be pink with purple eyes, with striped hair?”

Twilight blinked. “Yes, do you know this world’s Cadance?”

Luna nodded. “She’s the Dean of another school. We’ve met her quite a few times.”

Celestia slapped her forehead. “I thought the name of your sister-in-law sounded familiar. Luna knows her better than I do. I’ve only met her once.”

Twilight smiled, but it faded quickly. “It’s a shame I won’t be able to meet her... The other her is my sister-in-law.”

Luna smiled. “Shining Armor... you’re Shining Armor’s sister? I’ve met him once or twice. I mean, the other him. I could see why Cadance liked him. Quite handsome.”

A blush crept onto Twilight’s face. “Please don’t talk about that.”

Celestia chuckled.

“Still, it sounds like that trick works for you,” Luna said, a thoughtful look in her eye. “Perhaps I can help you a little more.”

Twilight tilted her head. “Really?”

Luna stood up. “Come into the den with me. This requires absolute silence.”


“Now, don’t control your breath, just breathe naturally.”

Twilight tried to do as the vice principal said, but she couldn’t help focusing on that very thing. Being in such an unusual position didn’t help. She had never sat this way before.

“Maybe it would be better if you lay down,” Luna said, apparently noticing Twilight’s discomfort. “The position is secondary to feeling relaxed.”

Hearing this, Twilight uncrossed her legs and quickly got on her back, letting the soft carpet touch her. She closed her eyes once again.

“Okay, now don’t control your breath, but focus on it. Concentrate on how your muscles react to it. Focus on only that.”

Focus was always Twilight’s strong suit. When she got caught up in something, it could be enough to get her to neglect keeping the library sorted. Enough to make her neglect everything except Spike’s well-being.

So she focused. The way her stomach moved up and down, the feeling of her lungs as they filled and emptied...

...

“Twilight?”

Twilight was brought back to reality. She saw Luna smiling. “Feeling better?”

Twilight stopped and thought of it. “...A bit. It seems to have melted away. How long was I out?”

“Just a few minutes. That’s good to start. Try this whenever you feel stressed. Meditation helped me through some rough times.” Luna said.

Twilight looked at her as she rose to her feet. She was shrinking away at her final words, clearly a mark of shame.

“It sounds like you have a few things in common with my Luna.”

Luna looked at her. “Really? But she’s a princess...”

“Who just got back from a thousand-year banishment to the moon.” She sat in a chair opposite of Luna as she finished her sentence.

“...You live in a very strange world.”

Twilight smiled. “I think your world is even stranger.”

“I suppose so.” She was quiet for a moment, as if mulling over her next words carefully. “Are your world’s Celestia and Luna close?”

Twilight gave a reassuring smile. “As thick as thieves. I don’t think I ever saw Princess Celestia as happy as when her sister came back.”

Luna looked relieved. “It’s good to know some things never change.”

“Have you and Celestia been through a lot?”

Luna looked away for a moment. “...I’ve followed Celestia through a lot. We’ve... we haven’t exactly had the easiest life. But even when I had nothing else, I had Tia.”

“I take it that has something to do with your government work?”

Luna’s expression looked conflicted. “We did... a lot of things during that work. Things that I can’t share with you, Twilight. Government secrets.”

“I understand. There are things Princess Celestia had forbidden me from telling, even to my friends.”

Luna nodded. “I was... a bit of a rebel when I was a teenager. Celestia barely kept me in line. When I graduated, she was signing up for her work. I had no plans, so I decided to do the same. I... hit some harder times there, but I don’t regret it. I came out a better person.”

Twilight nodded, her mind comparing the two Lunas. It sounded like they both followed a similar path, at least in a broad sense. There were so many questions she had about this new world.

“When she was ready to retire from the business and become a teacher, I went with her. I’ve spent my whole life at my sister’s side.”

“Do you regret it?”

Luna smiled. “Not a bit. I haven’t given up anything. In fact, I think I gained a lot sticking by my sister.” She was quiet for a moment. “I suppose I do wonder what it would be like if I had taken that Headmaster job at Crystal Prep...”

Twilight looked at her. “Where Cadance works?”

Luna nodded. “I was offered the position after a while as vice-principal, but I turned it down. I could do a lot more good at Canterlot High. Crystal Prep students are already rich enough to get whatever they want. There are people in public school that need the help more.”

“Well, I’m glad you two have stuck together. It seems to have worked out a bit better than it did in my world.”

Luna smiled. “Why exactly was your Luna banished?”

Twilight tensed up. Still, she eventually let out a breath. “Well, it all started a thousand years ago...”